CNC Mill Set Up Tech

Summary

The CNC Mill Setup Technician is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and maintaining CNC milling machines to produce precision aerospace components in accordance with engineering blueprints, quality standards, and customer requirements. This role requires advanced machining knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to ensure product conformance within tight aerospace tolerances. The technician will collaborate closely with engineers, programmers, and quality personnel to achieve efficient, accurate production runs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Including but not limited to:

Machine Setup and Operation

• Set up and operate CNC milling machines to produce complex aerospace parts to print specifications.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and setup sheets.

• Select, install, and adjust tools, fixtures, and workholding devices.

• Load and verify CNC programs; make offset and tool wear adjustments as needed.

• Perform test runs and first article inspections to validate setups.

• Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or deviations from specifications.

Quality and Inspection

• Measure parts using precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, and CMM equipment.

• Verify dimensional accuracy and surface finish in accordance with aerospace and AS9100 quality standards.

• Complete first article and in-process inspection documentation as required.

• Identify and report nonconforming parts and assist in root cause analysis.

Maintenance and Continuous Improvement

• Perform routine machine maintenance and keep work areas clean and organized.

• Collaborate with supervisors and programmers to optimize machining processes for efficiency and quality.

• Suggest process improvements to reduce cycle time, scrap, and tool wear.

• Follow all company and safety procedures, including proper handling of tools and materials.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade school certification preferred.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience setting up and operating CNC milling machines in a precision or aerospace manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining preferred.

• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and CNC programming fundamentals (Fanuc, Haas, or Siemens controls).

Language Skills

• Ability to read, interpret, and understand blueprints, work instructions, and inspection documentation.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.

Mathematical Skills

• Proficient in basic and applied mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry.

• Ability to calculate dimensions, tolerances, and speeds/feeds as required.

Reasoning Ability

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to identify issues in machining or setup processes and propose effective solutions.

You should be proficient in:

• CNC Tooling
• Machine Building/Assembling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Repair
• CNC Machine Installation
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Machine Safety Inspections
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• CNC Automation Solutions
• CNC Laser Cutter
• CNC Grinder
• CNC Plasma Cutter
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)