5-Axis CNC Operator
Posted Jun 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a time you found a quality problem and brought it to a programmer or supervisor.
What they are checking: Whether they communicate quality issues quickly, which the posting expects from operators.
Tell me about a time you were proud of the quality of something you made.
What they are checking: Whether they take pride in precision work, which matters for premium cutting tools.
What would you do
You notice small chips on the cutting edge of several tools in a run. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they stop and find the cause, like wheel condition or feeds, instead of letting bad tools pile up.
About the work
This role grinds carbide, carbide-tipped and HSS cutting tools on 5-axis CNC tool grinders. What grinders and controls have you run?
What they are checking: Whether they have real tool grinding experience, which differs a lot from general CNC milling or turning.
Walk me through how you set up a 5-axis grinder for a new cutting tool job.
What they are checking: Whether they know wheel selection, workholding and probing steps that lead to a good first part.
How do you set and adjust offsets when a tool is coming out a little off size?
What they are checking: Whether they understand offsets and wheel wear, which the posting lists as a core responsibility.
What measuring tools do you use to inspect a finished cutting tool, and what are you checking?
What they are checking: Whether they know how to verify diameters, angles and edges with tools like optical comparators or Zoller systems.
How comfortable are you reading blueprints for cutting tools with tight tolerances?
What they are checking: Whether they can read detailed prints accurately, since small mistakes ruin expensive carbide.
How much programming have you done on a tool grinder, and how do you check a program before running it?
What they are checking: Whether they can program safely and verify before cutting, avoiding crashes and scrapped parts.
What do you check on your machine at the start of each shift?
What they are checking: Whether they keep daily checks, which the posting lists to keep machines running reliably.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Sandvik.