Machine Operator
Onsite | Lavonia, GA
Monday-Thursday | 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM (4 x 10-hour shifts)
Ross Controls is a global industrial manufacturer specializing in fluid power safety and automation solutions. Headquartered in Ferndale, Michigan, the company designs and produces pneumatic valves, control systems, and machine safety products used in industrial and manufacturing environments worldwide.
Founded in 1921, Ross Controls is recognized as a leader in pneumatic valve technology and safety systems, helping organizations improve operator safety, regulatory compliance, and equipment performance.
The company serves OEMs and industrial end-users across industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and energy, offering both standard products and customized engineering solutions.
With a strong global presence and distributor network, Ross Controls delivers innovative solutions that enable safer, more efficient automated operations.
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced Machine Operator to join our machining team in Lavonia, Georgia.
This is a hands-on role responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machining equipment while ensuring quality, safety, and production requirements are met. The ideal candidate will have prior machining experience, a strong understanding of CNC operations, and the ability to work independently in a low-supervision environment.
This position is best suited for someone who has worked in a machining or manufacturing environment and is comfortable performing machine setups, tooling changes, inspections, and day-to-day troubleshooting. We're seeking an individual who can quickly become a productive member of the team, take ownership of their work, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across the machining department.
The role reports directly to the Plant Manufacturing Manager and offers the opportunity to work alongside a skilled machining team in a collaborative, self-directed environment where quality, accountability, and craftsmanship are highly valued.
What You'll Do
- Set up CNC machines using setup instructions and tooling requirements
- Load, unload, and operate CNC machining centers, including Mazak and Makino equipment
- Install, maintain, and monitor tooling to ensure efficient machine operation
- Pull raw materials and move stock using a forklift
- Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and engineering drawings
- Perform quality inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring equipment
- Deburr, wash, and inspect machined components
- Complete preventive maintenance checks on assigned equipment
- Maintain ISO and quality standards through continuous improvement efforts
- Help improve machining processes, setups, inspection methods, and workflow efficiencies
- Keep machining and stock areas clean, organized, and safe
- Communicate effectively with team members and manufacturing leadership to support production goals
What We're Looking For
Must-Haves
- High School Diploma or GED
- Manufacturing or machining experience
- Experience operating CNC equipment
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints
- Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Basic math skills and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision
Preferred
- Technical school, vocational training, or machining certification
- 1+ years of CNC machining experience
- CNC setup experience
- Experience with Mazak, Makino, or Fanuc-controlled machines
- Basic CNC programming knowledge
- Prototyping experience
- Forklift experience
- Preventive maintenance experience
What Makes You Successful
- You're more than a machine operator and understand machining fundamentals
- You're comfortable performing machine setups, tooling changes, and inspections
- You take pride in producing high-quality work
- You can work independently and manage your time effectively
- You're eager to learn from experienced machinists and programmers
- You're adaptable and willing to support changing production priorities
- You're committed to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement
Why Join Us
- Four-day workweek with three-day weekends
- Opportunity for overtime
- Stable manufacturing environment with a strong customer base
- Hands-on training from experienced operators and programmers
- Relaxed work environment with a high level of autonomy
- Opportunity to grow your machining and CNC skillset
- Collaborative team focused on quality and continuous improvement
Ready to Grow Your Machining Career?
If you're a dependable manufacturing professional who enjoys working with CNC equipment, producing quality parts, and continuously improving your skills, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team where your contributions make a difference every day.
Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you independently set up CNC machines, including tooling and offsets?
- How many years of CNC machining experience do you have?
- Are you able to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings?
- Do you have experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges?
- Have you operated CNC machining centers in a manufacturing environment?
- Are you available to work Monday-Thursday from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM with occasional overtime on Fridays?
- Have you performed preventive maintenance checks on manufacturing equipment?
- Do you have experience with CNC programming or editing programs?
- Briefly describe your machining experience, including the types of CNC machines you have operated, setup responsibilities, and any programming experience.
Work Location: In person
