Setup Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Setup Machinist – Aerospace

Location: Mead, CO
Pay: $35hr (DOE)

Available Schedule:

• Monday to Friday 6am start time

Type: Temp-to-Hire

This is a hands-on Setup Machinist role in a smaller, tight-knit aerospace machine shop where you'll own setups from print to first article and help keep production moving. You'll work closely with programming and the shop floor to dial in jobs, troubleshoot issues in real time, and maintain the precision and quality standards aerospace work demands. It's a strong fit for someone who enjoys variety, autonomy, and being a go-to technical resource within the shop.

• Set up CNC mills and/or lathes (3–5 axis preferred) for tight-tolerance aerospace components.
• Prepare jobs by building tooling and fixturing, prepping materials, and setting work and tool offsets according to program requirements.
• Interpret blueprints and GD&T to ensure accurate, repeatable setups.
• Run and validate first articles, making adjustments before releasing jobs to production.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers on job progress and process improvements.
• Troubleshoot machining and setup issues to minimize downtime.
• Load and unload parts while supporting production flow.
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment and document results.
• Maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, and process documentation.
• Complete routine preventive maintenance on machines and equipment.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and cycle times.

• 2–8+ years of CNC machining and setup experience, ideally within aerospace or other precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong blueprint reading skills and working knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience with CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, or similar platforms.
• Ability to set up complex parts and consistently hold tight tolerances.
• Experience working with a variety of materials, including aerospace alloys.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Familiarity with precision inspection tools and quality standards.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented shop environment.

• 5-axis setup experience.
• Light program editing or CAM exposure.
• Experience supporting FAI and AS9100 environments.
• Proven success contributing to process improvements and increased shop-floor efficiency.

• Choice of weekend or weekday evening schedule.
• Smaller team environment where your input is valued and you'll have real ownership of your work.
• Strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to expand your technical skills and grow into more advanced machining or programming responsibilities.
• Benefits available after the waiting period, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).