How to hire an nc machinist

How to hire an nc machinist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step nc machinist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an nc machinist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new nc machinist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post an nc machinist job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your nc machinist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an nc machinist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an nc machinist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an nc machinist that fits the bill.

   This list presents nc machinist salaries for various positions.

   Type of NC Machinist	Description	Hourly rate
   NC Machinist	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	$16-28
   Grinder	Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes... Show more	$12-19
   Tool Technician	Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties... Show more	$13-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CNC
   • Grinders
   • FANUC
   • Engine Lathes
   • RAN
   • Titanium
   • Jigs
   • Dial Indicators
   • Stainless Steel

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage output according to company quality standards and corresponding ISO certification.
   • Train new employees to set up and operate Cincinnati CNC turning centers, Fadal CNC mills.
   • Set up and check jigs and fixtures as required in connection with own work.
   • Change jigs, fixtures and tooling plates, making necessary adjustments to produce parts within specifications.
   • Experience with big parts.currently machining titanium materials
   • Work closely with management and engineering staff to ensure efficient and safe methods are utilized in producing high quality aerospace components.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your nc machinist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An nc machinist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, nc machinists' average salary in oklahoma is 37% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level nc machinists 43% less than senior-level nc machinists.
   • Certifications. An nc machinist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an nc machinist's salary.

   Average nc machinist salary

   $45,782yearly

   $22.01 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level nc machinist salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an nc machinist job description

   A job description for an nc machinist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an nc machinist job description:

   Nc machinist job description example

   The position you are applying for is with Vertex Technology & Training Solutions which was formerly Raytheon Global Training & Logistics. The Vertex Company acquired Raytheon Global Training & Logistics in December 2021.
   
   The Vertex Company is a services solutions provider that operates as a federal government prime contractor. With over 7,000 employees in 200 locations worldwide, the Mississippi-based company offers vertically integrated solutions for defense and commercial customers.
   
   Delivering integrated turnkey lifecycle support from concept definition, to engineering and manufacturing, through end of life support of complex systems and platforms, Vertex offerings include all levels of aviation maintenance, worldwide contractor logistics support, systems engineering and integration, specialized onsite mission execution, high consequence training programs for defense and commercial customers, and integrated supply-chain solutions. Over our 50 year history, we have perfected the balance of cost, schedule, and performance to offer high-quality solutions that consistently exceed customer requirements.
   
   The Vertex Company is a Federal Contractor and must comply with Federal mandates. All employees may be required to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of continued employment. A medical or religious accommodation may be granted on a case-by-case basis. In order for an accommodation to be considered, you must submit the COVID-19 Vaccination Accommodation Request form.
   
   Vertex is a portfolio company of American Industrial Partner (AIP), an operationally orientated private investment firm with a 30 year track record of working with management teams to build scaled world class businesses (www.americanindustrial.com).
   
   This position performs the following duties, and other related activities as assigned. Must demonstrate competencies necessary to meet business requirements. May perform as a member or leader of a functional and/or cross-functional team.
   
   + Set up and operation of multiple 3, 4 or 5 Axis CNC Machines with multiple controller combinations without guidance or training.
   
   + Set up and operation of manual machines (vertical and horizontal mills, manual lathes, grinders, jig bores, drill presses, etc.) without guidance or training.
   
   + Demonstrates extensive knowledge of the machinability of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, plastics, fiber, and rubber materials.
   + Demonstrates thorough knowledge of various cutting tools and correct speed and feed rates.
   
   Desired Skills:
   
   + Experience with machine tools and knowledge of Machine Shop safety protocols.
   
   + Ability to verify work piece conformance to print by utilizing calibrated measuring instruments.
   
   Required Skills:
   
   + Advanced ability to operate and program manual, semi-automated or automated machine tools.
   
   + Minimum of (5) years' experience setting-up, programming and machining complex parts.
   
   + Detailed knowledge of conversational and "G" code programming.
   
   + Detailed knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
   
   + Solid communication skills.
   
   + Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
   
   + Proficient in shop mathematics.
   
   + Ability to stand for long periods of time.
   
   + Ability to bend, reach, and lift objects within Vertex EHS guidelines.
   
   + Ability to comply with safety rules and regulations during course of duties.
   
   + Ability to read and interpret prints, drawings, process routings, and specifications.
   
   Education Requirement(s):
   
   High School Diploma or GED
   
   Citizenship/Clearance:
   
   US Citizen with ability to obtain a classified security clearance may be required.
   
   Requires a U.S. Person or a Non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain required Export Authorization.
   
   Vertex is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment in which we recognize and value each other's differences as well as fostering a culture that promotes its core values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
   
   Raytheon Technologies is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.
   
   Raytheon Technologies is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right nc machinist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your nc machinist job on Zippia to find and recruit nc machinist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit nc machinists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new nc machinist

   Once you've decided on a perfect nc machinist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new nc machinist first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an nc machinist?