Swiss Machinist

Job Title: Swiss Machinist

Job Description

The Swiss Machinist sets up, programs, and operates CNC Swiss machines to produce precision components in a highly digital, quality-focused, and climate-controlled manufacturing environment. This hybrid role combines hands-on machining, G-code programming, process monitoring, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to support either first-shift operations or independently maintain production during second-shift hours.

Responsibilities

• Study blueprints and job routers to understand specifications, materials, tolerances, and operational sequences required to set up new jobs.

• Determine material requirements and plan efficient operational sequences for CNC Swiss machining processes.

• Select appropriate cutting tools using knowledge of material properties, tool capabilities, and availability.

• Position, secure, and align tools in tool holders on Swiss machines and verify their positions for accurate machining.

• Program and operate CNC controls, including G-code, to set cutting speeds, depths, and feed rates.

• Use CAM software such as GibbsCAM or Partsmaker to support programming as needed in a hybrid setup/program role.

• Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and ensure in-process quality control sampling requirements are met.

• Monitor processes, materials, and machine operations and adjust controls or change tool settings to maintain dimensions within specified tolerances.

• Check parts regularly, make offsets, and change tools to keep production running, including overnight production on second shift where applicable.

• Clean and prepare parts for finishing and shipping in accordance with blueprints and job routers.

• Meet or exceed job order expectations, including setup times, cycle times, and total hours.

• Create detailed setup sheets and catalog, store, and maintain custom tooling and part programs for future use.

• Update company information on job routers to improve efficiency and accuracy for re-orders.

• Keep equipment and work areas clean, orderly, and well-organized, performing preventative maintenance on machines and tools.

• Suggest and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.

• Operate computers at the work center to handle digital time tracking, work order tracking, setup documentation, data entry, and blueprint access.

• Follow ISO 9001 and AS9100 guidelines and standard operating procedures in daily operations.

• Adhere to safety protocols and practices while managing chips, waste, and general shop operations.

• Collaborate with the broader team, communicate effectively, and contribute to a respectful and cooperative work environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience as a Swiss machinist with programming and setup capability on CNC Swiss machines.

• Proficiency with G-code programming and CNC controls for Swiss machining.

• Ability to use and interpret CAM/CAD software, preferably GibbsCAM or Partsmaker.

• Strong blueprint reading skills, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

• Advanced mathematics skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry.

• In-depth knowledge of machine designs, uses, capabilities, limitations, and maintenance requirements.

• Expertise in cutting tools such as cutoff, face/turn, groove, drill, and thread tools, including their capabilities, proper setup, and utilization.

• Understanding of work holding and fixturing methods, including their capabilities and limitations.

• Proficiency with measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, comparators, indicators, and other precision instruments.

• Knowledge of material properties and cutting dynamics, including proper speeds and feeds for various materials.

• Familiarity with post-processing and finishing operations and their effects on part quality and dimensions.

• Ability to calculate dimensions and tolerances, including allowances for coatings or plating when required.

• Strong PC skills with the ability to operate computers and effectively manage digital files in a paperless environment.

• Capability to monitor and control machining operations and perform quality control inspections.

• Experience working within ISO 9001 and AS9100 accredited environments or similar quality systems.

• Critical thinking skills to use logic and reasoning in evaluating alternative solutions and approaches.

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate resourcefulness in solving machining and process issues.

• Skill in prioritizing work and workflow, and re-prioritizing as needed to meet production requirements.

• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse team members, accept feedback, and remain calm and effective in stressful situations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Tsugami or similar CNC Swiss machines.

• Automation experience, particularly with robotically tended machines, is a plus.

• Familiarity with shop operations and systems, including material stock and labeling, shipping preparation, chip management, and waste handling.

• Knowledge of standard operating procedures and safety protocols in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to perform post-work processing and finishing operations to meet final part requirements.

• Comfort working in a hybrid role that includes setup, programming, operation, and potentially leading activities.

• Strong investigative skills to verify facts and information needed to complete work and resolve production issues.

• Demonstrated ability to use tact and diplomacy when interacting with others.

• Respectful attitude toward different working styles, perspectives, and priorities.

• Willingness to suggest and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Capability to create clear setup documentation and organize custom tooling and programs for repeatability and efficiency.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports both financial security and work-life balance. Team members can take advantage of a 401(k) program with up to a 3% match, along with multiple healthcare plan options to fit different needs. Paid time off starts at two weeks in the first year, increases to three weeks at two years, and can grow up to six weeks with long-term service, with flexibility for experienced candidates. The culture emphasizes professionalism, continuous improvement, and collaboration in a modern, highly digital manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

The work environment is climate controlled and highly digital, with a computer at every work center to support paperless operations including time tracking, work order management, setup documentation, data entry, and blueprint viewing. The facility operates CNC Swiss machines, including Tsugami equipment, and utilizes CAM software such as GibbsCAM and Partsmaker. The shop follows ISO 9001 and AS9100 guidelines daily and incorporates robotic automation on multiple machines. Work involves both first-shift roles with a broad range of experience and second-shift opportunities where self-sufficient machinists help maintain overnight production. Employees work in clean, organized areas, perform preventative maintenance on equipment and tools, and adhere to established safety protocols and standard operating procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Oakdale, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $96000.00/yr.

Health Vision Dental 401K PTO

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oakdale,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.