Lead CNC Machinist

Sterling St James LLC; Town of Brussels (WI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Wisconsin seeks a Senior CNC Setup Machinist for multi-axis mills and lathes. This direct-hire role requires independent setup, G-code editing, and tight-tolerance aerospace/defense work.

You will lead complex setups, optimize tool paths, conduct First Article Inspections, and mentor junior operators while collaborating with engineering on DFM reviews. Competitive hourly pay with overtime and loyalty bonus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of independent CNC setup on HMC/VMC mills or multi-axis lathes.
• Direct experience editing G-code at the controller.
• Proven track record in close-tolerance aerospace/defense/medical device environments.
• Hands-on experience with high-spec CNC machinery and industrial controls (e.g., Mori Seiki, Doosan, Fanuc).
• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card due to ITAR compliance; reside within commuting distance of Greater Green Bay, WI.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, independent machine setups including fixture alignments and zero-point adjustments on CNC HMC/VMC mills and multi-axis turning centers.
• Edit G-code and macro variables at the controller to optimize tool paths and machine cycles for aerospace/defense components.
• Perform first-article inspections using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height stands, and optical comparators to verify tight-tolerance features.
• Maximize cell throughput by improving workflow and reducing cycle times across active machines.
• Mentor and train junior operators; assist in troubleshooting floor setups and upskilling production staff.
• Collaborate with engineering on tool-path optimization, lean initiatives, and DFM reviews for new products.

Skills

Independent CNC setup

G-code editing at controller

Tool path optimization

First Article Inspection

Mentorship

DFM collaboration

Education

Technical diploma / CNC machining certificate

Tools

Mori Seiki

Doosan

Fanuc

CNC controls

Job description

Senior CNC Setup Machinist - Multi-Axis Mills & Lathes

$27.00 - $40.00/hr + Overtime & 5-Year Loyalty Bonus Greater Green Bay, WI Area 1st Shift (Early-Out Fridays) Full-Time / Direct Hire

• Compensation & Earnings: Baseline pay from $27.00 up to $40.00/hr scaling directly with setup and G-code depth, plus premium overtime eligibility, a 5-Year Deferred Loyalty Bonus, and full benefits.
• Early-Out Friday Schedule: 1st Shift: Monday - Thursday (6:00 AM - 3:30 PM) & Fridays (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM) for a built-in early jumpstart on every weekend!
• State-of-the-Art Facility: 100% climate-controlled, pristine manufacturing plant featuring a modern machine fleet (average equipment age under 3.5 years) and lights-out automation cells.
• Company Culture & Autonomy: Direct-hire position with a rapidly expanding, high-precision aerospace and defense manufacturer that respects setup specialists as true technical professionals offering zero micromanagement and direct DFM collaboration.
• Strict Requirements: U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card) required for ITAR defense contract compliance; 3+ years of independent CNC machine setup, tool path optimization, and controller-level G-code editing.

If you thrive on technical variety, shop floor autonomy, and advanced technology rather than running mindless, high-volume production, this direct-hire seat is built for you. Our client is a rapidly expanding, high-precision aerospace and defense manufacturer operating a clean, modern facility in the Greater Green Bay, WI area. In this senior setup role, you will own complex machine setups from start to finish, troubleshoot challenging part geometries, edit G-code at the controller, and collaborate directly with engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews. The organization celebrates high craftsmanship offering an early 10:00 AM exit every Friday, direct investment through a unique 5-Year Deferred Loyalty Bonus, and modern equipment fleets.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Lead Complex Setups: Perform complex, independent machine setups, fixture alignments, and zero-point adjustments on CNC HMC/VMC mills and multi-axis turning centers.
• G-Code Optimization: Edit G-code and macro variables directly at the controller, optimizing tool paths and machine cycles for intricate aerospace and defense components.
• Precision First-Article Inspection: Conduct rigorous first-article inspections using micrometers, digital calipers, bore gauges, height stands, and optical comparators to verify tight-tolerance features.
• Optimize Cell Throughput: Maximize workflow efficiency across active machine stations to eliminate bottlenecking and reduce cycle times.
• Floor Mentorship & Leadership: Mentor and train junior operators, troubleshooting floor setups and helping upskill production team members.
• Engineering Collaboration: Partner with engineering on tool path optimizations, lean manufacturing initiatives, and DFM reviews for new product introductions.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Setup & G-Code Depth: 3+ years of independent CNC setup experience on HMC/VMC mills or multi-axis lathes, including direct experience editing G-code at the controller.
• Precision Manufacturing Background: Proven track record in close-tolerance machining environments (Aerospace, Defense, or Medical Device preferred).
• Equipment & Controls Depth: Hands-on experience with high-spec CNC machinery and industrial controls (e.g., Mori Seiki, Doosan, Fanuc).
• Advanced Tooling Literacy: Strong understanding of feeds and speeds, insert selection, tool wear analysis, and rigid workholding principles.
• ITAR Compliance & Authorization: U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder required due to ITAR defense regulations; residing within a daily commuting radius of Greater Green Bay, WI.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• High-Axis Machining: Setup experience on 5-axis milling machines or multi-spindle, live-tooling turning centers.
• CAD/CAM Literacy: Exposure to Mastercam, GibbsCAM, or Esprit for verifying or adjusting tool paths.
• Formal Machining Credentials: Technical diploma, CNC machining certificate, or formal apprenticeship completion.