Swiss CNC Setup Machinist

Tree Top Staffing is recruiting a Swiss CNC Setup Machinist for a growing, family-owned precision machining company serving aerospace, defense, and other precision manufacturing industries.

This opportunity offers a day-shift schedule with Friday afternoons off, voluntary overtime, a climate-controlled shop, and medical coverage for employees and eligible family members with an employee contribution of just $1 per week.

The Swiss CNC Setup Machinist will program, set up, adjust, and prove out multi-axis Swiss-style CNC automatic lathes to manufacture high-precision, close-tolerance components.

Supporting five Star Swiss machines, this person will take new jobs from engineering drawings or models through programming, tooling preparation, setup, first-piece approval, and production handoff. The primary focus is establishing reliable processes and supporting operators, rather than continuously operating a single machine.

The ideal candidate brings independent programming and setup capabilities, strong blueprint-reading skills, proficiency with precision measuring instruments, and the troubleshooting ability to improve machining processes.

• Perform complete setups on multi-axis Swiss CNC lathes, including selecting, mounting, and aligning cutting tools, guide bushings, collets, and bar feeders.
• Write programs from engineering drawings or models using the machine control or CAD/CAM software.
• Load and edit established programs, prove out new programs, and adjust G-code and M-code to improve cycle times and component accuracy.
• Coordinate with scheduling to prepare tooling packages, collets, and other requirements ahead of job changes.
• Perform tool touch-offs, establish offsets, run initial parts, and make necessary corrections.

• Inspect first pieces and coordinate with the quality department for final approval before production.
• Use micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, gauge pins, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Maintain close tolerances, often within ±0.0002 inch on inside and outside diameters.
• Inspect threads, surface finishes, and critical dimensions against engineering drawings and applicable GD&T requirements.
• Accurately document setup sheets, tool lists, and inspection records in Pro Shop.
• Train operators on established jobs and assist with repeat setups and production questions.

• Resolve machining issues involving tool wear, chatter, chip control, threading, dimensional variation, and material binding.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, tooling, and offsets to maximize tool life and maintain part quality.
• Develop stable, repeatable processes that operators can run efficiently across shifts.
• Collaborate with experienced machinists, programmers, and quality personnel to resolve complex issues.

• Perform routine daily maintenance on machines and bar feeders, including coolant checks, lubrication, and chip cleanout.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workstation following 5S and company safety guidelines.

• Demonstrated ability to independently write CNC programs from scratch and complete new-part setups.
• Experience programming, setting up, and operating Swiss-style CNC lathes, such as Star, Citizen, Tsugami, Nomura, or comparable equipment.
• Three or more years of relevant experience preferred; demonstrated independent capability is more important than a specific number of years.
• Strong blueprint-reading skills and a working understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Familiarity with guide bushing adjustments, sub-spindle synchronization, and live tooling applications.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and close-tolerance machining.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate with teammates, train operators, and respond constructively to feedback.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.

Prior Star experience is not required. Highly capable mill-turn programmers and setup machinists with limited Swiss experience may also be considered.

• Experience with Fanuc 30 Series controls.
• Offline programming experience using Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM software.
• Experience machining stainless steel and alloy steel; titanium and Inconel experience is a…