The 5-Axis CNC Machine Operator is responsible for safely setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining 5-Axis CNC machining equipment used to manufacture and repair die casting tooling, including dies, inserts, cores, slides, holders, and related components. This role produces precision-machined components from tool steels and other materials while meeting required dimensional tolerances, surface-finish specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.
The successful candidate has strong machining fundamentals, experience interpreting complex engineering drawings and CAM-generated machining programs, and a disciplined approach to safety, quality, and toolroom workmanship.
Key Skills for This Role
CNCFanucHeidenhainSiemensMazakHaas
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Position Summary
The 5-Axis CNC Machine Operator is responsible for safely setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining 5-Axis CNC machining equipment used to manufacture and repair die casting tooling, including dies, inserts, cores, slides, holders, and related components. This role produces precision-machined components from tool steels and other materials while meeting required dimensional tolerances, surface-finish specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.
The successful candidate has strong machining fundamentals, experience interpreting complex engineering drawings and CAM-generated machining programs, and a disciplined approach to safety, quality, and toolroom workmanship.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Set up and operate 5-axis CNC milling machines to machine die casting dies, cavities, cores, inserts, slides, and other tooling components.
Load, verify, and run CNC programs; make approved offsets, tool-length adjustments, and minor program edits as needed to maintain part quality.
Install and indicate fixtures, vises, pallets, workholding, cutting tools, probes, and tooling assemblies.
Select and install appropriate cutting tools, inserts, holders, and workholding based on material, machining operation, geometry, and required surface finish.
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Machine tool steels and other materials commonly used in die casting tooling, including pre-hardened steel, hardened steel, aluminum, copper alloys, and stainless steel.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, tooling drawings, work instructions, and inspection requirements.
Verify part dimensions using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, indicators, thread gages, CMMs, and optical or probing systems.
Perform in-process inspections and document results in accordance with quality procedures.
Monitor machining cycles for tool wear, vibration, coolant flow, chip control, machine alarms, and other conditions that may affect quality or equipment performance.
Identify machining defects or nonconforming conditions; stop work when necessary and promptly notify the supervisor, programmer, or quality representative.
Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication checks, coolant checks, chip removal, and basic preventative-maintenance activities.
Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area in accordance with 5S, housekeeping, and plant safety requirements.
Support die maintenance, repair, tryout, engineering changes, and continuous-improvement activities as workload requires.
Communicate clearly with CNC programmers, toolmakers, quality personnel, maintenance, and supervisors regarding job status, tooling needs, quality concerns, and equipment issues.
Follow all company policies, safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE requirements, and environmental practices.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Four or more years of CNC machining experience, preferably operating multi-axis CNC milling equipment.
Experience with 5-axis CNC machining in a toolroom, mold-making, die-making, aerospace, automotive, or similarly high-precision manufacturing environment.
Ability to read and interpret detailed blueprints, models, process sheets, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing requirements.
Working knowledge of CNC controls such as Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, Mazak, Haas, Okuma, or comparable systems.
Experience using precision measurement tools and performing dimensional inspection.
Knowledge of cutting tools, feeds, and speeds, workholding methods, machining fundamentals, and tool wear management.
Ability to safely lift, position, and secure tooling and workpieces using approved lifting devices and material-handling equipment.
Strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and commitment to quality.
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of a CNC machining, tool-and-die, manufacturing technology, or related apprenticeship/trade program.
Experience machining die casting dies, molds, cavities, cores, slides, and hardened tool steels.
Familiarity with CAM software and ability to understand CAM setup sheets and toolpaths.
Experience with probing systems, palletized machining, high-speed machining, and complex 3D contouring.
Experience with CMM inspection or machine-tool probing.
Forklift, crane, or overhead-hoist certification.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous-improvement practices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to maintain tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes on complex tooling components.
Ability to troubleshoot basic machining, tooling, fixture, and program-related issues.
Ability to work independently from setting up documentation and job priorities while escalating concerns appropriately.
Ability to manage multiple jobs, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate production and quality records.
Ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional toolroom and manufacturing team.
Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and protection of company equipment and tooling assets.
Physical and Working Conditions
Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and use of hands and arms throughout the shift.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds regularly and heavier items with approved lifting equipment.
Ability to work around machinery, cutting fluids, metal chips, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
Required use of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, hearing protection, gloves as appropriate, and other PPE required by the task.
May require overtime, weekend work, or shift flexibility to support production schedules, urgent die repairs, and tooling launches.
Performance Expectations
Produce conforming parts that meet drawing, tolerance, and surface-finish requirements.
Maintain safe, efficient machine operation and minimize downtime due to preventable setup, tooling, or handling errors.
Complete assigned work accurately and on schedule.
Maintain organized work areas, accurate documentation, and clear communication with the team.
Contribute to continuous improvement in machining quality, cycle time, tooling life, and overall toolroom performance.
About Troy Design and Manufacturing
Automotive Manufacturing594 employeesFounded 1981
Ford-owned automotive Tier One supplier providing vehicle prototyping, stamping, assembly, engineering, and low-volume production for OEMs.
