CNC Mill Machinist

Mill Machinist / CNC Mill Set-Up Technician

This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC mills and machining centers to produce short-run, precision components from metallic and non-metallic materials. You will handle first-run setups, work with advanced multi-axis equipment, and collaborate closely with programming and manufacturing teams to ensure high-quality parts are delivered on time. The position is available on both day shift (7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.) and swing shift (3:00 p.m. 11:30 p.m.).

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC mills and machining centers for short-run, precision machining, with primary responsibility for first-run parts.
• Review and interpret CAD drawings, 3D models, blueprints, sketches, manuals, specifications, sample parts, work instructions, job travelers, and setup documentation to determine dimensions, tolerances, sequence of operations, and setup requirements.
• Set up and operate vertical milling, horizontal milling, turning centers, turn/mill centers, and multi-axis machines to fabricate precision machined parts.
• Specialize in setting up mill-turn sub-spindle live tooling lathes from start to finish with minimal or no supervision, while operating the machine to fully utilize its capabilities.
• Load and download CNC programs, offsets, and related data; select, align, and secure workholding/fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, and accessories; load CNC programs; and set applicable zeroes and offsets.
• Run initial or trial parts to verify accuracy of machine settings and programmed control data, making necessary adjustments to zeroes, offsets, and related parameters.
• Start and monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions, adjusting machine controls as required to maintain quality.
• Prove out CNC programs and provide feedback and strategies to the Programming Department and other relevant personnel for corrections and improvements.
• Provide input for CNC program adjustments and, as assigned, calculate and set controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut.
• Verify conformance of finished workpieces to specifications, measuring and documenting in-process inspection data using calibrated measuring and test equipment.
• Submit first article pieces to the Inspection Department for verification and buy-off on the job traveler before proceeding with production runs.
• Log into and out of job operations in the ERP system and accurately complete job travelers, including quantities and other required data.
• Design and fabricate, or support others in creating, tooling, cutters, workholding, fixtures, jaws, or addressing related procurement issues as needed.
• Monitor and maintain machine coolants, lubricants, oils, fluids, and grease, refilling as required or requesting Maintenance support when appropriate.
• Document maintenance tasks performed on machine coolant fluid maintenance logs, as applicable.
• Guide and instruct other machine operators, machinists, or personnel as assigned to support ongoing production runs and operations.
• Coordinate and collaborate with machining, CNC programming, CMM programming, engineering, inspection, manufacturing, and quality personnel to optimize processes and resolve issues.
• Provide input and solutions for technical, programming, and production-related problems, recommending improvements to enhance product quality, operational efficiency, safety, and equipment utilization.
• Maintain a strong sense of urgency and prioritize work to meet critical deadlines and on-time delivery requirements.
• Follow established company processes and policies, including submitting all requested program edits through formal program change request procedures rather than editing at the machine.

Essential Skills

• Intermediate to journeyman-level CNC mill machining experience, including set-up experience.
• Ability to independently set up and run CNC vertical and horizontal mills from start to finish using setup documentation.
• Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting CAD drawings, models, blueprints, sketches, specifications, and work instructions.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating vertical and horizontal mills, turning centers, turn/mill centers, and multi-axis machines.
• Ability to select and set up workholding/fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, and accessories for CNC machining operations.
• Experience loading and downloading CNC programs, setting zeroes and offsets, and validating initial setups.
• Skill in monitoring machine operations, identifying malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions, and making appropriate adjustments.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments and calibrated test equipment to verify part conformance and document in-process inspection data.
• Familiarity with G and M codes and the fundamentals of CNC programming and program prove-out.
• Experience with Mazak and Fanuc controls or similar CNC control systems.
• Demonstrated process orientation and willingness to follow and adapt to established machining and production processes.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize work to meet tight deadlines and on-time delivery commitments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Journeyman-level CNC mill machinist experience, including both vertical and horizontal milling, is highly desirable.
• Experience with 4-axis CNC milling is acceptable and will be considered.
• Experience with 5-axis CNC mills and multi-axis machining centers is a plus.
• Knowledge or experience with Mastercam or newer CAD/CAM software is preferred.
• Familiarity with Renishaw probe systems and touch probes for part setup and efficiency improvement is beneficial.
• Experience working with Mazak CNC machines is a plus but not required.
• Ability to provide detailed feedback to programmers and technical staff on cycle time reduction and machine optimization.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including machining, CNC programming, CMM programming, engineering, inspection, manufacturing, and quality.
• Capability to design or support the design and fabrication of tooling, fixtures, jaws, and workholding solutions.
• Comfort working within a structured environment where program edits are processed through a formal change request system rather than directly at the machine.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to guide or mentor other machine operators and machinists.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a modern, state-of-the-art machining facility that continually invests in new multi-million-dollar CNC equipment, giving you access to the latest technology and tools. The organization emphasizes continuous career growth, offering clear opportunities to expand your skills, take on more complex work, and grow your earning potential over time. You will join a collaborative, family-like culture where teamwork, mutual support, and open communication are strongly encouraged. A generous and competitive benefits package is available upon direct hire, supporting both your professional development and overall well-being.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, modern machining facility equipped with more than ten CNC machines, with additional machines currently being built. The equipment includes advanced platforms such as MATSUURA MX-850 5-axis, MATSUURA MAM-500HG-PC11, DMG MORI mill-turn machines (NLX 3000 and NLX 2500), DMU50 Deckel Maho 5-axis universal milling machine, and high-capacity horizontal cell machining centers (A55 with 38-pallet capacity, A88 with 12-pallet capacity, and A77 with 12-pallet capacity). The facility is relatively new and still expanding, with a clean room and dedicated quality control area being added. Day shift currently includes a small, collaborative team of programmers and machinists, and the environment encourages close coordination and knowledge sharing. Both day shift (7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.) and swing shift (3:00 p.m. 11:30 p.m.) are available, providing structured hours in a professional, process-driven production setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tualatin, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $38.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(