Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionPosition Summary

The CNC Setup Machinist I sets up and operates CNC milling and/or turning equipment to produce precision-machined components to close tolerances and exacting finish specifications. This is a skilled trade role for a machinist who can independently plan and execute complex setups across a diverse range of jobs — reading prints, selecting tooling, writing or editing programs, dialing in first-piece quality, and running production with minimal supervision.

Acme machines large, complex castings and forgings for aerospace, defense, power generation, and industrial customers. Tolerances are tight, programs are varied, and most jobs don’t repeat on a fixed schedule. The right Setup Machinist I is someone who is comfortable building a setup from scratch, troubleshooting when it doesn’t go right the first time, and taking ownership of part quality before releasing to run.

This role may specialize in milling or turning depending on production needs and candidate background.

Essential Responsibilities

Machine Setup

Plan and execute complex CNC setups from engineering drawings, job travelers, and setup sheets across milling and/or turning equipment
Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, holders, and workholding fixtures for the job; source from crib or coordinate with tooling when needed
Establish work offsets, tool length offsets, and fixture offsets; verify against print requirements before running first piece
Edit or create CNC programs at the control as needed to achieve correct toolpath, feeds, speeds, and clearances
Perform first-piece inspection using appropriate measurement tools to verify dimensional conformance before releasing job to run
Complete setup documentation including traveler sign-offs, setup sheets, and any required first article records

CNC Machine Operation

Operate CNC milling and/or turning equipment to produce parts to blueprint specifications and close tolerances
Monitor in-process dimensional conformance using calipers, micrometers, bore gages, thread gages, and other measurement tools; adjust offsets as needed to maintain tolerance
Identify and communicate tool wear, tool breakage, chatter, surface finish issues, or other process concerns promptly
Perform in-process inspection per control plan, job traveler, or quality requirements and document results
Run multiple machines or setups concurrently where workload and job requirements allow

Blueprint Reading & GD&T

Read and interpret engineering drawings including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) callouts, surface finish specifications, material requirements, and notes
Identify critical features and determine the correct sequence, tooling, and inspection method to achieve required specifications
Raise questions or concerns about print ambiguity or manufacturability to Engineering or Quality before beginning a job

Quality & Compliance

Produce work that meets all dimensional, surface finish, and material requirements specified on the engineering drawing and traveler
Follow all inspection and documentation requirements per Acme’s QMS (ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100D) and customer-specific quality plans
Report nonconforming material immediately using Acme’s nonconformance process; do not pass suspect parts
Maintain a clean, organized work area at all times; follow 5S standards for the production floor
Comply with all safety requirements including PPE, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and hazardous material handling

Team & Communication

Communicate job status, setup issues, tooling needs, and scheduling concerns to the production supervisor in a timely manner
Support the transition between shifts by providing clear handoff notes on job status, in-process offsets, and any open issues
Assist in mentoring CNC Operators and less-experienced machinists as directed by supervision
Participate in continuous improvement activities including identifying setup time reductions, tooling improvements, and process efficiencies

RequirementsQualifications

Required

Minimum 5 years of CNC setup experience in a precision machining, job shop, or contract manufacturing environment
Demonstrated ability to plan and execute complex setups independently on CNC mills and/or lathes
Strong blueprint reading ability including GD&T, surface finish callouts, and tolerance interpretation
Proficiency with standard measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, bore gages, thread gages, height gages, indicators
Ability to edit or create CNC programs at the control (conversational or G-code)
Experience with close-tolerance work (routinely holding ±0.001? or tighter)
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; vocational or technical training in machining preferred
Ability to lift and move workpieces and fixtures up to 50 lbs. independently; team lift for heavier components
Ability to read and write English; basic computer skills

Preferred

FANUC control experience strongly preferred (FANUC 0i, 30i, 31i series)
Experience with large-format CNC equipment (vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes with live tooling)
Experience machining castings, forgings, or other near-net-shape workpieces
Experience in an ISO 9001 or AS9100D certified manufacturing environment
Familiarity with Made2Manage ERP or similar job shop ERP system for traveler and job management
Experience with 4th or 5th axis setups a plus

What We Offer

10% shift differential for 2nd shift
Hiring bonus
Medical, dental, and vision insurance — Day 1, no waiting period
Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Weekly pay
Gainsharing bonus opportunities
Tuition assistance
Clean, well-maintained shop with late-model CNC equipment

*About Acme Industries

*

Since 1948, Acme Industries has been a trusted precision manufacturer serving aerospace, defense, power generation, mining, and transportation markets from Elk Grove Village, Illinois. We are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified and specialize in large, complex machined castings and forgings where tight tolerances and repeatable quality are non-negotiable. Our machinists don’t run the same part every day — they solve new problems, build difficult setups, and make things that require real skill to get right.

Salary Description$36.00 - $42.00 Per Hour