CNC Operator

CNC Machine Operator 3rd Shift

Client: Confidential Automotive Manufacturing Company
Location: Columbus Area
Department: CNC / Machining / Production
Position Type: Full-Time
Shift: 3rd Shift
Schedule: Sunday night through Friday morning
Hours: 11:00 PM–7:15 AM
Openings: Approximately 3–4
Pay Rate: $19.50–$26.00+/hour, depending on experience
Shift Differential: Additional $1.00/hour for 3rd shift
Hiring Priority: High / ASAP

Position Summary

A confidential automotive manufacturing client in the Columbus area is seeking CNC Machine Operators for 3rd shift. This role supports production operations by operating CNC equipment used to manufacture automotive components.

This is a CNC Operator position, not a CNC Machinist, CNC Programmer, or CNC Setup role. Previous CNC experience is preferred but not required. The client is willing to train reliable, mechanically inclined candidates who want to learn CNC machine operation and grow in a stable manufacturing environment.

This is a strong opportunity for candidates with experience in production, machine operation, manufacturing, assembly, automotive manufacturing, warehouse, or hands-on mechanical work.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate CNC production equipment.
• Load and unload parts as required.
• Monitor machine operation and production flow.
• Inspect parts and verify they remain within specifications.
• Perform basic measurements and calculations.
• Learn how to make basic CNC offsets when dimensions need to be brought back toward nominal.
• Follow work instructions, quality procedures, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Report machine, tooling, quality, or production issues to the lead or supervisor.
• Work alongside experienced operators during training.
• Learn multiple machines and manufacturing operations over time.
• Support production goals while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Previous CNC, machine operation, manufacturing, production, assembly, warehouse, or mechanical experience preferred but not required.
• Willingness to learn CNC machine operation.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn hands-on technical skills.
• Ability to work 3rd shift.
• Ability to work Sunday night through Friday morning.
• Ability to follow work instructions, quality procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to perform basic measurements and calculations.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive production tasks throughout the shift.

Preferred Qualifications

• CNC machine operation experience.
• CNC mill or CNC lathe experience.
• Previous machine operating experience.
• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• Production or assembly experience.
• Experience performing basic quality checks.
• Experience using basic measuring tools.
• Experience working around manufacturing equipment.
• Willingness to be cross-trained on multiple operations.

Training & Development

The company has an established training process and is open to developing employees who do not have previous CNC experience.

New employees typically begin on easier machines or operations before progressing into additional equipment. Employees are paired with experienced operators for job shadowing and hands-on training.

The client also likes to cross-train employees on at least three different operations. This gives employees broader manufacturing experience and allows the company to move operators between areas based on production needs.

Training may include:

• HR orientation and new-hire paperwork.
• Attendance policy review.
• Safety training and safety video.
• Facility and department tour.
• Emergency and safety procedure training.
• Introduction to the production team.
• Job shadowing with an experienced operator.
• Hands-on CNC machine operation training.
• Quality checks, measurements, and basic offset training.

Work Environment

The client is an automotive manufacturing operation specializing in forging and machining components for major automotive manufacturers.

The facility manufactures components that ultimately go into vehicles produced by major automotive companies. This is a hands-on production environment where employees work around CNC machines, manufacturing equipment, metal components, production tools, and quality inspection processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, push, pull, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to load and unload parts as required.
• Comfortable working around CNC machines, metal parts, production equipment, noise, and manufacturing activity.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow all safety procedures.
• Additional physical requirements may apply based on department needs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is reliable, trainable, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working 3rd shift in a manufacturing environment. This person does not need to be an experienced machinist, programmer, or setup operator.

The strongest candidates will have some type of machine operation, CNC, production, manufacturing, warehouse, automotive, assembly, or hands-on mechanical experience. Candidates with no CNC experience may still be a good fit if they have strong attendance, a good attitude, and willingness to learn.