CNC Setup Operator Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Automatic Precision, Inc. is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented CNC Swiss Setup Machinist to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for the setup, changeover, and first-article approval of Swiss CNC lathes and Escomatic screw machines to produce precision turned components. You will work closely with our production team, quality department, and supervisors to ensure parts are set up correctly, run efficiently, and meet all dimensional and finish requirements. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience setting up Swiss-type or sliding headstock machines and takes pride in delivering repeatable, high-quality results.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Machine Setup:  Perform complete setups on Swiss CNC lathes (Citizen, STAR, Nexturn) including loading raw material, installing and qualifying tooling, setting offsets, and making programming adjustments
2. First Article / Startup:  Run and inspect first-article parts to verify all dimensions and tolerances are within specification before releasing the job to production operators
3. Operation:  Operate machines during startup and as needed to maintain production flow; monitor part quality and make real-time adjustments
4. Quality Assurance:  Use precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges, optical comparators) to verify dimensions and surface finish; escalate out-of-tolerance conditions to Quality immediately
5. Troubleshooting:  Diagnose and resolve machine issues including tool wear, programming errors, bar feed problems, and mechanical malfunctions; minimize downtime
6. Process Optimization:  Collaborate with engineering and production supervisors to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and optimize tooling and cutting parameters
7. Safety & Maintenance:  Follow all safety procedures; perform routine preventive maintenance on assigned machines; maintain a clean and organized work cell
8. Documentation:  Complete setup sheets, first article records, tooling logs, and all required documentation accurately and on time

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in CNC machining strongly preferred
2. Minimum 2 years of experience setting up Swiss-type CNC lathes, sliding headstock machines in a production environment - we will train the right candidate
3. Proficiency in setting up and operating Swiss CNC machines including tooling selection, offset entry, and bar feed setup
4. Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T callouts per ASME Y14.5
5. Hands-on proficiency with precision measuring instruments: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, plug gauges, and optical comparators
6. Working knowledge of G-code and M-code; ability to make minor program edits at the machine control
7. Understanding of cutting tool geometry, insert grades, and tooling wear patterns
8. Strong troubleshooting skills; ability to identify root cause and implement solutions quickly
9. Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to first-time quality
10. Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with operators, quality personnel, and supervisors

WORK ENVIRONMENT

API's Escomatic Department operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week and houses 153 Escomatic machines — 62 D-2s, 18

D-4s, and 73 D-6s — making us one of the largest Escomatic operations in the United States. You will work in a fast-paced but

organized production environment alongside experienced machinists and setup technicians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Ability to stand and move on a production floor for extended periods
2. Ability to lift and carry tooling and materials up to 50 lbs
3. Manual dexterity and fine motor control for tooling installation and precision measurement
4. Regularly bending, reaching, and working in confined machine areas
5. Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machine noise, cutting fluids, and metal chips

Automatic Precision, Inc. is a family-owned precision machining company based in Harwood Heights, Illinois, near Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. Founded in 1976, we manufacture small precision-turned metal components using CNC Swiss, Escomatic, cam Swiss, and rotary-transfer machining. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified operation includes more than 200 machines across approximately 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space. We serve customers in a wide range of industries and are committed to quality, consistency, teamwork, and building long-term relationships with both our customers and employees.

Company Description

Automatic Precision, Inc. is a family-owned precision machining company based in Harwood Heights, Illinois, near Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. Founded in 1976, we manufacture small precision-turned metal components using CNC Swiss, Escomatic, cam Swiss, and rotary-transfer machining. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified operation includes more than 200 machines across approximately 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space. We serve customers in a wide range of industries and are committed to quality, consistency, teamwork, and building long-term relationships with both our customers and employees.