CNC Set Up Technicians

Kelly Services; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Holiday pay

Transit benefit

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking a skilled CNC Set-Up Technician II to join a precision manufacturing team in an on-site capacity. You will safely set up CNC machines, install tooling, perform changeovers, and optimize processes to consistently meet GD&T tolerances.

The role requires 8–10 years of CNC setup experience, the ability to read blueprints and GD&T, and strong knowledge of multi-axis equipment (HAAS, Citizen, Star, Tsugami, Miyano).

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of CNC setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and tooling.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and documentation accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Safely set up CNC machines for production, including tooling installation, changeovers, fixture alignment, offsets, and machine preparation.
• Operate CNC lathes, Swiss-type lathes, vertical machining centers, and related equipment.
• Adjust cutting tools, offsets, speeds, and feeds; edit programs and optimize machining processes.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues; elevate significant operational or quality concerns.
• Mentor and provide guidance to operators and setup technicians; support Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC setup

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Blueprints/ drawings

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HAAS

Citizen

Star

Tsugami

Miyano

Job description

CNC Machine Set-Up Technician II

Join a precision manufacturing team where expert CNC setup, process optimization, and consistent quality keep production moving. We’re seeking an experienced technician who can independently handle complex setups, troubleshoot machining issues, and support continuous improvement.

What you’ll do

• Safely set up CNC machines for production, including tooling installation, changeovers, fixture alignment, offsets, and machine preparation.
• Operate CNC lathes, Swiss-type lathes, vertical machining centers, and related equipment.
• Adjust cutting tools, offsets, speeds, and feeds; edit programs and optimize machining processes.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues; elevate significant operational or quality concerns.
• Perform daily machine maintenance and inspections, including cleaning collets and guide bushings, boring jaws, aligning vises and fixtures, and lubrication.
• Perform first-article inspections and inspect components using precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to drawings, GD&T, workmanship, and surface-finish requirements.
• Accurately document setup, tool-change, production, and inspection information in manufacturing systems.
• Recommend tooling, cycle-time, and process improvements; support Engineering with machining solutions.
• Communicate equipment performance, production rates, tooling needs, and quality concerns to supervisors and Engineering.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to operators and less experienced setup technicians while supporting Lean, continuous improvement, and 5S initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 8–10 years of CNC setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment, including advanced setup and process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining principles, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, thread gages, height gages, and comparators.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and documentation accuracy.
• Effective communication, teamwork, prioritization, and technical judgment.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts as needed; perform the physical requirements of the role; and maintain reliable attendance.
• Commitment to company safety, quality, GMP, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes, Swiss-style CNC machines, and vertical machining centers.
• Experience with HAAS, Citizen, Star, Tsugami, Miyano, or similar equipment.
• Experience editing CNC programs and optimizing machining processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing; medical device experience is preferred.

Interested candidates with advanced CNC setup and process-optimization experience are encouraged to apply

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.