CNC Machinist - 2nd Shift
Posted Sep 24, 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
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.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Donaldson.