Precision CNC Setup & Production Machinist (Mill/Lathe)

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout the Role

In our Kalispell, MT shop, your day starts at 8:00 AM. You’ll review job travelers and prints, choose the right workholding (hard jaws, soft jaws, angle plates, and more), and dial in speeds and feeds to hit quality, finish, and cycle-time goals. Simple setups typically take 15–40 minutes, depending on whether the part has run before. You’ll move seamlessly between CNC equipment and manual mill/lathe work, verifying every step with precision measurement.

Location, Schedule, Pay

• Location: Kalispell, MT
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Compensation: $20–$30 per hour DOE

What You’ll Do

• Set up parts using appropriate clamping and fixturing methods, including hard jaws, soft jaws, and angle plates.
• Select correct machining methods to achieve top-tier surface finishes, fast cycle times, and minimal setups.
• Program, set, and adjust proper speeds and feeds for each job’s requirements.
• Interpret blueprints, job travelers, and tolerance callouts to ensure parts meet spec.
• Operate both manual milling machines and manual lathes as part of the workflow.
• Use micrometers, calipers, height gages, and go/no-go gages to inspect and verify work.
• Balance accuracy with throughput to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.

What You Bring

• Hands-on proficiency with manual milling and lathe operations.
• Deep understanding of machining tolerances and efficient setup practices.
• Fluency in reading prints/technical drawings and translating them to the machine.
• Comfort with precision measuring tools for in-process and final inspection.
• Solid math aptitude—able to move between fractions and decimals effortlessly.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship.

Core Proficiencies

• CNC programming
• Manual machining skills
• Blueprint reading

Equipment You’ll Work With

• CNC Mills: 3–4 axis VMCs and 5+ axis VMCs
• CNC Lathes: 2–4 axis and 5+ axis platforms

If you thrive on precise setups, tight tolerances, and delivering parts right the first time, you’ll fit in well here.