Jobs › Sandvik

CNC Operator

Sandvik · Hartland, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Sandvik

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 made a mistake on a machine. What happened and what did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes and improve, which matters when parts and machines are costly.

How do you stay focused and keep quality high on long runs of the same part?

What they are checking: Whether they stay attentive during repetitive work, which is when quality often slips.

Do you have any machining training or certificates, and what did you learn there?

What they are checking: Whether they have formal training to build on, which the posting says is ideal.

What would you do

A tool you just made looks fine to the eye but measures out of tolerance. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they trust measurement over looks and stop to fix the problem before making more.

You think the program has a problem but you're not sure. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and talk to the programmer instead of running a risky program.

About the work

This job makes high-precision carbide cutting tools on CNC grinders. What CNC experience do you have, and on what machines?

What they are checking: Whether they have the CNC basics and how quickly they can learn tool grinding specifically.

How would you set up a machine for a new job, including offsets?

What they are checking: Whether they understand setup and offsets, which the posting says the operator is responsible for.

What do you know about cutters, inserts, and feeds and speeds?

What they are checking: Whether they have the well-rounded cutting tool knowledge the posting says it prefers.

How do you read a blueprint to find the critical dimensions you need to hold?

What they are checking: Whether they can find the features that matter most on a print, which keeps quality consistent.

What do you check on the machine each day before you start running parts?

What they are checking: Whether they keep up daily machine checks so problems are caught early.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Sandvik 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 Sandvik.

Job Title: CNC Operator Department : CNC Reports to: Production Supervisor Classification: Non-Exempt Location: Hartland, WI Travel: None Job Summary: The CNC Operator will be responsible for producing premium quality, high precision carbide cutting tools using specific tool grinding machines and programs. Facilitates and operates CNC machines by programming, setup, operating the CNC machine, inspecting tools for visible flaws, and correcting quality issues to ensure a consistent product. Duties/Responsibilities: • Responsible for the setup and offsets as required. • Ability to accurately read blueprints. • Inspect tools for defects using quality control tools. • Responsible for accurate programming and machine operation. • Consistently evaluates the quality of the finished product coming off the CNC machine through visual inspection and the use of measurement tools. • Communicates quality issues to programmers and/or General Managers. • Check machinery on a daily basis to ensure functionality. • Other duties assigned. Education and Experience: • High school diploma or general education degree (GED). • 1-2 years of CNC Operator experience is preferred. • Certification from a qualified training institution in the field of machining is ideal, but not required. • A well-rounded knowledge of cutters, inserts, and feeds/speeds is preferred but not required. • Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required. • Strong math skills required to perform day-to-day operations, including the ability to convert metric to inch and decimal to fraction. • Programming experience is preferred but not required. Required Skills/Abilities: • Develops skills to perform basic, repetitive, and manual activities in the job. • Understands own tasks and how they relate to others in the team. • Uses existing procedures to perform straightforward tasks; has limited opportunity to solve problems. • Requires basic communication skills and common courtesy. • Use assigned methods, tools, and processes. Support the sharing of best practices. Physical Requirements: • Lightwork that includes bending into the machine, light lifting up to 20 pounds, and some repetitive motions. • Prolonged periods of standing at a machine. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Apply at Sandvik

More cnc operator roles