Swiss Machinist Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Swiss CNC Setup Programmer / Prototype Technician
Location: San Jose, California
Compensation: $38–$50 per hour
Employment Type: Full-time, direct hire

Position Overview
An established precision manufacturing organization is building out a new engineering and prototyping operation in San Jose and is seeking an experienced Swiss CNC setup professional to take ownership of its machining capabilities.

This individual will program, set up and operate a recently installed Star SR-20II Swiss-type CNC lathe, which is currently the only CNC machine at the location. The position will support an on-site team of approximately eight engineers developing, testing and refining new products and manufacturing processes.

Because a CAM platform has not yet been implemented, the immediate need is for someone who can confidently work directly with Fanuc-style G-code, including writing programs, editing code at the control, proving out new jobs and making machining adjustments without depending on CAM-generated programs. Once a CAM system is selected, this person will have the opportunity to learn the platform and help establish the site's long-term programming standards.

This is not a production operator position. It is a highly independent, hands-on role combining Swiss machining, prototype development, inspection and technical lab support. The goal is to help engineering move efficiently from an initial design through machining, testing and production-ready process development—sometimes within the same day.

Primary Responsibilities

• Take day-to-day ownership of the site's Star SR-20II Swiss-type CNC lathe and associated bar-feeding equipment.
• Write, edit and troubleshoot G-code directly at the machine without relying exclusively on CAM software.
• Perform complete machine setups, including tooling, workholding, collets, guide bushings, offsets and bar-feeder preparation.
• Develop machining processes for new prototype and preproduction components from engineering drawings and technical requirements.
• Prove out new programs, produce first articles and make real-time adjustments to achieve dimensional and functional requirements.
• Optimize programs, tooling and machining sequences to improve cycle time, repeatability, tool life and part quality.
• Work directly with an on-site team of approximately eight engineers to quickly manufacture samples, evaluate results and incorporate design changes.
• Support rapid iteration between machining, inspection and technical testing, with projects potentially progressing from prototype evaluation to a production-ready process within a very short timeframe.
• Inspect completed parts using micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, thread gauges, plug gauges and other precision inspection equipment.
• Learn to operate specialized laboratory and product-testing equipment; previous lab experience is helpful but not required.
• Apply a machinist's troubleshooting mindset to test equipment, sample preparation and experimental workflows.
• Help establish the facility's CNC and laboratory procedures, including job flow, sample tracking, test sequencing, data collection and documentation.
• Track tooling, raw material, work in process, finished samples and test components moving through the machining and laboratory areas.
• Identify and resolve equipment problems, process bottlenecks, quality concerns and workflow inefficiencies with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, planning and other manufacturing personnel located both on-site and at other company facilities.
• Safely operate supporting equipment such as manual mills, lathes, grinders and saws when needed.
• Maintain an organized, safe and efficient machining and laboratory environment.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of hands-on experience programming, setting up and operating Swiss-type CNC lathes.
• Strong knowledge of CNC G-code and the ability to write, edit and troubleshoot programs directly at a machine control.
• Experience performing complete Swiss machine setups independently, from initial tooling and program preparation through first-article approval.
• Working knowledge of Fanuc or comparable CNC controls.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing instructions.
• Proficiency with common precision inspection equipment, including micrometers, calipers, optical comparators and fixed gauges.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including speeds and feeds, cutting tools, tool wear, offsets, workholding and process troubleshooting.
• Ability to work effectively in a prototype or high-mix environment where priorities and part requirements may change quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and solve machining, equipment and workflow problems without waiting for detailed direction.
• Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, email, documentation and manufacturing-related software.
• High school diploma or equivalent, with practical knowledge of shop mathematics and trigonometry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with Star Swiss-type CNC equipment, particularly SR-series machines.
• Experience with Citizen, Tsugami, Tornos or other sliding-headstock Swiss platforms may also be considered.
• Familiarity with macro programming, subprograms and efficient hand-programming techniques.
• Prototype machining, applications engineering or manufacturing development experience.
• Exposure to CAM programming, with an interest in helping evaluate or implement a future CAM platform.
• Experience supporting engineers with test samples, product development or process validation.
• Familiarity with structured inspection, test documentation or laboratory equipment.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly capable Swiss setup programmer who enjoys owning the entire machining process rather than simply operating established production jobs. This person should be comfortable serving as the site's primary machining resource, working directly with engineers and making independent decisions about programming, tooling, setup, inspection and troubleshooting.
The laboratory side of the position does not require previous scientific or formal lab experience. The organization is looking for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, curiosity and the willingness to learn new testing equipment and apply the same disciplined problem-solving approach used on the shop floor.
This opportunity is particularly well suited to someone who enjoys prototype work, technical variety, rapid iteration and the ability to build a machining operation correctly from the ground up.