CNC Miller in the semiconductor industry

Working as a CNC milling operator

As a CNC milling operator, you produce metal components for machines and technical systems. In the semiconductor industry, these parts often need to be manufactured with a high degree of precision. Sometimes, even a difference of a fraction of a millimetre can be significant. You’ll be working with a CNC milling machine. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. The machine is controlled by a computer and removes material with great precision from materials such as aluminium, steel or plastic. This ultimately results in the correct part.

What do you do?

As a CNC milling operator, you ensure that parts are manufactured exactly in accordance with the technical drawings. You set up the machine, select the correct tools and check, both during and after milling, whether the part meets the requirements. Your duties may include, for example:

• Reading technical drawings.
• Setting up and operating a CNC machine.
• Selecting the correct material and tools.
• Measuring and checking parts accurately.
• Making minor adjustments to the programme or the machine.
• Ensuring that every part meets the quality requirements.

So you’ll be working with technology, machines and computers.

Is CNC milling right for you?

As a CNC milling operator, it is important that you work accurately and have technical insight. You enjoy making things and want to understand how a machine works. Do you like working with great precision? Are you keen on technology and machines? Then CNC milling could be a good fit for you.

Can you get started without any experience?

CNC milling requires technical knowledge. A course in, for example, machining, metalworking or mechanical engineering provides a good foundation, but it is not always necessary to complete a multi-year course. With the right qualification, you can also start in the industry, for example as a CNC operator or machining assistant. You can then gain practical experience on the job and learn the trade further there.

Do you already have experience in engineering or metalworking, but not yet in CNC milling? Then there are also opportunities to further your training. Through a course or training programme, you can learn how to operate CNC machines, read technical drawings and inspect products. Even if you already have CNC experience outside Semicon, your knowledge will be a good fit. In the semiconductor industry, you’ll then learn to work to the high standards of precision and quality required.

Career progression as a CNC milling operator

As you gain more experience, you’ll be able to produce increasingly complex components and set up or programme machines independently. For example, you could develop into an all-round CNC milling operator, CNC programmer, CAM programmer, production planner, quality assurance officer or machining specialist. You can also progress to a role in which you mentor colleagues or take responsibility for part of the production process. So there are plenty of opportunities to further develop your technical knowledge.

Discover your opportunities

Wondering whether working as a CNC milling operator is right for you? Or would you like to know what other technical jobs are available in the semiconductor industry? During the free information session ‘Working in the Semiconductor Industry’, you’ll discover what opportunities are available and how we’ll help you, step by step, to choose, learn and get started.

Discover your future in the semiconductor industry.