Position Overview
Valkyrie Machining is seeking an experienced CNC Machining Assistant / Machine Operator to provide temporary production support at our precision CNC machine shop in Albuquerque.
This is a hands-on shop-floor position intended for someone who already has experience working in a CNC machining or manufacturing environment and can become productive with minimal training.
The primary purpose of this position is to support our machinists, keep production moving, and handle routine machining and secondary operations so our senior machinists can remain focused on programming, setups, and higher-skill production work.
Responsibilities
- Operate CNC machines on established and proven-out jobs
- Load and unload parts and raw material
- Perform routine production operations according to work instructions
- Monitor machines during production and identify obvious problems
- Perform basic dimensional inspection using calipers, micrometers, and other standard measuring equipment
- Read and understand basic engineering drawings and dimensions
- Deburr and finish machined components
- Perform basic secondary operations such as drilling, tapping, countersinking, and part cleanup as assigned
- Clean and maintain machines and work areas
- Stage material, tooling, fixtures, and workpieces for production
- Assist machinists with setups and general production activities
- Maintain part identification and job traceability throughout production
- Follow shop procedures, job travelers, inspection requirements, and quality-control processes
- Assist with packaging, material handling, inventory, and other shop-support activities as needed
- Follow all safety requirements and maintain an organized work area
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- At least 1 year of prior experience in a CNC machine shop, machine shop, or closely related precision-manufacturing environment
- Previous experience operating CNC machinery or assisting CNC machinists
- Ability to safely operate established CNC jobs after job-specific instruction
- Experience using calipers and micrometers
- Ability to read basic engineering drawings and dimensional callouts
- Familiarity with basic machining terminology, tooling, and shop practices
- Experience with deburring and general part-finishing operations
- Ability to recognize obvious machining, tooling, or quality problems and stop production when necessary
- Ability to follow written work instructions and established processes
- Strong attention to detail
- Dependable attendance and punctuality
- Ability to safely perform the physical requirements of a machine-shop position
Preferred Qualifications
The following experience is beneficial but not required:
- 2+ years of CNC machining or machine-operation experience
- Experience operating Haas CNC mills or lathes
- Experience changing or touching off tools
- Experience making basic tool-wear offsets
- Experience performing in-process inspection
- Experience with height gages, pin gages, thread gages, or other inspection equipment
- Experience with deburring, tapping, drilling, and other secondary machining operations
- Experience working from job travelers or documented manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with aerospace, defense, laboratory, or other high-precision manufacturing work
What We're Looking For
Because this is a temporary position, we are specifically looking for someone who already understands the fundamentals of working in a machine shop.
The ideal candidate does not need to be an experienced CNC programmer or setup machinist. However, they should be comfortable around CNC equipment, understand basic machining and inspection practices, and be able to contribute to production with minimal training.
We value employees who are dependable, careful, willing to follow established processes, and willing to ask questions rather than make assumptions when something does not look correct.
About Valkyrie Machining
Valkyrie Machining is a precision CNC machine shop located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We perform CNC milling and turning for customers requiring high-quality, build-to-print machined components.
Our work includes prototype and production machining across a variety of materials and industries. We place a strong emphasis on quality, communication, on-time delivery, consistency, and disciplined manufacturing processes.
Employment
This position is intended to provide temporary production support. The anticipated duration will depend on business needs and staffing availability.
Employment is subject to applicable company policies and requirements.
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
