CNC Set Up I

Position 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

Qualifications

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.