Position Summary
The Quickmill Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing a Quickmill CNC machining center used to manufacture high-precision components from high-value materials. This position verifies program accuracy, identifies machining and programming issues, and partners with the CAD Department to ensure first-time quality. The Quickmill Operator serves as the machining expert on the shop floor by protecting valuable customer materials, maintaining exceptional quality standards, promoting a strong safety culture, and supporting the success of the production team.
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Primary Responsibilities
Machine Operation & Technical Expertise
- Set up, operate, and optimize the Quickmill CNC machining center to produce precision components that meet customer specifications.
- Verify machine setup, tooling, workholding, fixturing, and CNC programs prior to production and troubleshoot machining or programming issues in partnership with the CAD Department.
- Monitor machining operations, adjust machine offsets, and recommend improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and tooling performance.
- Perform routine machine inspections, preventive maintenance, and maintain equipment in safe working condition.
Quality & Material Stewardship
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T requirements, and customer specifications.
- Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
- Machine high-value materials with exceptional attention to detail while minimizing scrap, protecting customer assets, and ensuring first-pass quality.
- Accurately complete required production and quality documentation and immediately communicate quality concerns.
Safety & Team Leadership
- Lead by example by promoting safe work practices and ensuring the safe operation of machining and material handling equipment.
- Stop work and communicate concerns whenever safety, quality, or customer materials are at risk.
- Serve as a technical resource by mentoring teammates and collaborating with CAD, Quality, and Operations to improve machining processes.
- Support department goals related to safety, quality, productivity, continuous improvement, and on-time delivery.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Technical machining certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience preferred.
- Five or more years of advanced CNC machining experience, preferably operating large-format machining centers.
- Experience operating Quickmill or similar bridge/gantry CNC machines preferred.
- Experience machining high-value, tight-tolerance components for aerospace or similar industries preferred.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, tooling, machine offsets, cutter compensation, feeds, speeds, and workholding techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining processes and collaborate with the CAD Department to resolve programming and manufacturing challenges.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and customer specifications.
- Proficient with precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, and bore gauges.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Experience operating overhead cranes and forklifts preferred.
Success in this role requires sound judgment, technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to leading by example in safety, quality, and continuous improvement while consistently delivering first-pass quality.