11 Awesome CNC & Machinist Jobs Available in Minnesota Today
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If you’re a machinist looking for a CNC or machinist job in Minnesota, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we give a quick rundown of what a machinist career path looks like, followed by 12 CNC and machinist jobs in Minnesota.
CNC & Machinist Career Path Overview
If you’re new to the world of machining, welcome. If you’re already an old hand, skip right ahead to our Minnesota Machinist Jobs Roundup.
Machining is a highly in-demand career path in the U.S. Some 70% of the current machinist workforce is older than 45, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% increase in the number of available machinist opportunities by 2024, amounting to more than 29,000 new machinist jobs.
The barrier to entry is fairly low, with many machinists starting work straight out of high school. 12-18 months of on-the-job training or a 1-2 year apprenticeship are typical, although a technical degree may be required for certain jobs, such as CNC programming.
Here’s what your career path as a machinist might look like:
Machine Operator
Most entry-level machinists start out as machine operators, gaining experience and building up skills over time.
Setup Machinist
Many machinists transition from being a machine operator to setting up machines for others to use. This work entails geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and making adjustments at the machine’s controller.
CNC Programmer
It’s common for machinists to see CNC programming as the “holy grail” of CNC machining. A CNC programmer’s job is to write the code that determines precisely how the CNC mill, lathe, or other system will produce the part.
Manager
As you gain experience as a machinist and come to understand the “bigger picture,” you may get the opportunity to lead a team and manage other employees if you display leadership qualities.
Shop Owner
Once you have enough knowledge and experience, you may find that it’s time to open your own shop, giving you full control over the output. This is one of the best ways to maximize your income as a machinist.
CNC & Machinist Jobs in Minnesota
Below, we’ve rounded up a collection of CNC jobs and machinist jobs in Minnesota.
1. Mold Technician at Teamvantage, Forest Lake, MN
Job Description
Teamvantage is seeking a Mold Technician in Forest Lake, Minnesota. The successful candidate will set up and operate injection molding presses and equipment as part of a manufacturing process.
Founded in 1972, Teamvantage is a state-of-the-art, custom contract manufacturer and injection molder in Washington County, Minnesota. Teamvantage provides its customers with creative solutions to their unique manufacturing challenges.
Teamvantage offers full-service product development, engineering and manufacturing solutions for the medical device, electronics, defense and industrial markets.
The company’s core values are Team Spirit, Integrity, Customer Satisfaction, Continuous Self Improvement, and a Positive Attitude.
Education
High School diploma/GED or equivalent experience preferred.
Required Skills and Experience
Minimum 2 years experience in plastic injection molding preferred.
Must possess valid identification documents and be able to work in the United States legally.
Must be able to multitask, run several projects at the same time without losing the ability to complete them on time.
Communicate with other departments in a professional and respectful manner.
Possess basic computer skills.
Possess strong problem solving skills.
Have a basic understanding of scales and other required measuring equipment.
Be familiar with a variety of injection molding presses.
Have a sound understanding of blueprint reading.
Have knowledge of setup processes.
Be able to follow safety guidelines in the performance of daily tasks.
Be able to work independently with limited supervision.
Be able to prioritize multiple tasks and complete them within a timely manner.
Be capable of making decisions with limited information.
Physical Requirements
Walking is required within the office/shop areas.
Sitting, standing, turning the head and torso, reaching, grasping, bending and flexing the arms, legs, wrists, and fingers are physical requirements.
Must have correctable eyesight and good depth perception.
Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
Must be able to walk, sit and occasionally climb and balance.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and move objects in a safe manner using proper equipment.
Must have dexterity in hands.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Set up presses with proper tools, auxiliary equipment and data to run new production jobs.
Update IQMS.
Assist and train production employees on production-related issues.
Recommend mold or process changes to improve productivity or quality.
Assist supervisors with technical problems.
Work with production, tooling and supervisor to resolve problems.
2. Machine Operator at Lexington Manufacturing, Coon Rapids, MN
Job Description
Lexington Manufacturing in Coon Rapids, Anoka County, Minnesota is seeking a Machine Operator to set up and operate automated and semi-automated wood processing machinery.
Lexington Manufacturing makes engineered wood components for windows, doors, fire-rated door components for commercial and residential doors, as well as other mill work and related industries.
People who work for Lexington say they love the family-like atmosphere and focused approach to work/life balance.
Education
High School diploma/GED or equivalent experience preferred.
Required Skills and Experience
Minimum 1-2 years of experience.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Set up and operate automated and semi-automated wood processing machinery.
May perform a variety of duties or operation of machines that requires a moderate to high degree of technical ability.
Verify specification on SPC, control plans and quality control specifications.
Maintain production equipment to full capacity to maximize equipment capabilities.
Perform internal processes, including documentation, quality, equipment and output inspection checks.
Handle, feed, inspect and package raw and finished wood parts.
Assume responsibility for transaction accuracy of the assigned material movement and verification processes on the production scheduling system.
3. CNC Machine Mechanic Intern at Graco, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
Graco in Minneapolis, Minnesota is seeking a CNC Machine Mechanic Intern to efficiently perform installation, integration, programming, maintenance, repair, upgrades, and all improvement modifications on CNC equipment, PLC, electrical or robotic controlled equipment.
This position supports Graco's Industrial Products Division, which produces finishing products such as paint spraying systems used in aerospace and automotive industries.
Salary or Hourly Rate
Discussed in person.
Working Hours
This position is for the 2nd shift, Monday-Friday.
Graco, Inc. is the leading provider of premium pumps and spray equipment for fluid handling in the construction, manufacturing, processing, and maintenance industries.
Graco was named a Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Graco offers opportunities development and career progression as well as attractive benefit packages.
Education
At minimum, should be working on an associates degree in an associated electronics, robotics, CNC machine, or fluid power program.
Required Skills and Experience
Be able to work under limited supervision and with minimal technical guidance.
Be capable of managing multiple projects and prioritizing actions in support of manufacturing objectives.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Provide electrical, mechanical, CNC, and robotic support necessary to keep all company production equipment in good working order.
Support or mentor Maintenance Mechanic positions.
Support factory efforts to develop concepts with CNC technology and new robotic systems. This includes efforts to install and integrate CNC equipment and robotically integrated machining and assembly systems.
Support factory efforts to monitor equipment performance, develop and implement predictive maintenance practices, and perform systematic performance analysis to drive improvements on equipment reliability, availability, throughput, overall equipment effectiveness, and cost of ownership.
Troubleshoot and diagnose complex problems on CNC and robotic equipment.
Keep accurate maintenance records.
Order parts/supplies and maintain inventory accuracy.
Perform preventative maintenance on all company-owned CNC and robotic equipment.
Meet operational requirements and expectations for accuracy of work, while minimizing waste by caring for product, equipment, and facilities.
Maintain a productive, efficient, and team-oriented work environment.
Follow all required safety guidelines and utilize the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
Perform machine safety analysis to verify systems meet OSHA requirements.
Mentor Maintenance Mechanics to drive improvements in the overall skillset.
Benefits
Tuition reimbursement.
Group discounts off vehicles, cell phone service, paint, and more.
401K plan with company matching contribution as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
4. CNC Machine Operator at K Manufacturing, Dayton, MN
Job Description
K Manufacturing in Dayton, Minnesota is seeking a CNC Machine Operator to produce precision components. Machines include Mori Seiki twin spindle lathes and mills.
5. CNC Setup Machinist at Award Staffing, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
Award Staffing in Minneapolis, Minnesota is seeking a CNC Setup Machinist to interpret blueprints and drawings and set up CNC machines accordingly. Applicants should be comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with short deadlines. Award Staffing’s CNC Setup Machinist jobs are temp-to-hire.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$19-$29 per hour
Working Hours
CNC Setup Machinists work full-time from Monday to Thursday. A CNC Setup Machinist works 2nd Shift with hours starting at 15:45 to 02:15.
Award Staffing is a leading job placement firm in the Minneapolis metro area, operating through six offices across the region. For three years, Award has been recognized as a Star Tribune top place to work.
Award Staffing offers career seekers a variety of work opportunities, including temporary placements, seasonal jobs, temporary-to-hire jobs, and direct-hire placements. Award Staffing provides attractive benefits packages.
Required Skills and Experience
Experience working with CNC machines.
Good interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to read and edit CNC programs.
Own tools that are used for CNC setup.
Must be reliable and motivated with a positive attitude.
Must be able to pass a drug screen.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Read and interpret blueprints and drawings.
Mechanically install and align tools and work holding.
Turn and bore collets and chuck jaws.
Create geometry tool offsets.
Read and edit CNC programs.
Benefits
Medical insurance.
Individuals working at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the Minimum Essential Coverage Group Health Plan. New associates are eligible on the 1st of the month following 60 days from their date of hire.
Following one year and 1,000 hours of employment, individuals are eligible to participate in our 401K retirement savings plan. Award Staffing matches contributions up to 4%.
Award associates are eligible for 40 hours of paid vacation after 1,600 hours of work in a calendar year.
All Award associates are eligible to be paid for five national holidays upon completing 500 hours of work within one employment anniversary year while working an average of 35 hours per week between each holiday.
6. Injection Molding Operator at Graco, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
Graco in Minneapolis, Minnesota is seeking an Injection Molding Operator to maintain production of injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment and processes.
Graco, Inc. is the leading provider of premium pumps and spray equipment for fluid handling in the construction, manufacturing, processing, and maintenance industries.
Graco was named a Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Graco offers opportunities development and career progression as well as attractive benefit packages.
Education
High school diploma.
Required Skills and Experience
Must pass pre-employment background check and 5 panel drug screen.
Demonstrated skill and ability using precision measuring equipment.
6 months of experience operating injection molding machines.
Ability to detect molding defects.
Basic understanding of how a plastic injection molding machine works.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Operate, load and maintain auxiliary equipment including dryers, grinders, presses and routers.
Read and understand operation layouts and blueprints.
Inspect component features in accordance with inspection procedure.
Troubleshoot the manufacturing processes to diagnose and resolve anticipated or actual manufacturing problems that may affect product quality.
8. CNC Setup Machinist at Award Staffing, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
Award Staffing in Minneapolis, Minnesota is seeking a CNC Setup Machinist to interpret blueprints and drawings and set up CNC machines accordingly. Applicants should be comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with short deadlines. Award Staffing’s CNC Setup Machinist jobs are temp-to-hire.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$19-$29 per hour
Working Hours
CNC Setup Machinists work full-time from Monday to Thursday. A CNC Setup Machinist works 2nd Shift with hours starting at 15:45 to 02:15.
Award Staffing is a leading job placement firm in the Minneapolis metro area, operating through six offices across the region. For three years, Award has been recognized as a Star Tribune top place to work.
Award Staffing offers career seekers a variety of work opportunities, including temporary placements, seasonal jobs, temporary-to-hire jobs, and direct-hire placements. Award Staffing provides attractive benefits packages.
Required Skills and Experience
Experience working with CNC machines.
Good interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to read and edit CNC programs.
Own tools that are used for CNC setup.
Must be reliable and motivated with a positive attitude.
Must be able to pass a drug screen.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Read and interpret blueprints and drawings.
Mechanically install and align tools and work holding.
Turn and bore collets and chuck jaws.
Create geometry tool offsets.
Read and edit CNC programs.
Benefits
Medical insurance.
Individuals working at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the Minimum Essential Coverage Group Health Plan. New associates are eligible on the 1st of the month following 60 days from their date of hire.
Following one year and 1,000 hours of employment, individuals are eligible to participate in our 401K retirement savings plan. Award Staffing matches contributions up to 4%.
Award associates are eligible for 40 hours of paid vacation after 1,600 hours of work in a calendar year.
All Award associates are eligible to be paid for five national holidays upon completing 500 hours of work within one employment anniversary year while working an average of 35 hours per week between each holiday.
KEB America is a leading manufacturer of industrial automation solutions. Products range from electromechanical clutches and brakes, to AC servo motors, to industrial PLCs.
KEB America is headquartered in Shakopee, Minnesota, a suburb outside of Minneapolis. The 86,000 sq. ft., ISO 9001:2015 facility has full design and manufacturing capabilities and is responsible for supporting the North American market. With more than 100 employees and growing, KEB America provides top-tier service, repair, and field support for customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Education
Technical degree required.
Required Skills and Experience
Completion of a CNC Machining certificate or degree program, or currently attending school for machining.
Must have verifiable prior CNC machining experience including multi-axis centers with live tooling.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Load and unload machines (automated and manual).
Change and replace worn or broken tooling.
Inspect parts.
Perform maintenance tasks on machines.
Correctly handle all production paperwork.
Adjust equipment as needed (offset changes).
Set up CNC machines.
Solve general machining issues.
Correctly handle all production paperwork.
Follow safety rules and keep a clean/orderly work area.
10. Machine Operator at Award Staffing, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
Award Staffing in Minneapolis, Minnesota is seeking a Machine Operator to set up, operate, and monitor a slitting machine to produce quality products. Applicants should be comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with short deadlines. Award Staffing’s Machine Operator jobs temp-to-hire.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$15-$19 per hour.
Working Hours
2nd Shift (03:30 to 14:00). Machine Operators work full-time from Monday to Thursday.
Award Staffing is a leading job placement firm in the Minneapolis metro area, operating through six offices across the region. For three years, Award has been recognized as a Star Tribune top place to work.
Award Staffing offers career seekers a variety of work opportunities, including temporary placements, seasonal jobs, temporary-to-hire jobs, and direct-hire placements. Award Staffing provides attractive benefits packages.
Required Skills and Experience
Two years of related manufacturing experience and one-year Zund, digital cutting, Preco or CNC experience.
MUST have setup experience.
Slitting experience would be preferred.
Experience producing parts in a manufacturing setting.
Mechanically-inclined and production-oriented.
Ability to read blueprints and work instructions and maintain accurate records.
Open to overtime as needed.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Operate a slitting machine.
Set up, operate, and monitor the machine process to assure quality products.
Ensure productivity goals are met for the resource group by monitoring run speeds, setup times, and coordination of support departments.
Troubleshoot and correct problems.
Communicate with other departments for resolution of mechanical problems, reporting of defective material, coordination of job preparations change overs and daily shift information.
Report accurately and on a timely basis.
Perform comparable duties of a similar or related nature and/or assist in other areas as needed.
Benefits
Medical insurance.
Individuals working at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the Minimum Essential Coverage Group Health Plan. New associates are eligible on the 1st of the month following 60 days from their date of hire.
Following one year and 1,000 hours of employment, individuals are eligible to participate in our 401K retirement savings plan. Award Staffing matches contributions up to 4%.
Award associates are eligible for 40 hours of paid vacation after 1,600 hours of work in a
calendar year.
All Award associates are eligible to be paid for five national holidays upon completing 500 hours of work within one employment anniversary year while working an average of 35 hours per week between each holiday.
11. CNC Machine Operator at Daikin Applied, Faribault, MN
Job Description
Daikin Applied in Faribault, Minnesota is seeking a CNC Machine Operator to set up and operate a CNC machine: punch shear, turret press, master brake press, and line shear.
Daikin Applied manufactures technologically-advanced commercial HVAC systems that customers from around the world can trust to advance their needs for performance, reliability and energy efficiency.
Daikin believes that individual achievement is the foundation of corporate growth, embracing people-centered management across its operations.
You can make a real contribution to a growing company. Daikin strives to be the best and wants to work with people who love to raise the bar on the possible. Daikin is not just an industrial company; it’s engineering, product installation, human resources, sales, service, marketing, finance, testing, logistics and more.
This position is located in Daikin’s state-of-the-art, greenfield site with modern amenities including a hot food cafeteria with a full menu; bright, clean, climate-controlled environment; customer experience center; and cutting-edge manufacturing technology including scanners and digital vertical storage areas.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Required Skills and Experience
One year experience operating CNC equipment.
Ability to use math and read blueprints, work with source documents, and use measuring instruments.
Mechanical aptitude required.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Set up and operate a CNC machine: punch shear, turret press, master brake press, and line shear.
12. CNC Operator at Award Staffing, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
Award Staffing in Minneapolis, Minnesota is seeking a CNC Operator to work with aluminum, stainless and carbon steels. Applicants should be comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with short deadlines. Award Staffing’s CNC Operator jobs are temp-to-hire.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$20+ per hour
Working Hours
CNC Operators work first shift Monday to Friday (06:00 to 15:30).
Award Staffing is a leading job placement firm in the Minneapolis metro area, operating through six offices across the region. For three years, Award has been recognized as a Star Tribune top place to work.
Award Staffing offers career seekers a variety of work opportunities, including temporary placements, seasonal jobs, temporary-to-hire jobs, and direct-hire placements. Award Staffing provides attractive benefits packages.
Education
Technical degree required
Required Skills and Experience
Sound understanding of CNC code programming.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work well on a team.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
Ability to use micrometers, calipers, go/no-go gauges.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 50 lbs regularly
Ability to be on your feet most of the shift
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerances.
Work with aluminum, stainless and carbon steels.
Maintain a favorable working relationship with the Design Team, EDM and CNC Machinist Group to promote a cooperative working environment conducive to maximum productivity, efficiency and effectiveness.
Participate in and support Continuous Improvement initiatives.
Perform work at the appropriate pace to maintain quality and productivity requirements.
Create and compile necessary documents and work procedures to aid in machine set up and operation.
Work independently with limited instruction.
Work in a fast-paced environment with high pressure, short deadlines, etc.
Benefits
Medical insurance.
Individuals working at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the Minimum Essential Coverage Group Health Plan. New associates are eligible on the 1st of the month following 60 days from their date of hire.
Following one year and 1,000 hours of employment, individuals are eligible to participate in our 401K retirement savings plan. Award Staffing matches contributions up to 4%.
Award associates are eligible for 40 hours of paid vacation after 1,600 hours of work in a calendar year.
All Award associates are eligible to be paid for five national holidays upon completing 500 hours of work within one employment anniversary year while working an average of 35 hours per week between each holiday.
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