CNC Swiss Programmer / Machinist (Lead-Level | 2‑Month Traveling Contract)

FlexTrades — Nationwide Opportunities

Travel Role | Short-Term Contract | Swiss Machining Leadership

FlexTrades is hiring an experienced CNC Swiss Programmer/Machinist for a 2‑month traveling contract to support a client’s Swiss machining department during a temporary leadership absence. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels in new-part programming, complex setups, and precision machining while providing guidance to on-site machinists.

Responsibilities

• Program new parts using Mastercam (preferred) and Esprit.
• Set up and prove out CNC Swiss programs on Citizen and Star lathes (7‑axis, live tooling, sub-spindles, Mitsubishi controls).
• Operate machines as needed to validate new processes or support production.
• Edit and refine existing programs when customer engineering changes occur.
• Select required tooling and coordinate needs with Purchasing.
• Interpret customer prints, SolidWorks models, GD&T requirements, and metric/standard drawings.
• Perform tooling and setup changeovers, including collets and guide bushings.
• Mentor on-site machinists through job-shadowing and knowledge sharing in a professional, collaborative manner.
• Support production of high-mix, low-volume precision components across aerospace, defense, energy, medical, semiconductor, and related sectors.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a CNC Swiss Programmer/Machinist with strong setup and troubleshooting background.
• Proficiency in Mastercam; experience with Esprit preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Citizen or Star Swiss lathes and Mitsubishi controls.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and customer‑supplied models.
• Experience with stainless steel, mild steel, and small‑diameter precision components.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to mentor others without a “know‑it‑all” approach.
• Ability to lead new part introductions from programming through first-article approval.
• Willingness to travel to Missouri and work on-site for a 2‑month contract assignment.
• Job Location is in Missouri

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• Troubleshooting Skills
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Swiss Lathe (Star, Citizen)