CNC Machinist - Programmer / Operator

John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies.

We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards.

John Crane is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defence, space & aerospace, and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs approximately 16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.

Join our team at our climate-controlled Port Arthur facility and play a critical role in producing precision-machined components. We are seeking an experienced CNC Machinist (Programmer/Operator) who can set up, program, edit, and operate CNC equipment while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, program, edit, and operate CNC machinery, including lathes, mills, drills, and other machining equipment as required.
• Produce precision components while maintaining tolerances as tight as ±0.0003 inches.
• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, routings, sketches, layout sheets, and written or verbal instructions.
• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs to improve efficiency and quality.
• Understand machine parameters and make program or setup adjustments as directed to ensure optimal performance.
• Work with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, alloy steel, cast iron, brass, and specialty alloys.
• Preset tooling and perform tool maintenance, including sharpening when necessary.
• Inspect completed work using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, bore gauges, calipers, and other quality control tools.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and follow established preventive maintenance procedures.
• Troubleshoot and report equipment issues to supervision promptly.
• Accurately complete labor reporting, production documentation, and time records.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company standards and safety policies.
• Support additional operational needs and perform other duties as assigned.
• Why Join Us?
• Climate-controlled manufacturing facility
• Opportunity to work with advanced CNC equipment and precision-tolerance machining
• Stable, growing operation with opportunities for development and advancement
• Safety-focused culture committed to quality and operational excellence

• This role is ideal for a skilled CNC Machinist who enjoys programming, problem-solving, and producing high-quality machined components in a modern manufacturing environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical school training in machining or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of CNC programming and machining experience required; 5+ years preferred.
• Previous experience as a manual machinist is strongly preferred.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Demonstrated ability to set up, program, and operate CNC machine tools while maintaining close tolerances and producing quality components.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and machining documentation.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, feeds and speeds, and material properties.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving geometry, trigonometry, and dimensional analysis to support machining operations.
• Capable of troubleshooting machining issues and resolving routine technical problems independently.
• Ability to safely and effectively operate a minimum of two CNC machine tools.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently using sound judgment.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing production requirements.
• Able to consistently complete assignments accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines.

With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity.

Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network.

Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)