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CNC Machinist - 2nd Shift

Donaldson · Dixon, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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

The posting asks for Makino experience. Tell me which Makino machines you have run and what kind of parts you made on them.

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience on the specific machines this shop uses.

Tell me about a crash or near miss you had on a machine. What happened and what did you change after?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about mistakes and learned habits like single block and distance-to-go checks.

This is second shift, Monday through Thursday, 2 to midnight. How will that schedule fit your life?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably work a late ten-hour shift.

What would you do

A part measures a few thousandths out of tolerance partway through a run. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop, find the cause like tool wear or thermal growth and quarantine suspect parts.

About the work

Walk me through setting up a new job on a horizontal machining center, from reading the print to running the first part.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle a full setup on their own, including offsets, workholding and first piece checks.

What programming experience do you have? Can you edit G-code at the machine, and when would you rather go back to CAM?

What they are checking: Whether their programming skill is real and whether they know the limits of editing at the control.

You see chatter on a finished surface. What would you adjust?

What they are checking: Whether they understand speeds, feeds, tool stickout and rigidity well enough to fix surface finish problems.

How do you read GD&T callouts like true position or flatness on a print, and how would you check them?

What they are checking: Whether they can interpret technical drawings at the level precision machining needs.

What routine maintenance do you do on a CNC machine during a shift?

What they are checking: Whether they take care of coolant, chips, way lube and other basics that keep machines accurate.

How do you make sure raw material is loaded and clamped correctly before you hit cycle start?

What they are checking: Whether they pay attention to alignment and secure workholding, which the posting lists as a duty.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Donaldson from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Donaldson.

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​ The CNC Machinist position is located in Dixon, IL and will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machines. This 2nd shift position is, Monday through Thursday, 2:00pm to 12:00am. Role Responsibilities: • Set up and operate CNC machines to perform tasks such as drilling, grinding, milling, and turning • Interpret technical drawings, and blueprints • Load raw materials and ensure proper alignment and secure placement • Monitor machine operations and make adjustments as needed to maintain quality efficiency • Perform routine maintenance on machines and troubleshoot issues Minimum Qualifications: • High school diploma or GED, technical training or certification in CNC machining • One or more years of CNC experience • Makino experience • Ability to read and understand drawings and blueprints • Programming experience • Mechanical ability Preferred Qualifications: • Manufacturing Experience • CNC certification Hourly Rate : $31.71, plus shift premium Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, and performance. This position is eligible for an annual incentive plan based on performance and company growth. Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid paternal leave) and more. Immigration Sponsorship Not Available: • Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.) • Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. • International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the United States will not be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States. Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.

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