Primary Role
The Flex Machine Operator is a versatile production team member responsible for safely operating multiple types of machining and metal-cutting equipment based on daily production needs. This position may rotate among Swiss-style lathes, Mazak and Doosan CNC equipment, metal saws, and other assigned production machines.
The operator produces quality parts, completes in-process inspections, maintains accurate production records, and supports efficient workflow across departments. Machine setup experience is preferred but not required. Caldera is willing to train a capable operator who demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, measurement skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
Position Impact
The Flex Machine Operator directly impacts safety, product quality, on-time delivery, equipment utilization, and production continuity. The ability to move between machines and assignments helps Caldera respond to changing priorities, staffing needs, and customer requirements while maintaining consistent quality and throughput.
Key Responsibilities
Machine Operation & Production
- Operate Swiss-style lathes, Mazak and Doosan CNC machines, metal saws, and other assigned production equipment in accordance with work instructions and training.
- Move between machines or work areas as production priorities, staffing, and customer requirements change.
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, routers, work orders, and written operating instructions.
- Verify material, tooling, fixtures, programs, and part specifications before beginning or continuing a job.
- Load raw material, unload finished parts, and safely handle workpieces throughout the production process.
- Monitor machine performance, tool wear, feeds, speeds, surface finish, and part quality; identify issues before they create scrap or downtime.
Quality & Measurement
- Accurately use and read micrometers and calipers to verify part dimensions.
- Perform in-process and final dimensional checks using gauges and other required inspection tools.
- Recognize defects and out-of-tolerance conditions and stop or escalate the process when requirements are not met.
- Complete production, inspection, scrap, downtime, and job-status documentation accurately and on time.
Setup & Troubleshooting — Preferred, Not Required
- Select and install tooling, fixtures, collets, guides, and workholding components based on demonstrated competency and authorization.
- Load, verify, prove out, or make minor adjustments to CNC programs and processes.
- Establish or verify tool offsets, work coordinates, feeds, speeds, and first-piece requirements.
- Make routine offsets or operating adjustments within the employee’s training and authorization level.
- Troubleshoot setup, tooling, program, and process issues and escalate concerns to the appropriate supervisor, Engineering, Maintenance, or Quality team.
Safety, Equipment Care & Team Support
- Follow all safety procedures, machine-guarding requirements, lockout/tagout rules, PPE requirements, and quality standards.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and perform routine operator-level machine care and preventive maintenance checks.
- Participate in cross-training, continuous improvement, and problem-solving activities.
- Share knowledge with other team members and perform other related duties as assigned to support production needs.
Required Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
Required Skills & Experience
- Ability to accurately read and use micrometers and calipers.
- Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic shop math, including decimals and fractions.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn the safe operation of multiple machines.
- Ability to read and follow work instructions, inspection requirements, and production documentation.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing parts that meet specifications.
- Dependable attendance, flexibility, and willingness to rotate among machines, departments, or assignments as business needs require.
Preferred Experience
- Previous experience operating CNC equipment, Swiss-style lathes, Mazak or Doosan machines, or metal saws.
- CNC or machine setup experience, including tooling, fixturing, offsets, and program verification.
- Blueprint reading experience and familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Knowledge of cutting tools, speeds, feeds, machining parameters, and tool-wear indicators.
- Experience machining metal components to close tolerances.
- Forklift or material-handling experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Technical Competencies
- Precision measurement using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and tape measures
- Blueprint, technical drawing, router, and work-order interpretation
- Machine operation, quality inspection, and production documentation
- Basic shop math using decimals and fractions
- Recognition of tool wear, defects, abnormal machine operation, and safety hazards
- Safe material handling and routine operator-level equipment care
Core Competencies
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Safety awareness and accountability
- Mechanical aptitude and problem solving
- Ability to manage changing priorities
- Effective communication and teamwork
- Dependability and sense of urgency
- Willingness to learn and support continuous improvement
