CNC Turning Machinist - Setup & Programming

SCHUNK USA; Morrisville (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

SCHUNK USA is seeking a CNC Turning Machinist – Setup & Programming to independently set up, program, and operate CNC lathes in a climate-controlled shop. You will select fixtures, tools, and workholding, create CNC programs, and verify accuracy before production.

The role requires five years of CNC turning experience, ability to read drawings and GD&T, and a commitment to quality and safety within SCHUNK’s continuous improvement culture.

Qualifications

• Five years CNC turning experience with independent setup and programming.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Experience selecting and aligning workholding, fixtures, and cutting tools.

Responsibilities

• Independently complete full machine setups for specialty, low-volume/high-mix parts on CNC lathes.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, dimensions, and tolerances to determine machining sequences and setup requirements.
• Select, install, and align workholding, fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, and machine accessories.
• Create and modify CNC programs, primarily through conversational programming, based on part and drawing requirements.
• Establish and adjust machining parameters, including speeds, feeds, coolant flow, cutting angles, and depth of cut.
• Perform trial runs and verify machine settings, tooling, workholding, and program accuracy before production.
• Monitor machining operations, identify malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions, and make necessary program or machine adjustments.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts using precision gauges to verify conformance with drawing tolerances, GD&T, and manufacturing order requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, design engineering, quality, and production personnel to resolve machining, dimensional, and process challenges.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain clean, organized, and production-ready work areas in accordance with SCHUNK’s 5S standards.

Skills

CNC turning

Independent setup

Conversational programming

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification or associate degree in machining

Tools

DMG machines

Siemens controls

Conventional tooling

Job description

CNC Turning Machinist – Setup & Programming

At SCHUNK, we drive innovation in automation, clamping technology, and precision engineering worldwide. We have a burning passion for everything that has anything to do with technology! We are fascinated by the way it will change the world of tomorrow. Based on this understanding, we are developing the solutions for today and tomorrow. SCHUNK products stand for quality. Our products are built on all of the expertise and experience we have amassed for generations. Our goal is to get a little bit better every single day as a team.

Primary Purpose of the CNC Turning Machinist – Setup & Programming

The CNC Turning Machinist independently sets up, programs, and operates CNC Lathe machines to produce high-quality, high-precision components in SCHUNK’s modern, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. This role independently supports the setup, fixturing, tooling selection, and part inspection. The machinist will create and modify CNC programs, primarily through conversational programming, and establish machining parameters to maintain accuracy, efficiency, quality, and safety. Success in this position requires a solid foundation of CNC turning experience, close attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and ownership of quality throughout the machining process. The CNC Turning Machinist works closely with manufacturing engineering, design engineering, quality, and production personnel to resolve machining challenges, address nonconforming dimensions, and support SCHUNK’s commitment to high quality, high precision, and continuous improvement.

What You Will Do

• Independently complete full machine setups for specialty, low-volume/high-mix parts on CNC lathes.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, dimensions, and tolerances to determine machining sequences and setup requirements.
• Select, install, and align workholding, fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, and machine accessories.
• Create and modify CNC programs, primarily through conversational programming, based on part and drawing requirements.
• Establish and adjust machining parameters, including speeds, feeds, coolant flow, cutting angles, and depth of cut.
• Perform trial runs and verify machine settings, tooling, workholding, and program accuracy before production.
• Monitor machining operations, identify malfunctions or out-of-tolerance conditions, and make necessary program or machine adjustments.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts using precision gauges to verify conformance with drawing tolerances, GD&T, and manufacturing order requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, design engineering, quality, and production personnel to resolve machining, dimensional, and process challenges.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain clean, organized, and production-ready work areas in accordance with SCHUNK’s 5S standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of CNC turning experience, including independent setup and programming.
• Ability to complete full CNC lathe setups for specialty, low-volume/high-mix components.
• Experience creating and modifying CNC programs, preferably through conversational programming.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Ability to independently determine fixture, workholding, and tooling needs based on drawing requirements.
• Knowledge of machining parameters, including speeds, feeds, coolant flow, cutting angles, and depths of cut.
• Ability to inspect parts using precision measuring instruments and work with both metric and English measurement systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for resolving setup, programming, machining, and quality challenges.
• Ability to follow safety, operating, and maintenance procedures and communicate effectively with engineering, quality, and production teams.

Preferred (Plus)

• Technical certification or associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field.
• Experience with DMG machines or Siemens controls.
• Strong background in conversational programming.
• Experience machining precision thin-walled parts while controlling distortion and maintaining dimensional accuracy.