CNC Mill Setup Machinist

Momentum Manufacturing; St. Johnsbury (VT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Momentum Manufacturing is seeking a CNC Mill Machine Operator Set Up to perform full machine setups, loading tooling, and first-article verification on CNC centers (Okuma/Haas/Fanuc). The role emphasizes training other machinists and maintaining AS9100 compliance in an aerospace/defense environment.

The position requires reading engineering drawings, CAM data, and setup sheets, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and safety in a regulated shop.

Qualifications

• Interpret GD&T callouts and engineering drawings.
• Experience with CAM setup documentation and operation sheets.

Responsibilities

• Interpret drawings and GD&T to plan setups.
• Coordinate with engineering on NPI.
• Select, assemble, preset, and load cutting tools.
• Mount fixtures, vises, and workholding to tolerances.
• Set and verify work offsets on Okuma, Haas, and Fanuc.
• Configure B-axis/rotary table for 5-axis work.
• Load and verify CNC programs via DNC/USB; edit as needed.
• Edit G-code/M-code at the control; adjust cutters.
• Optimize parameters to improve cycle time and tool life.
• Document program revisions with CAM team.
• Perform first piece inspection and GD&T verification.
• Complete in-process SPC checks per QC plan.
• Maintain traceability of materials and tools per AS9100.

Skills

G D&T interpretation

CNC machining

G-code editing

Tools

Okuma OSP

Haas

Fanuc

Job description

CNC Mill Machine Operator Set Up

Location: MLK / GQM / 67G / LNT / UF

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Tooling

• 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 toolholders.
• Mount and indicate fixtures, tombstones, vises, and custom workholding 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.

Program Editing & Optimization

• 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.

Quality & Inspection - AS9100 Environment

• 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.

Machine Operation & Monitoring

• 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.

Machine & Equipment Care

• 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 workpieces (certification required).

Safety, Security & Compliance

• 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, a