Job Description

Find experienced CNC Mill Setup Machinists with strong hands-on experience independently setting up CNC milling machines, particularly for one-off, custom, and short-run machining jobs.

The most important qualification is the ability to perform complete CNC mill setups and frequent machine changeovers. Look for candidates who can take a new job, read the blueprint, determine the tooling and workholding requirements, fixture and secure the part, establish tool and work offsets, and prepare the machine to run accurately with minimal supervision.

Prioritize candidates with experience in:

• Independent setup of CNC vertical and horizontal milling machines (VMCs and HMCs).

• Frequent setups and changeovers involving different parts, materials, tooling, and machining requirements.

• Selecting, installing, and adjusting cutting tools.

• Setting tool length offsets, work offsets, and work coordinates.

• Creating, editing, and adjusting existing CNC programs directly at the machine.

• Knowledge of G-code and M-code, including the ability to make program edits and troubleshoot code when needed.

• Reading and interpreting engineering blueprints and technical drawings.

• Understanding GD&T, machining tolerances, and dimensional requirements.

• Setting up fixtures, vises, workholding, and securing larger or irregularly shaped components.

• Using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and other precision measuring equipment.

• Proving out programs, making adjustments, and inspecting first-piece parts before production.

Ideal Candidate Background:

CNC Setup Machinist, CNC Mill Machinist, CNC Machinist, CNC Programmer/Machinist, VMC Setup Machinist, or HMC Setup Machinist.

Candidates with experience machining custom industrial components, large metal parts, and low-volume production are especially desirable.

Important Search Priorities:

1. Must have hands-on CNC mill setup experience.

2. Must be comfortable with frequent setups and one-off jobs rather than only repetitive production.

3. G-code/M-code editing experience is strongly preferred.

4. Blueprint reading, tooling, fixturing, and offsets are important.

5. CNC programming experience is a plus, but the primary need is a machinist who can independently set up mills and make program adjustments.

Do not prioritize candidates whose experience is limited to loading/unloading parts, operating pre-set machines, or running repetitive production without performing setups. Also avoid candidates whose experience is exclusively CNC lathe operation without CNC milling setup experience.

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• Troubleshooting Skills
• G-Code
• M-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)