CNC Set Up Operator

Gilder Search Group; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking an experienced CNC Setup & Operator for 1st shift in Cleveland, OH. You will independently perform setups on 3/4/5-axis CNC mills and Fanuc-lathes, reading complex drawings and editing programs to maintain tight tolerances.

The role requires at least 3 years of hands-on CNC experience, strong GD&T knowledge, and precision metrology skills using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and profilometers. Competitive hourly rate with overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, or both.
• Strong working knowledge with Fanuc controls.
• Ability to independently perform setups directly from prints, routings, or setup sheets.
• Ability to edit CNC programs, adjust tool/work offsets, and troubleshoot machining problems.
• Maintain understanding of GD&T, tight-tolerance machining, and surface finish requirements.
• Experience dialing in precision bores down to .0005" using boring heads and precision tools.
• Proficiently utilize precision inspection instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gages, and profilometers.
• Strong mathematical ability, mechanical aptitude, and high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete setups and operating procedures on 3/4/5-axis CNC mills and Fanuc-controlled lathes.
• Establish work coordinates, set tool lengths, and set up tooling, workholding, and fixtures.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, routings, and geometric tolerances.
• Make tool and wear offset adjustments and basic Fanuc program edits to maintain part dimensions.
• Select appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds, and machining methods for short runs and production.
• Execute drilling, milling, boring, tapping, grinding, and precision boring operations.
• Perform quality inspections using calipers, micrometers, bore gages, height gages, and profilometers.
• Apply GD&T principles to achieve surface finish specs and tight bore tolerances.

Skills

Fanuc controls

CNC setup

G-code editing

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Metrology

Tool offsets

Multi-axis

Quality inspection

Detail oriented

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Bore gauges

Profilometers

Job description

CNC Setup & Operator (Mills & Lathes)

Shift: 1st Shift, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Overtime available)

Salary: Up to $30.00/hr. (Negotiable based on experience)

Location: Cleveland, OH (East Side)

Opportunity: Full Time, Direct Hire

Who we are

Our client is a premier precision machining manufacturer based in Cleveland, OH, specializing in high-precision components for the aerospace industry. Operating with advanced CNC equipment, their shop focuses on tight-tolerance, low-volume production and complex short runs. They are seeking a skilled Set Up Operator to join their team due to ongoing operational demand and growth.

CNC Setup & Operator Role

This role exists to independently perform complete setups, tooling adjustments, program edits, and operations on multi-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes to produce complex, tight-tolerance components.

CNC Setup & Operator Responsibilities

• Perform complete setups and operating procedures on 3/4/5-axis CNC mills and Fanuc-controlled CNC lathes.
• Establish work coordinates, set tool lengths, and set up tooling, workholding, and fixtures.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, routings, and geometric tolerances.
• Make tool and wear offset adjustments and basic Fanuc program edits to maintain critical part dimensions.
• Select appropriate tooling, cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining methods for short runs and production.
• Execute machining operations including drilling, milling, boring, tapping, grinding, and precision boring.
• Perform quality inspections using calipers, micrometers, bore gages, height gages, and profilometers.
• Apply GD&T principles to achieve surface finish specs down to 16 Ra and precision bores within .0005".
• Troubleshoot machining issues, develop efficiency improvements, and complete required job documentation.

CNC Setup & Operator Reporting Relationships

This position reports directly to the Machine Shop Supervisor and has no direct reports.

About You

• Bring a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC mills, CNC lathes, or both.
• Possess strong working knowledge and practical setup experience with Fanuc controls.
• Demonstrate proven ability to independently perform setups directly from prints, routings, or setup sheets.
• Possess strong capability to edit CNC programs, adjust tool/work offsets, and troubleshoot machining problems.
• Maintain thorough understanding of GD&T, tight-tolerance machining, and surface finish requirements.
• Exhibit experience dialing in precision bores down to .0005" using boring heads and precision tools.
• Proficiently utilize precision inspection instruments including calipers, micrometers, bore gages, and profilometers.
• Hold strong mathematical skills, mechanical aptitude, and a high attention to detail.

Additional Information

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

This position requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, reaching, and operating precision machinery in a fast-paced shop environment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required on the shop floor.

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