CNC Setup and Automation Technician

Specialized Talent Acquisition Recruiting Team (START); Macomb Township (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Talent Acquisition Recruiting Team (START) is seeking a CNC tooling and production specialist in Michigan to lead setups, tweak programs, and reduce cycle times while maintaining quality. You will troubleshoot tooling issues, collaborate with Engineering on automation, and mentor machine operators in machining fundamentals.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in production with CNC equipment, a solid grasp of GD&T, blueprint reading, and Fanuc controls.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3–5 years in production, CNC equipment, or mechanical roles.
• Hands-on with CNCs, grinders, hobs, shapers, broaches, and heat treat operations.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot tooling issues, process concerns, and machine problems to maintain flow.
• Edit and refine CNC programs for reliability and quality.
• Evaluate new tooling and workholding concepts through on-machine testing.
• Execute changeovers and support maintenance on CNC equipment and robotics.
• Collaborate in cross-functional problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean, organized toolroom following 5S principles.
• Pursue cycle time reductions without sacrificing safety or quality.
• Contribute to APQP/PPAP activities and roll out new processes.
• Perform production setups with accurate blueprint interpretation.
• Reteach robots and assist Engineering to automate cells.
• Coach operators on machining fundamentals and PM tasks; assist New Hire Training.
• Follow all Safety, Housekeeping, and Environmental practices and react to issues promptly.
• Submit continuous improvement ideas to supervisor or HR.
• Take on other duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC setup

Process troubleshooting

Practical problem solving

Coaching operators

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fanuc Controls

Fanuc Robots

Job description

What a Day Looks LikeYou arrive ready to make precision happen. You start by reviewing the day’s production priorities and checking the status of CNCs, grinders, broaches, and robots. A toolroom walk-through ensures everything is organized and safe. From there, you dive into setups, tweak programs, and eliminate bottlenecks to keep cycle times tight and quality high.Your ImpactTroubleshoot tooling issues, process concerns, and chronic machine problems to keep production flowing.Edit and refine CNC programs to improve reliability and part quality.Evaluate new tooling and workholding concepts (carbide inserts, fixtures) through on-machine testing.Execute changeovers and support repair-level maintenance on grinders, robots, broaches, and CNC equipment.Partner in cross-functional problem solving and continuous improvement efforts.Maintain a clean, orderly toolroom in line with 5S principles.Drive cycle time reductions without sacrificing safety or quality.Contribute to APQP/PPAP activities and help roll out new manufacturing processes.Perform production setups: chucks, collets, tool bars—always with accurate blueprint interpretation.Reteach robots as needed and collaborate with Engineering to automate manufacturing cells.Coach machine operators on machining fundamentals and PM tasks; support New Hire Training when assigned.Follow all Housekeeping, Safety, and Environmental practices, including recycling, labeling, spill response, and program compliance.Comply with all applicable requirements of the Quality and Environmental Management Systems.Submit continuous improvement ideas in safety, productivity, quality, and housekeeping to your supervisor or the HR box.Take on other duties as defined by your supervisor.What You BringEducation: High school diploma or equivalent (minimum).Experience: 3–5 years in production, CNC equipment, or mechanical roles.Core Strengths: Setup expertise, process troubleshooting, and practical problem solving.Manufacturing Background: Hands-on with CNCs, grinders, hobs, shapers, broaches, and heat treat operations.Controls & Robotics: CNC programming, Fanuc controls, and Fanuc robot experience.Technical Aptitude: Technical math, tool geometry, GD&T, blueprint reading, and strong mechanical ability.Tools of the Trade: Confident using toolroom equipment.Why This Role MattersEvery minute saved, defect prevented, and process improved lifts the entire operation. If you enjoy turning complex setups into smooth production runs—and elevating both people and processes along the way—you’ll thrive here.