5-Axis CNC Machine Operator – Die Casting Tooling

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.
• 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.