CNC Turning Center Setup Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

CNC Turning Center Setup Specialist

Imagine walking into a newly constructed, air‑conditioned, clean, and well‑organized production facility just 12 miles west of downtown Chicago. By mid‑morning, you’ve studied a new work order, translated GD&T from the blueprint into a solid plan, and begun dialing in a multi‑spindle lathe. By afternoon, first‑article parts are verified to international standards, offsets are refined, and production is humming. That’s a typical day at Belden Universal—where universal joints and drive shafts you help produce go straight into real‑world applications.

Join Belden Universal and build your career in advanced manufacturing. You will work side‑by‑side with seasoned machinists, setting up and operating CNC turning centers while contributing to a company that’s growing fast and offers meaningful opportunities for advancement.

What you’ll do

• Plan each job by reviewing work orders, blueprints, materials, specifications, locations of surfaces, and machining parameters; accurately interpret geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T).
• Program multi‑spindle lathes: enter instructions including zero and reference points; set tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; calculate requirements using basic math, geometry, and trigonometry; prove out part programs.
• Set up lathes by installing and adjusting a variety of tools to suit the operation.
• Load the feed mechanism by lifting stock into position securely and safely.
• Verify your setup by measuring positions, first‑run parts, and sample workpieces; work to international standards.
• Hold spec through the run by monitoring drilling, grooving, and cutting operations—including turning, facing, knurling, and thread chasing; take measurements; detect malfunctions; troubleshoot processes; adjust and reprogram controls; sharpen/replace worn tools; follow quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Operate safely by adhering to all safety procedures and regulations.
• Keep machines reliable by performing preventive maintenance per manufacturer instructions and troubleshooting malfunctions.
• Document work by completing production and quality logs.

Schedule

This role is ideally for our swing shift (9 AM to 6:30 PM, 45 hours per week), but can also be filled by someone who is available for the first shift (6 AM to 2:30 PM, 40 hours per week).

What you bring

• 5+ years of experience on CNC turning centers (Swiss turning is preferred).
• Proficiency in G‑code programming.
• Strong conceptual skills and a process‑improvement mindset.
• Clear verbal communication and solid functional/technical skills.
• Comfort with controls and instrumentation, tooling knowledge, and excellent coordination.

Why Belden Universal

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package plus 401‑K match.
• 10 paid company holidays and 4 paid personal days per year.
• A modern facility, supportive teammates, and significant opportunities for advancement for motivated candidates.