Swiss Setup Technician

Current Opening - 2nd Shift - 1:30PM - 10:00PM - Monday-Friday

Job Summary
The Swiss Setup Technician is responsible for setting up and verifying CNC Swiss-style lathe operations, ensuring jobs are configured for safe, accurate, and efficient production. This includes interpreting blueprints and setup sheets, selecting and loading tooling, dialing in offsets, and performing test cuts to validate first articles. The technician works closely with Quality Control to ensure dimensional compliance and operates machines to support daily production goals. This role requires a high level of mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication to sustain output and precision.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
• 3+ years of experience operating and setting up CNC Swiss lathes in a manufacturing environment (required)
• Experience with Citizen Swiss-type machines (strongly preferred)
• Proficiency with G-code interpretation, bar feeder operation, and micro-adjustments required

Knowledge

• Swiss Setup Practices – Proficient in setting up Swiss machines including bar feeder loading, part holding, tooling configuration, and offset calibration
• Blueprint and GD&T Interpretation – Strong ability to interpret complex blueprints and machining tolerances
• Inspection Equipment – Skilled with calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, bore indicators, and height gauges
• Process Troubleshooting – Capable of identifying and correcting chatter, poor finish, toleranceissues, and tooling conflicts
• First Article Validation – Experienced in collaborating with QC for FAI inspection and approval
• Production Integration – Understands the role of Swiss machining in broader shop flow and scheduling
• English Language – Able to read technical documentation, safety notices, and inspection protocols

Skills

• Proficient in performing precise setups on Swiss-style CNC lathes
• Able to work closely with inspection personnel to validate first article inspection with confidence and accuracy
• Strong mechanical skill in tooling installation, bar feeder setup, and offset tuning
• Communicates clearly across programming, quality, and leadership teams
• Able to train and guide Swiss Operators in best practices and machine use
• Keeps detailed records of setup conditions, adjustments, and production anomalies
• Works calmly and independently in a high-mix, short-run, or fast-paced environment

Work Context
Responsibility for Others

• Maintains safe work practices and mentors Swiss Operators as needed
• Leads by example in cleanliness, safety, and quality
• May assist in onboarding and cross-training of setup and operator personnel

Work Setting

• Shop floor machining environment
• Assigned to Swiss-style CNC lathes (e.g., Citizen, Star, Tsugami)
• Daily exposure to cutting fluids, fine chips, bar stock, and machinery noise
• Frequent collaboration with other setup techs, operators, and QC

Job Hazards

• Potential contact with rotating tools, bar feeders, and hot components if proper safety protocols are not followed
• Ergonomic risks such as repetitive motion, awkward positioning, or lifting strain if best practices are neglected
• Exposure to cutting fluids and airborne particulates — mitigated through use of PPE, ventilation systems, and standard operating procedures
• All hazards are controlled through proper training, machine guarding, personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to company safety policies

Body Positioning

• ~85% standing/walking, 15% lifting
• Frequent bending, reaching, tool handling, and bar loading
• Lifting up to 50 lbs solo; team lift for heavier items

Basic Work Attire

• Shop-appropriate work shirt and pants
• Steel-toe shoes or boots
• Mandatory safety glasses in machining zones
• Other PPE (gloves, hearing protection, etc.) based on area-specific policy

Primary Job Duties

• Review travelers, blueprints, and setup documentation to determine setup parameters
• Install and align collets, bushings, guide bushings, and tooling appropriate to the job
• Load bar stock and verify alignment, stroke clearance, and cutoff position
• Input and verify work offsets, tool lengths, and bar feeder settings
• Run test parts and perform full in-process inspections to validate the setup
• Collaborate with QC to complete First Article Inspections and make required corrections
• Operate machines during critical phases or as production requires
• Train Swiss Operators in safe loading, inspection, and documentation practices
• Maintain detailed setup logs, tooling usage, and production counts
• Diagnose and resolve issues such as tool wear, finish quality, burrs, or tolerance drift
• May be required to operate CNC equipment in other departments as dictated by production schedules and organizational needs
• Maintain clean, organized, and audit-ready workstation per 5S principles
• Communicate with programming and leadership regarding print or tooling conflicts
• Assist with rework, deburring, or secondary operations as workload permits

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.