Machinist - Level 3 (Master Machinist)

Position Summary

The Level 3 Machinist is the elite technical tier of the shop floor at Burns Machinery. You have mastered independent setups and standard 3-axis operations and are now the "Subject Matter Expert" (SME) for our most complex equipment, including 4-axis/5-axis mills and multi-spindle lathes.

You are no longer just making parts; you are actively improving how we make them. You work hand-in-hand with the CNC Programmer and Machine Shop Supervisor to reduce cycle times, design better fixtures, and eliminate setup waste. Furthermore, as a Level 3, you are a "Swiss Army Knife" for the facility—capable and willing to cross-train into Fabrication (Laser/Brake) to eliminate production bottlenecks wherever they occur.

Company Culture & Universal Expectations

At Burns Machinery, we are building a legacy of excellence. This role is not just about technical skill; it is about character. Every team member is expected to embody these four core values:

● Integrity & Honesty: We do what is right, even when no one is watching. We own our mistakes immediately and fix them. Trust is our most valuable currency.

● Commitment to Quality: "Good enough" does not fly here. We are dedicated to ensuring every part meets or exceeds the customer's expectations. If it isn't right, it doesn't leave the floor.

● Reliability: We do what we say we will do. Whether it’s a delivery date or a promise to a coworker, our word is our bond. Reliability is the backbone of our reputation.

● Continuous Improvement: The phrase "that’s how we’ve always done it" is not acceptable here. We are constantly asking, "How can we do this better, faster, or safer?" We challenge the status quo daily.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advanced Machining & Complex Setups

● Independently set up, dial in, and operate the shop's most complex CNC equipment (e.g., mutil-axis mills, live-tooling lathes).

● Hold incredibly tight tolerances on high-value exotic materials (Titanium, Inconel, specialized stainless steels) where scrap is extremely costly.

● Perform high-level manual edits to G-code and macro variables at the controller safely and efficiently (with final approval/sync from the CNC Programmer to update the master file).

2. Process Improvement & Troubleshooting (SMED)

● Actively collaborate with the CNC Programmer. Do not just complain about a bad toolpath; propose a specific alternative cutter, approach angle, or fixturing method to fix it.

● Lead "Setup Reduction" (SMED) efforts on the floor. Identify ways to stage tools, pre-build fixtures, and reduce spindle downtime during changeovers.

● Serve as the primary "troubleshooter" when a Level 2 Setup Machinist cannot get a part into tolerance. Determine if the issue is mechanical, programmed, or workholding-related.

3. Cross-Departmental Utility

● Be the ultimate team player. When the Machine Shop is caught up but Fabrication is buried, you step in.

● Maintain basic or intermediate proficiency on at least one secondary technology (e.g., Tube Laser, Flatbed Laser, or Press Brake) so you can safely operate it and keep product flowing.

4. Mentorship & Quality Leadership

● Act as a floor-level mentor. Train Level 1 Operators on measuring techniques and coach Level 2 Machinists through their first complex setups.

● Lead by example in 5S and safety. A Level 3's workstation should be the gold standard for the rest of the facility.

● Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations when scrap occurs, helping the Supervisor determine the true point of failure without pointing fingers.

Qualifications & Skills

● Experience: 7+ years of advanced CNC machining experience.

● Technical Mastery: Expert-level understanding of G-code, macro programming, cutter geometry, and advanced workholding techniques.

● Measurement Mastery: Flawless interpretation of complex GD&T blueprints.

● Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills. Ability to respectfully push back on Engineering when a program is flawed, while maintaining a collaborative "one team" attitude.

● Versatility: Willingness to get dirty in the Fab shop when the company needs it.

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person