CNC Setup Machinist

Overview

We're partnering confidentially with a growing precision manufacturer in Southeastern Wisconsin to identify a CNC Setup Machinist to support a busy machining operation focused on close-tolerance precision components.

This role is ideal for a hands-on setup machinist who enjoys machine setup, tooling, troubleshooting, process improvement, and helping keep production moving in a fast-paced environment. The position offers strong exposure to CNC lathes, live tooling, and precision machining work across complex components.

The company continues to invest heavily in equipment, training, and long-term growth and is looking for people who want to build a career in a highly respected machining environment.

Schedule

Full-Time
Custom part-time schedules may be considered for qualified machinists.

Shift Options

1st Shift: 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2nd Shift: 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Shift premium available for 2nd shift

Typical schedules may include:

• Monday-Thursday
• Tuesday-Friday

Overtime opportunities available depending on production volume.

Machines You'll Work With

• Miyano
• Miyano BX
• Mori Seiki
• Doosan
• GT
• Lynx
• Puma
• Barfeed systems

Strong lathe/live tooling experience is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up CNC machines to meet print and production requirements
• Adjust tooling, offsets, speeds, and feeds for production
• Prepare parts and load material into machines
• Read and interpret blueprints, routing sheets, and machining instructions
• Download/load programs and support production changeovers
• Perform close-tolerance machining operations
• Troubleshoot machine, tooling, and process issues
• Inspect finished parts to ensure quality standards are met
• Maintain tooling and insert/tooling inventory
• Make machine adjustments during production as needed
• Support continuous improvement and process optimization efforts
• Train or assist operators and newer team members where needed
• Maintain organized work area and follow all quality and safety standards

Qualifications

Looking for candidates with:

• 3-5+ years CNC setup experience in a manufacturing environment
• CNC lathe setup experience strongly preferred
• Live tooling experience preferred
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and machining documentation
• Experience with feeds, speeds, offsets, tooling, and setup optimization
• Experience with close-tolerance machining
• Ability to use measuring instruments such as:
• Micrometers
• Calipers
• Gauges
• Inspection tools
• Strong troubleshooting and mechanical problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently in a production environment
• Strong quality awareness and attention to detail
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in active shop environment

Benefits & Perks

This organization offers a very strong total rewards package for machining talent:

Compensation & Incentives

• Competitive hourly wages based on experience
• Sign-on bonus available
• Employee referral bonus
• Quarterly incentive bonus program
• Weekly pay

Paid Time Off

• PTO begins accruing upon hire
• Paid holidays (11 annually)

Health & Wellness

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Dependent Care Flex Plan
• Critical Illness coverage
• Accident coverage
• Short-Term Disability (company paid)
• Long-Term Disability
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Optional supplemental life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to near-site health clinic services

Retirement

• 401(k) with company match
• Immediate vesting

Additional Perks

• Climate-controlled facility
• Tuition reimbursement / education assistance
• Ongoing technical training and development
• Internal advancement opportunities
• Tool purchase assistance
• Safety shoe reimbursement
• Prescription safety glasses program
• Uniform rental/laundry options
• Company lunches and employee appreciation events
• Casual work environment
• Free coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Apprenticeship and development programs

Culture & Environment

This team cares deeply about attitude, craftsmanship, accountability, and fit.

They tend to do best with people who are:

• Humble
• Hands-on
• Mechanically strong
• Team-oriented
• Reliable
• Coachable
• Comfortable moving quickly
• Strong problem solvers
• Quality-minded
• Respectful under pressure
• Interested in long-term opportunity vs. short-term job hopping

Team environment includes:

• Fast-paced, high-accountability manufacturing environment
• Strong teamwork across production and engineering
• Direct communication with low bureaucracy
• Leadership that is visible and accessible
• Strong "all hands on deck" mentality
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Significant investment in equipment and people
• Long-tenured employees and strong retention

Why Candidates Are Interested

• Strong setup-focused role with hands-on machining responsibility
• Work with complex precision-machined parts
• Stable, growing manufacturer with long-term opportunity
• Strong benefits package
• Climate-controlled environment
• Investment in training and advancement
• Leadership team values skill, effort, and attitude
• Opportunity to make a visible impact on production