CNC Mill Setup Machinist

CNC Mill Machine Operator Set Up

Location:

MLK / GQM / 67G / LNT / UF

Department:
Production

Reports To:

Production Supervisor

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

The CNC Setup Machinist is responsible for the complete setup, operation, and first-article verification of horizontal, vertical, and 5-axis CNC milling machining centers equipped with Okuma OSP, Haas, and Fanuc control systems. Working from engineering drawings, CAM programs, and setup sheets, the Setup Machinist selects and assembles fixtures/tooling, loads and edits G-code programs, establishes work offsets, performs in-process inspection, and produces conforming parts to print within established cycle times and quality standards.

This role will focus on machine setup and training of other machinist to share skills & knowledge. This position operates within a regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment and requires strict adherence to AS9100 quality management requirements and company CMMC cybersecurity compliance policies.

• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, operation sheets, and CAM setup documentation to plan and execute machine setups.
• Coordinate with engineering on New Part Introduction (NPI)
• Select, assemble, preset, and load cutting tools (end mills, face mills, drills, reamers, boring heads, taps, etc.) using tool presetters and shrink-fit or hydraulic tool holders.
• Mount and indicate fixtures, tombstones, vises, and custom work holding to within specified tolerances. Some fixture design and manufacturing will be required.
• Set and verify all work coordinate offsets and tool length / diameter offsets on Okuma OSP, Haas, and Fanuc controllers.
• Configure B-axis / trunnion positions and rotary table indexing for 5-axis simultaneous and 3+2 positional work. The majority of work will be conducted on vertical & horizontal machining centers.
• Load, transfer, and verify CNC part programs via DNC/network or USB; perform program edits at the control as required.

• Edit G-code and M-code at the control to correct toolpath, feeds, speeds, cutter compensation, and subprogram calls.
• Adjust macros, variables, and canned cycles (G73, G74, G76, G81–G89) on Fanuc and Haas controls; modify conversational programs on Okuma OSP as needed.
• Optimize cutting parameters to improve cycle time, surface finish, and tool life without sacrificing dimensional conformance.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers and process engineers to document program revisions and feed findings back to the CAM team.

• Perform first piece inspection using calibrated hand tools: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, CMM fixtures, and surface plates. Working closely with quality will be critical on first time runs.
• Apply GD&T principles to verify flatness, perpendicularity, true position, runout, and profile callouts.
• Complete in-process SPC checks and statistical control charts per the Quality Control Plan.
• Follow all traveler, router, and work order documentation requirements; ensure traceability of materials, tools, and processes per AS9100 and customer flow-down requirements.
• Maintain strict configuration control — no unauthorized deviations, substitutions, or undocumented process changes.

• Monitor and adjust feeds, speeds, depth of cut, and coolant flow during production runs to maintain part quality and maximize tool life.
• Detect abnormal sounds, vibration, chatter, or alarms and take corrective action or elevate as required.
• Perform tool life management: track insert index counts, end-mill wear, tap condition, and execute planned tool changes.
• Support machine operators and CNC operators during production; provide setup handoff documentation for subsequent shifts & other machinists to take over so you can move on to the next setup.

• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance: lubrication, coolant concentration checks and top-off, chip conveyor clearing, filter replacement, and way wipe-down.
• Report abnormal machine condition, axis alarms, or hydraulic/pneumatic issues to maintenance immediately.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area in compliance with 5S standards.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, and overhead hoists to load/unload fixtures and work pieces (certification required).

• Follow all OSHA, company, and department safety policies including lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE requirements, and machine guarding standards.
• Handle coolants, cutting fluids, and metalworking lubricants per SDS requirements and environmental regulations.
• Adhere to all CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) policies governing access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) — including proper handling of digital part programs, setup documentation, and manufacturing data on shop-floor systems and networked machines.
• Participate in safety audits, toolbox talks, and…