CNC Machinist - 3rd Shift

Title

CNC Machinist I

Department

Machine Shop

Reports to

Machine Shop Manager

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10:00 PM-6:30 AM. New hires will complete approximately 4-6 weeks of training on 1st Shift before transitioning to 3rd Shift. Includes a 10% shift differential.

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RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Rochester area, RPO offers exciting career paths to work on market-leading programs across a variety of industries.

Position Overview:

The CNC Machinist I is responsible for operating, monitoring, and optimizing CNC machining processes to produce high-precision components in a production manufacturing environment. This role requires a strong understanding of machining fundamentals, blueprint interpretation, inspection techniques, tooling, and process control to consistently achieve quality and production objectives.

Working from established setups, programs, and process documentation, the CNC Machinist I monitors machining performance, performs advanced inspections, troubleshoots production issues, and makes appropriate process adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy, quality, and throughput. This position serves as a technical resource within the machining department and plays a key role in supporting safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, routers, and work instructions to understand part requirements, tolerances, and machining processes.
• Operate CNC mills, lathes, and other machining equipment using established programs, setups, and process documentation.
• Monitor machining operations and make appropriate adjustments to offsets, tooling, feeds, speeds, and process parameters to maintain dimensional accuracy, quality, and productivity.
• Perform advanced in-process and final inspections using micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, thread gauges, optical comparators, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Verify product conformance to dimensional, geometric, and cosmetic requirements and ensure all quality standards are met.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, quality, and process-related issues and communicate concerns to technical leads or management as appropriate.
• Perform tooling changes, tool life monitoring, and wear compensation to maintain stable machining processes.
• Assist with machine setup activities, process validation, and first-piece verification when required.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, maintenance, and ERP documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, throughput, scrap reduction, and cost savings.
• Train, assist, and support less experienced operators as needed while promoting best practices within the department.
• Perform and document routine operator-level preventative maintenance activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Be available for occasional overtime to support production requirements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED or vocational equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of CNC machining experience within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating CNC mills and/or lathes, including offset adjustments, tooling changes, process monitoring, and troubleshooting production issues.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong understanding of machining principles including feeds, speeds, tool wear, cutting tool selection, and process control.
• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, thread gauges, optical comparators, and similar metrology tools.
• Working knowledge of G-code and M-code programming, including the ability to review and perform minor program edits when required.
• Understanding of machine setup principles and machining processes, with the ability to support setup and process validation activities.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve machining and quality concerns.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.

Core Competencies:

• Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up;
• Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge;
• Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail;
• Analytical: Possess a “If there’s a problem, I’ll find a solution” attitude;
• Accountable: Demanding the highest…