CNC Machining Center Set-Up Specialist

About the Role

Join our team in Palatine, IL as a seasoned CNC professional focused on both set-up and hands-on operation of machining centers in a production environment. This long-term contract role offers the potential to convert to direct hire based on performance and business needs.

A Day in the Life

You’ll arrive ready to prep a Mazak or Okuma machining center (Haas may also be in the mix), dial in tooling, verify work offsets, and confirm first-article quality. Blueprints aren’t just documents to you—they’re a language you read fluently, and you’ll demonstrate that with a required blueprint test during the interview. Throughout the shift, you’ll measure parts with micrometers and calipers, deburr edges with care, and keep production flowing while maintaining tight tolerances and safety standards. You’ll routinely handle parts in the 1–25 lb. range and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

What You’ll Do

• Set up and operate CNC machining centers (Mazak and Okuma strongly preferred; Haas may be considered).
• Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T; a blueprint test will be required in the interview process.
• Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, and other precision instruments, verifying conformance to specifications.
• Deburr and clean finished components using hand and power tools.
• Maintain production rates while upholding consistent quality standards in a fast-paced team environment.
• Safely handle parts from 1 lb. to 25 lbs., with occasional lifts up to 50 lbs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of CNC machining experience (operation or set-up; not an entry-level position).
• Proven blueprint reading ability (interview includes a blueprint test).
• Proficiency with micrometers, calipers, and other precision measurement tools.
• Solid grasp of shop math and fundamental machining practices.
• Comfort standing for most of the shift and lifting 25 lbs. regularly (50 lbs. occasionally).
• Availability for 2nd shift (4:30 PM – 1:30 AM, Monday–Friday) or 1st shift with possible Saturday overtime.

Preferred Background

• 6–8 years of CNC machining experience (advanced proficiency).
• Demonstrated CNC set-up expertise in addition to machine operation.
• Experience with Mazak and/or Okuma controls; Haas exposure is a plus.
• Additional machining coursework or training (e.g., Continuous Improvement Institute or equivalent).
• Strong organization and problem-solving capabilities in a dynamic production setting.

Core Competencies

• GD&T
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• G-Code
• Tape Measure Reading
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Equipment You’ll Use

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC): Mazak, Haas, Okuma
• CNC Lathe (2–4 axis): Mazak, Haas, Okuma