CNC Machinist (Senior)
Precision Forge Machining · Grand Rapids, MI
Jan, 2021 · Present
Run 3–5-axis Haas and Mazak cells producing aerospace and defense parts from aluminum, stainless, and titanium, holding critical features to ±0.0005".
Program and edit Fanuc and Mazatrol at the machine; prove out new jobs and revise offsets so first articles pass inspection.
Cut scrap about 18% by redesigning fixtures and adding in-process gauging on high-volume features.
Mentor two junior machinists on setups, tool life, and documentation; first-pass yield on assigned cells rose after standardized prove-out checks.
Support AS9100-style traceability, tool crib control, and daily safety walks on the aerospace cell.
CNC Machinist
Lakeshore Tool & Die · Holland, MI
Mar, 2017 · Dec, 2020
Produce tooling, fixtures, and production parts on CNC mills and lathes for automotive and industrial customers.
Read GD&T prints, set up jobs from blueprints, and dial in offsets, workholding, and feeds before releasing the first piece.
Cut changeover time about 25% by building standardized tool libraries and presetting common cutters for repeat jobs.
Support in-process inspection with micrometers, bore gauges, and height stands; flag out-of-tolerance features before they leave the cell.
Machine Operator / Apprentice Machinist
West Michigan Fabrication · Muskegon, MI
Jun, 2014 · Feb, 2017
Ran manual mills and lathes and entry-level CNC cycles for fabrication and simple production parts.
Completed apprenticeship coursework in machine tool technology, shop math, blueprint reading, and safe machine operation.
Followed lockout, PPE, and 5S rules on the floor; learned carbide tooling basics, deburr, and first-piece checks under a journeyman.