CNC Machinist Set-Up II

Job Description

Position Summary

The CNC Machine Set-Up II is responsible for setting up, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

This position performs complex machine setups with general supervision and is expected to independently complete new and repeat setups, machine changeovers, tooling adjustments, first article inspections, process verification, and machining optimization.

The CNC Machine Set-Up II will also serve as a technical resource within the manufacturing team, support Engineering and continuous improvement initiatives, and provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced CNC operators and setup personnel.

At Defiant, we value precision, accountability, initiative, and continuous improvement. We want people who don't simply show up and run a machine—we want people who look at a process and ask:

"How can we make this better?"

Key Responsibilities

• Set up CNC machines for production, including tooling installation, machine changeovers, fixture alignment, offsets, and machine preparation.
• Perform complex setups independently with minimal supervision.
• Change and adjust cutting tools, including drills, reamers, boring bars, knurls, inserts, and other live or static tooling.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and inspections.
• Maintain clean, organized, and efficient work areas.
• Accurately complete setup documentation, production records, inspection documentation, and other required manufacturing paperwork.
• Inspect machined components to ensure conformance with blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, workmanship standards, and quality specifications.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and work with Engineering and management to identify effective solutions.
• Recommend tooling, setup, cycle-time, and process improvements.
• Monitor machine performance, production rates, tooling requirements, and quality issues.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Machine Operators and less experienced CNC Set-Up Technicians.
• Take ownership of problems and work proactively toward solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 3–6 years of CNC machine setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex CNC machine setups with minimal supervision.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC lathes and CNC Mills (Mazak)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, thread gages, height gages, and comparators.
• Ability to perform first article inspections and verify product conformance to specifications.
• Ability to perform minor CNC program edits and make adjustments to tool offsets, speeds, and feeds.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to contribute to a growing organization.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts when business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes, and vertical machining centers.
• Experience with Mazak, or similar CNC equipment.
• Experience optimizing machining processes, tooling, speeds, feeds, and cycle times.
• Experience supporting Engineering with process development and continuous improvement projects.
• Experience with tight-tolerance or precision-machined components.
• Experience mentoring or training CNC operators and setup personnel.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume or job-shop manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. occasionally.
• Manual dexterity to handle small precision parts, tooling, and measuring equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and work safely in a manufacturing environment.

What It's Like at Defiant.

We're building a different kind of manufacturing culture.

Young & Energetic
We're a growing company with an entrepreneurial mindset. There's energy in the shop, and we're constantly looking for the next opportunity to improve.

Hands-On Leadership
You won't get lost in layers of management. Our team works closely together, and good ideas can move quickly from the shop floor to implementation.

Your Ideas Matter
If you see a…