We are looking for a CNC Machine Operator I to join our manufacturing team at Bluefors in Syracuse, NY. In this role, you will support the production of precision components used in advanced cryogenic systems that power breakthroughs in quantum technology, scientific research, and other cutting-edge industries. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on machining work, takes pride in quality craftsmanship, and wants to grow within a collaborative, high-tech manufacturing environment. Interested? Keep reading!
Your tasks will include operating CNC machines and machining centers to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts that meet quality and production standards. You will load raw materials into machines, inspect finished parts according to established procedures, and perform quality inspections of first-piece parts as verified by a supervisor or quality technician. You will troubleshoot machine operations, monitor machining performance, and adjust as necessary to ensure parts remain within specifications. In addition, you will use measuring tools daily, clean and deburr finished parts, monitor inventory levels for tooling and materials, and maintain a clean and organized workspace. You will also support machine maintenance activities and complete ongoing training requirements to support technical growth and continuous improvement.
We are looking for a candidate with a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of manufacturing experience, or a one-year technical certificate with related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You should have the ability to set up and use measuring tools and read and interpret blueprints, with GD&T knowledge considered a plus. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to follow procedures accurately, and a commitment to producing high-quality work. Familiarity with g-code programming and CNC machining processes is important, and CNC programming experience is a plus. You should be dependable, safety-conscious, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
We also appreciate candidates who demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and a proactive approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving. Experience working in a manufacturing environment focused on quality and precision machining will help you stand out. A willingness to continue learning and developing technical skills, along with a team-oriented mindset and strong organizational skills, is highly valued. Candidates who align with our values of quality, collaboration, continuous learning, and safety will thrive in this role.
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We offer you an interesting, challenging, and responsible position, along with the support of a highly skilled and growing organization. This is an excellent opportunity for your professional growth in a dynamic, enthusiastic, and collaborative team where we work together and support each other. We foster a multicultural work environment with room to grow, where you can use your potential and further develop your skills.
We offer a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), long- and short-term disability, life insurance, training, tuition reimbursement, and Paid Time Off (PTO).
Location: Syracuse, NY
Pay range: $19.25-23.07/hr.
Main Responsibilities include the following:
- Operate CNC machines and machining centers to fabricate required parts
- Use qualified measuring tools on a daily basis
- Feed and load raw materials into CNC machines
- Inspect parts according to established policies and procedures
- Troubleshoot machines and maintain machine operations
- Monitor machine operation and adjust controls as required
- Detect machine malfunctions and worn or damaged tooling
- Perform inspection operations to maintain quality standards and specifications
- Clean machines, tooling, and finished parts as required
- Stack and organize raw and finished materials properly within storage areas
- Perform first-piece quality inspections as verified by a supervisor or quality technician
- Monitor and record tooling, supplies, and raw material inventory usage
- Complete ongoing technical training requirements
- Maintain good housekeeping and a clean work environment
- Perform additional duties as assigned
What We Expect from You
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience
- One year of manufacturing experience preferred
- Technical certificate with related machining experience preferred
- Ability to set up and use measuring tools
- Ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings
- Familiarity with GD&T principles preferred
- Ability to read and understand g-code programming
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Dependability and ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Commitment to safety and following established procedures
- Willingness to continue learning and developing technical skills
- Ability to align with company Leadership Principles and workplace competencies
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
We Also Appreciate
- CNC programming experience
- Experience working in a precision manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with quality inspection processes and standards
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- A proactive approach to troubleshooting and process improvement
- Ability to adapt in a fast-paced production environment
- A collaborative, team-oriented mindset
- A positive attitude and strong alignment with company values, including safety, diversity, and organizational effectiveness
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand for extended periods, use hands and fingers for detailed machining tasks, and frequently lift or move materials and tooling. The role may involve bending, reaching, stooping, and handling finished parts and raw materials. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing environment and regularly works around moving mechanical parts and machining equipment. The employee may occasionally be exposed to noise, airborne particles, heat, vibration, and other manufacturing-related conditions. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as applicable. Employees are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace at all times.
This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization.
Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of disability status, veteran status, or any other New York State or federally protected characteristic.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The structural integrity of the quantum hardware supply chain is increasingly dependent on the convergence of traditional precision manufacturing and specialized cryogenic engineering. This role type exists to bridge the gap between theoretical system architecture and physical realization, ensuring that the complex material requirements of dilution refrigerators and quantum control stacks are met with micrometer-level fidelity. By localizing high-precision fabrication within the deep-tech value chain, organizations mitigate the risks of component-level failure that frequently delay Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progression. Market signals from the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) indicate that the reliability of physical infrastructure is a primary determinant of system uptime and experimental reproducibility. Consequently, this function serves as a fundamental enablement layer, converting advanced materials into the hermetic housings and radiation shields necessary for qubit coherence.
The quantum hardware ecosystem is transitioning from a laboratory-centric model to a scalable industrial framework, placing unprecedented pressure on the specialized manufacturing layer. As quantum processors increase in qubit count, the supporting cryogenic infrastructure must evolve to handle higher heat loads and more complex signal interconnects. This shift necessitates a high-leverage workforce capable of executing nonlinear fabrication processes on non-standard materials, such as high-purity copper and specialized superconductors. The macro-level constraint is no longer just algorithmic; it is the physical throughput of the precision components that underpin the entire cooling cycle.
Sector-wide efforts continue to address talent and integration challenges in quantum systems, particularly regarding the scarcity of technicians who can synchronize classical CNC protocols with the stringent tolerances of quantum-grade hardware. Vendor fragmentation in the dilution refrigerator market further complicates this landscape, as each hardware modality—from neutral atoms to superconducting loops—requires bespoke mechanical interfaces. This creates a critical dependency on the fabrication layer to maintain the systemic rigidity and thermal control required to prevent decoherence in extreme environments.
Geopolitical shifts and national technology strategies are also reshaping the supply chain, as domestic manufacturing capacity becomes a prerequisite for sovereign quantum advantage. The transition from "wet" to "dry" cryogenic architectures has further intensified the demand for precision-machined pulse tube components and vibration-isolated support structures. In this context, the role of precision fabrication is not merely a production task but a strategic mechanism for stabilizing the global deep-tech value chain against material shortages and logistical shocks.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the intersection of high-precision subtractive manufacturing and advanced metrology. Mastery of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is essential for ensuring that complex assemblies, such as hermetic feedthroughs and multi-stage radiation shields, maintain vacuum integrity at millikelvin temperatures. These capabilities matter because even minor deviations in surface finish or part alignment can introduce thermal leaks or mechanical noise, directly impacting the fidelity of quantum gates.
Furthermore, the interface between CAD/CAM systems and physical machining centers represents a critical coupling point between engineering design and system stability. Technicians must navigate the thermal properties of varied metallic and nonmetallic substrates to prevent material deformation during high-speed machining. This technical expertise enables organizations to parallelize hardware iterations, reducing the time required to move from prototype to production-grade infrastructure. By establishing a deterministic fabrication loop, this function provides the structural leverage needed to scale quantum systems toward fault tolerance. - Accelerates the transition from laboratory prototypes to scalable, industrial-grade quantum hardware architectures
- Mitigates systemic risks associated with component-level thermal leaks and mechanical failures in cryogenic systems
- Facilitates the domestic scaling of critical quantum infrastructure through high-precision manufacturing localization
- Improves the reproducibility of experimental results by maintaining micrometer-level fabrication tolerances
- Strengthens the reliability of the quantum supply chain by reducing dependency on external specialized vendors
- Optimizes the integration of complex signal interconnects within vibration-isolated cryogenic environments
- Supports the development of next-generation dilution refrigerators through the fabrication of bespoke thermal shields
- Enhances organizational agility by shortening the iteration cycle between mechanical design and physical assembly
- Reduces the total cost of ownership for quantum systems by improving component durability and performance
- Enables the deployment of high-fidelity control stacks through the production of standardized housing units
- Protects capital-intensive research investments by ensuring the structural integrity of extreme-environment hardware
- Orchestrates the convergence of traditional machining standards with the unique requirements of quantum information scienceIndustry Tags: Cryogenic Manufacturing, Quantum Hardware Infrastructure, Precision CNC Machining, Dilution Refrigerator Fabrication, Deep Tech Supply Chain, Advanced Materials Engineering, GD&T Standards, Thermal Management Systems, Vacuum Technology
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