Level One CNC Machinist

About This Role

As a Level One CNC Machinist you will operate CNC milling and turning centers on established setups, running production parts for aerospace, defense, medical and automotive clients. You will load material, run programs, make offset adjustments and perform in-process inspections under the guidance of senior machinists.

This is a hands-on role focused on consistency and learning. We are a startup where everyone gives 110% toward one shared goal, and your craftsmanship directly shapes what we ship.

Level One machinists who consistently hold tolerances and show initiative move up to Level Two, where you own your own setups. At RivCut, people who raise the bar move up fast.

Key Responsibilities

• Load raw material and run established CNC mill and lathe programs
• Monitor machine cycles, respond to alarms and escalate issues to senior machinists
• Perform basic in-process inspection with calipers and micrometers
• Make simple, guided offset adjustments to hold size
• Deburr, clean and stage finished parts for inspection
• Follow setup sheets and read basic engineering drawings
• Keep tooling, fixtures and the work area organized and clean
• Record production counts and routine quality checks
• Perform daily machine checks: coolant, way lube and chip clearing
• Learn setup, tooling and programming fundamentals from senior machinists
• Follow all safety protocols and OSHA requirements
• Flag tooling, dimensional or quality issues early

Requirements

• 0-2 years of CNC operation experience or machining trade school training
• Ability to read basic engineering drawings and follow setup sheets
• Familiar with calipers and micrometers
• Basic shop math (decimals and fractions)
• Strong work ethic, reliability and a willingness to learn
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Coachable and team-oriented
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade school or vocational machining certificate
• Any hands-on CNC or manual machine experience
• Basic familiarity with G-code
• Exposure to a quality system such as ISO 9001
• Forklift or shop equipment experience

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay: $22–$28/hour depending on experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Overtime opportunities (time and a half)
• Paid training and skill development
• Modern CNC equipment and cutting-edge tooling
• Startup culture with performance bonuses and growth opportunities

Additional Information