CNC Machine Set up Specialist

Job Title:

CNC Set-Up Specialist

Department:

Operations

Reports To:

Production Manager

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Position Summary: Perform set-up and changeover on a variety of CNC machines to prepare jobs for production. The CNC Set-Up Specialist gathers the required tooling and parts called for on the production traveler, sets up and verifies the CNC program at the machine, and confirms the work order is ready to run before handing the machine off to the operator. This role reports to the Production Manager and supports safe, accurate, and efficient production across a range of equipment, including simple lathes, lathes with live tooling, lathes with turrets, vertical mills, horizontal mills, and multi-axis machines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Review the production traveler for each CNC job and gather the required tooling, fixtures, and parts before beginning set-up.
• Perform machine set-up and changeover on a range of CNC equipment, including simple lathes, lathes with live tooling, lathes with turrets, vertical mills, horizontal mills, and multi-axis machines.
• Load and verify the correct CNC program, revision, and offsets at the machine, confirming they match the work order and production traveler.
• Install and align tooling, fixtures, and work-holding per the setup documentation; verify fit and alignment before running the first piece.
• Run first-article/first-piece parts as needed and confirm they meet print requirements before releasing the job to the operator.
• Confirm the work order and machine are ready to run, and hand off a clear, complete setup to the machine operator.
• Communicate tooling shortages, program discrepancies, or setup issues to the Production Manager or Manufacturing Engineering in a timely manner.
• Support troubleshooting of setup-related issues that arise during a production run.
• Maintain organized, labeled tooling and a clean work area consistent with 5S standards.
• Basic CNC programming knowledge is helpful but not required, provided the individual is comfortable performing machine set-up independently.

Competencies:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

• Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form. Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Safety - Follows all machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and PPE requirements. Identifies and reports unsafe conditions. Keeps the work area and tooling organized to prevent incidents.
• Dependability - Commits to doing the best job possible. Follows instructions. Keeps commitments. Meets attendance and punctuality guidelines. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Planning & Organization - Integrates changes smoothly. Plans for additional resources. Prioritizes and plans work activities. Sets goals and objectives. Uses time efficiently. Works in an organized manner.
• Quality - Fosters quality focus in others. Improves processes. Measures key outcomes. Sets clear quality requirements. Solicits and applies customer feedback.
• Use of Technology - Adapts to new technologies. Demonstrates required skills. Keeps technical skills up to date. Troubleshoots technological problems. Uses technology to increase productivity.
• Lean Manufacturing – Exercises a commitment to driving value and eliminating waste.

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Education/Experience:  High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Language Ability: Read, analyze and interpret business, professional, technical or governmental documents. Write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers and the public.
• Mathematical Ability: Must be able to conduct many types of mathematical problems including the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Reasoning Ability:  Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Computer Skills:  To perform this job successfully, individuals must have intermediate-level computer related skills including familiarization with word processing, spreadsheet, and MRP/ERP software.
• Certificates and Licenses: None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibility. The CNC Set-Up Specialist works under the direction of the Production Manager and coordinates directly with machine operators during job handoff.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.