CNC Setup Technician

Buck Knives, Inc.; Post Falls (ID); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Buck Knives, Inc. seeks a CNC Setup Technician to prepare CNC machines for production, load programs, select tools, and verify part conformance during initial runs. You will work with blueprints, setup sheets, and the CNC schedule to ensure efficient, accurate manufacturing.

Team up with CNC Operators and Programmers to optimize setups, perform first part inspections, document changes, and maintain a clean 5S workspace. High school diploma and 2 years CNC experience required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years CNC machining experience, including setup responsibilities.
• Formal CNC training or technical certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, setup sheets, and CNC schedule to determine setup priorities.
• Select, prepare, and install cutting tools and work-holding for job setup.
• Oversee tool crib; manage tooling for each job.
• Prioritize used tooling to maximize tool life and maintain quality.
• Log setup times, changeovers, and downtimes for efficiency.
• Load CNC programs and set machine parameters and offsets.
• Perform test runs and first part inspections for accuracy.
• Adjust settings to meet quality and dimensional specs.
• Conduct in-process inspections with calipers, micrometers, and CMM.
• Troubleshoot setup issues and coordinate with operators.

Skills

Blueprint reading

G-code knowledge

CNC setup

Tooling & fixturing

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Formal CNC training or technical certification (plus)

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Vision Measuring System (VMS)

CMM

Job description

Description

SUMMARY

The CNC Setup Technician is responsible for setting up and preparing CNC machines for production in addition to operation, including selecting tools, loading programs, setting work offsets, loading job schedule board, and ensuring part conformance during initial runs. This skilled position plays a key role in ensuring that machines are properly configured for efficient, accurate, and high-quality manufacturing processes.

SCHEDULE

• Weekday Night Shift: Monday - Thursday, 5:00 PM - 3:00 PM (This includes paid 30 minute lunch)
• Weekend Night Shift: Friday - Sunday, 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (This includes paid 30 minute lunch & Shift Incentive)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Interpret blueprints, Setup sheets, and the CNC Schedule to determine setup priorities, procedures and production requirements.
• Select, prepare, and install cutting tools, fixtures, and work-holding as required for job setup.
• Oversee the tool crib system by selecting, checking out, returning, and maintaining proper tooling for each job.
• Prioritize the use of used tooling when appropriate and actively work to maximize tool life while ensuring quality and performance standards are met.
• Accurately categorize and log setup times, changeovers, and downtimes in Machine Metrics system to support efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Load CNC programs and set machine parameters, including work and tool offsets.
• Perform test runs and first part inspections to verify proper setup and part accuracy.
• Adjust machine settings, tooling, and offsets to ensure parts meet quality and dimensional specifications.
• Perform in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, VMS (Vision Measuring System), and CMM.
• Troubleshoot setup-related issues and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate with CNC Operators to ensure smooth transition of machines from setup to production.
• Operate CNC machines during production runs, including during operator absences or overflow needs.
• Edit, update, refine, and document setup sheets and tooling requirements for repeatability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain setup area, tooling carts, and machine cleanliness in accordance with 5S principles.
• Work with Leads, Programmers, and Quality personnel to resolve CNC concerns.
• Follow all safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will not have any supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Proficient in reading blueprints and technical drawings.
• Solid understanding of CNC machine tools and G-code.
• Familiarity with a variety of work-holding and tooling setups.
• Ability to perform precision measurements with hand tools and inspection equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years of CNC machining experience, including setup responsibilities.
• Formal CNC training or technical certification is a plus.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

This is a mid-level position with potential advancement into roles such as CNC Programmer, CNC Lead, or Tool & Die Maker, based on performance and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods.
• Frequently required to lift and move parts up to 40 lbs.
• Repetitive hand motions and part handling throughout the shift.
• Visual acuity for basic inspection tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment will include office areas, manufacturing areas and warehouse/shipping areas