CNC Milling Setup Specialist (Mazak VMC/HMC)

Step into a day where precision meets productivity

Picture this: you clock in for your chosen shift — early at 6:30 am or later at 3:00 pm — and head to your Mazak vertical or horizontal mill. You calibrate the machine, dial in fixtures and tooling, and load an optimized CNC program you’ve refined. After a meticulous first-piece inspection with micrometers and calipers, you release the run, support nearby operators, and keep production flowing. When something unexpected pops up, you’re the person everyone turns to — the troubleshooter, the coach, and the process optimizer.

What you’ll do

• Set up, operate, and make advanced adjustments on CNC machinery — particularly Mazak vertical and horizontal mills — keeping equipment precisely calibrated.
• Develop, refine, and maintain CNC programs, part fixturing, tooling, and setup sheets to boost throughput and part quality on both CNC and manual mills.
• Diagnose and resolve complex CNC issues to reduce downtime and sustain productivity.
• Own setups for CNC mills in your assigned area and provide hands-on assistance to operators and tenders.
• Inspect parts in-process using precision instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges) to ensure they meet spec.
• Perform first-piece inspections, complete all required quality and production paperwork, and verify in-process checks performed by tenders.
• Record production results and machine performance in the ERP system, accurately tracking materials, adjustments, and outputs.
• Guide and support CNC Operators and Tenders with setups, troubleshooting, and daily operational challenges.
• Train operators/tenders on parts, procedures, and best practices to hit delivery and quality goals.
• Identify, document, and implement continuous-improvement ideas that shorten setup times, enhance machining methods, raise production rates, and strengthen safety and quality.
• Collaborate with fellow Setup Technicians and the Engineering team to elevate machine performance, programs, and setups.
• Maintain process documentation — setup sheets, monitoring logs — to keep operations consistent and repeatable.
• Oversee the scrap process for your area, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to standards.
• Ensure daily preventive maintenance is completed on assigned equipment and partner with Maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Follow safety protocols, wear required PPE, and keep your work area clean and organized.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and assist with advanced tasks as needed.
• Take on other related duties as assigned.

Who you’ll report to

You may report indirectly to a Production Lead, with a direct reporting relationship to the Production Supervisor.

What you’ll bring

• Age 18+.
• High school diploma/GED or significant relevant experience.
• 5+ years operating CNC equipment across single- and multi-axis platforms and single- and multi-turret systems, including Mazaks, Doosans, INDEX, and Nakamuras.
• Skilled with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, gauges) and common hand tools (drills, screwdrivers, impacts).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and part schematics.
• Comfortable reading/writing, doing basic math, and following written and verbal instructions.

Proficiencies that set you up for success

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting
• CNC Programming
• G-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you’ll use

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Mazak
• Horizontal Machining Center (3–4 axis)
• Thread Gauges (GO/NO-GO)
• Calipers and Micrometers
• Measurement Gauges
• Overhead Crane

Schedule & employment details

• Full-time, 40+ hours per week; management determines specific days/hours.
• Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, eight (8) hours per day; occasional overtime, evening, and weekend work may be required.
• First shift: 6:30 am–3:00 pm. Second shift: 3:00 pm–11:30 pm.

Work environment & physical demands

Manufacturing environment with frequent lifting of materials/products up to 50 lbs and occasional lifts up to 75 lbs. Frequent hand/finger use to handle and adjust equipment; moderate reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping, and grasping. Safety equipment is required, including safety glasses and steel-toed work boots or shoes.