Computer Numerical Control Machinist

CNC Operator / Machinist

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

COMPA Industries is searching for qualified candidates for a CNC Operator / Machinist position in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Position Details

• Salary: $40–$45 per hour
• Location: Oak Ridge, TN — Onsite
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Clearance: DOE Q Clearance required; active Q Clearance highly preferred
• Employment Type: Full-time / Contract
• Classification: Non-exempt
• Start Date: ASAP

Mandatory Experience Requirement – Read Before Applying

Candidates must have:

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating CNC mills, lathes, and grinders
• Experience programming, setting up, operating, and troubleshooting CNC machines
• Experience reading and interpreting travelers, blueprints, specifications, machining parameters, and GD&T
• Strong working knowledge of machining, tooling, offsets, compensation, part programs, and quality checks
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance
• Active Q Clearance is highly preferred
• U.S. Citizenship

Applications lacking these required qualifications may not be considered.

Impact

Join a hands-on manufacturing team supporting critical production operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

In this role, you will produce precision machined parts by programming, setting up, operating, and troubleshooting CNC machines while maintaining quality, safety, production records, and equipment standards.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced machinist who takes pride in:

• Producing quality work
• Solving machining challenges
• Supporting safe operations
• Contributing to mission-focused manufacturing

Responsibilities and Duties

• Plan machining work by studying travelers, blueprints, specifications, surface locations, machining parameters, and GD&T requirements
• Program mills and lathes by entering instructions, including zero and reference points
• Set tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches
• Calculate machining requirements using basic math, geometry, and trigonometry
• Prove part programs and verify machine settings
• Set up mills and lathes by installing and adjusting:
• Chucks
• Tools
• Attachments
• Collets
• Bushings
• Cams
• Gears
• Stops
• Stock pushers
• Indicate vices and tram heads as required
• Load feed mechanisms and lift stock into position
• Verify settings by measuring:
• Positions
• First-run parts
• Sample workpieces
• Maintain specifications by observing:
• Drilling
• Grooving
• Cutting
• Turning
• Facing
• Knurling
• Thread-chasing operations
• Take measurements, detect malfunctions, troubleshoot processes, and adjust or reprogram controls as needed
• Sharpen and replace worn tools
• Follow quality assurance procedures and support the Quality Management System
• Maintain safe operations by following safety procedures and regulations
• Maintain equipment by:
• Completing preventive maintenance requirements
• Following manufacturer instructions
• Troubleshooting malfunctions
• Calling for repairs when needed
• Maintain continuity across work shifts by documenting and communicating:
• Actions
• Irregularities
• Continuing needs
• Complete travelers and required production documentation
• Participate in educational opportunities to update job knowledge
• Support organization goals by taking ownership of new requests and identifying opportunities to add value
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating CNC mills, lathes, and grinders
• Experience programming CNC mills and lathes
• Experience setting up and operating CNC machines
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC machining processes
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Blueprints
• Specifications
• Travelers
• GD&T requirements
• Ability to calculate machining requirements using:
• Basic math
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Strong tooling knowledge
• Ability to verify part quality using:
• Measurements
• First-run parts
• Sample workpieces
• Ability to follow quality assurance procedures and maintain required documentation
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Strong attention to detail and good judgment
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q Clearance
• Active DOE Q Clearance highly preferred

Desired Skills

• Active DOE Q Clearance
• Experience with CNC mills, lathes, and grinders in a precision manufacturing environment
• Strong blueprint reading skills
• Strong GD&T interpretation skills
• Experience with process improvement
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong functional and technical machining skills
• Proactive approach to troubleshooting and problem solving
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing or production floor environment
• Ability to support production schedules and maintain continuity across shifts

Education and Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Technical training, trade school, machining certification, or related hands-on experience preferred
• 5+ years of CNC machining experience required
• Experience operating CNC mills, lathes, and grinders required
• Experience programming, setting up, and troubleshooting CNC equipment required

Working Conditions

This position is fully onsite in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Work is performed in a manufacturing or production floor environment. Candidates should be comfortable with:

• Exposure to noise
• Working around machinery
• Working around production equipment
• Wearing required personal protective equipment, or PPE
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Working safely around machining equipment

Travel, Relocation, and Per Diem

• This position is local to Oak Ridge, Tennessee
• Relocation or per diem support is currently available

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: $40–$45 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Hiring Process

• Expected start date is ASAP
• First step is resume submission to the client for review
• Follow-on onboarding details are still being finalized

Why Work at COMPA Industries?

COMPA Industries supports mission-critical technical, engineering, and manufacturing work through experienced professionals who understand quality, safety, and operational excellence.

This role offers the opportunity to support high-standard manufacturing operations while:

• Producing precision machined parts
• Troubleshooting CNC processes
• Maintaining quality standards
• Supporting safe production operations
• Contributing to a mission-focused manufacturing environment

As a CNC Operator / Machinist, you will play an important role in helping ensure parts are produced safely, accurately, and in accordance with quality and production requirements.

Application Note

• Direct applicants only
• Candidates must be able to work directly for the employer or staffing partner supporting this position
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance
• Active Q Clearance is highly preferred for initial hires
• Clearance sponsorship may be possible for the right candidate

Equal Opportunity Statement

COMPA Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status.