Customized Solutions CNC Operator

Summary:

The Customized Solutions CNC Operator plays a critical role in supporting our purpose of being our customers' competitive advantage. This position is responsible for reviewing, validating, converting, and executing Steinhauer work orders within the Customized Solutions department. While Engineering manages CAD design, the CNC Operator ensures all drawings are production-ready and optimized for machining.

This role promotes safety, quality, and productivity by operating the Steinhauer CNC machine, reviewing job packets, verifying completed work against specifications, and supporting continuous improvement across the department. A successful operator is a self-starter, works autonomously, and collaborates effectively with Engineering, Sales, and Operations teams. The Customized Solutions CNC Operator promotes our culture, our 5 P's and our purpose to be our customer's competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Review job packets, work orders, sketches, and drawings for accuracy prior to conversion.
• Validate incoming drawings and ensure required machining details are complete.
• Convert approved drawings into Steinhauer machine software for production.
• Operate the Steinhauer CNC machine to produce components to specification.
• Inspect first-run pieces and perform ongoing quality checks using micrometers, calipers, and other measurement devices.
• Load and unload materials manually or via forklift.
• Organize materials for upcoming runs to minimize changeover time.
• Run test samples, monitor machine operation, and make adjustments as needed.
• Perform routine machine cleaning and preventative maintenance.
• Ensure all work meets quality standards, dimensional requirements, and established procedures.
• Verify dimensions, accuracy of cuts, and machine output against engineering specifications.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance throughput, standardization, and capacity.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including lint/dust removal, cleaning screens and filters, and adhering to 5S principles.
• Support preventative maintenance and report machine issues promptly.
• Partner with Engineering, Sales, and Operations to ensure drawing accuracy, work order readiness, and production alignment.
• Communicate production or quality issues promptly and professionally.
• Work with engineering personnel and operators to coordinate machining schedules and workflow.
• Support Customized Solutions team members as needed to achieve department goals.
• Interface with Sales and customers when machining discrepancies or design errors are identified.

Critical Success Factors:

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, precision, and accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all departments and maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of CNC machining techniques.
• Ability to analyze workload, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn, grow, and adapt to new processes and technologies.
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Drives for continuous improvement and is committed to creating lasting value.

Job Requirements/Specifications:

• Technical training or relevant manufacturing experience are preferred.
• Experience operating CNC machinery preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical documents.
• Computer literacy and ability to learn production software applications.
• Ability to use measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and other precision instruments.
• Familiarity with CNC operational procedures and machining math.
• Forklift certification or ability to become certified.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs consistently and 70 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, and work with hands for long periods.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Occasional crawling, driving, wet environment, working outdoors, electrical hazards, fumes, odors and mists.
• Some sitting, climbing, balancing, kneeling and humid environment.
• Frequent carrying, pushing, bending at the waist, twisting upper body, crouching, working with fingers, talking, hearing, vision acuity near, vision acuity-far, depth perception, field of vision, vision adjustment, color vision, team lifting, working alone, working with others, customer contact, non-standard shift work, extended day, cold, heat, temperature changes, confined area, high places and dusts.
• Consistent standing, walking, lifting, reaching, working with hands, noise, vibration, working indoors and mechanical hazards.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability

Several factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role.

Van Meter offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off including holidays, 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.