CNC Mill Setup Machinist

The Panther Group; St. Johnsbury (VT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Panther Group in Vermont is seeking an experienced CNC Setup Machinist to support precision manufacturing in a highly technical environment. You will set up, operate, troubleshoot, and optimize horizontal, vertical, and multi-axis CNC milling machines, working with 3- to 5-axis machining and multiple control platforms.

You will collaborate with engineering, programming, and quality teams to ensure parts meet engineering specs, GD&T tolerances, and production requirements.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC milling machines.
• Experience with horizontal, vertical, and 3- to 5-axis machining.
• Ability to read GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Experience editing G-code and M-code at the machine.
• Experience with first-piece inspections and in-process quality checks.
• Experience with Okuma OSP, Haas, or Fanuc controls.
• Ability to train or mentor other machinists is a plus.

Responsibilities

• CNC Machine Setup & Tooling: set up, tool selection, fixtures, workholding, offsets, and machine coordinates on horizontal, vertical, and multi-axis milling centers.
• CNC Programming & Process Optimization: adjust programs, feeds and speeds, tool paths, troubleshoot issues, and document improvements.

Skills

CNC Setup

CNC Milling

3-5 axis machining

G-code editing

First-piece inspection

Tools

Okuma OSP

Haas CNC

Fanuc controls

Job description

CNC Setup Machinist Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced CNC Setup Machinist to support precision manufacturing operations in a highly technical production environment. This individual will be responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing horizontal, vertical, and multi-axis CNC milling machines. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with 3- and 5-axis machining, multiple CNC control platforms, tooling selection, fixture setup, and first‑piece inspection. This position will primarily focus on machine setups, troubleshooting, process improvements, and supporting the development of other machinists through hands‑on training and knowledge sharing. Working closely with engineering, programming, and quality teams, the CNC Setup Machinist will help ensure precision components are manufactured to engineering specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• CNC Machine Setup & Tooling Set up and operate horizontal, vertical, and 3- to 5-axis CNC milling machines. Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, setup sheets, and manufacturing documentation. Select, assemble, preset, and install cutting tools, fixtures, and workholding equipment. Set work offsets, tool length and diameter offsets, and machine coordinates. Set up rotary tables, trunnions, and multi‑axis positioning systems. Load, verify, and make necessary adjustments to CNC programs. Work with engineering during new product introductions and initial production runs. Assist with fixture modifications, workholding improvements, and custom tooling solutions.
• CNC Programming & Process Optimization Make program adjustments at the machine control, including G-code and M-code edits. Adjust feeds, speeds, cutter compensation, tool paths, and machining cycles as needed. Troubleshoot machining issues and identify opportunities to improve cycle times, tool life, and surface finishes. Partner with CNC programmers and manufacturing engineers to improve machining processes. Document setup changes and communicate process improvements to the appropriate teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong hands‑on experience setting up and operating CNC milling machines.
• Experience with horizontal, vertical, and 3- to 5-axis machining centers.
• Working knowledge of Okuma OSP, Haas, and Fanuc CNC controls.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.
• Experience editing G-code and M-code at the machine.
• Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, fixtures, feeds, and speeds.
• Experience performing first‑piece inspections and in‑process quality checks.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and setup issues independently.
• Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
• Previous experience training, mentoring, or supporting other machinists is a plus.