Swiss CNC Programmer/Machinist

LeoForce; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Job summary

LeoForce in Schaumburg, IL invites a skilled Swiss CNC Programmer/Machinist to join its precision machining team. You will perform complete machine setups on Citizen, Star, and Tsugami lathes, edit G‑code programs, and optimize feeds, speeds, and tooling to hit exact tolerances.

You will read blueprints and GD&T, conduct in‑process inspections, troubleshoot issues, mentor operators, and collaborate on continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity and part quality.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Swiss CNC machining experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Citizen, Star, Tsugami, or similar Swiss-type CNC lathes.
• Strong setup and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T.
• Experience in precision machining for aerospace, medical device, or other highly regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete machine setups on Swiss-style CNC lathes including Citizen, Star, and Tsugami platforms.
• Load tooling, set offsets, perform first-piece inspections, and ensure machines are producing parts to specification.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, fixturing, and process-related issues to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Make program edits and adjustments at the machine as needed to optimize performance and maintain quality standards.
• Monitor production runs and perform in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams on continuous improvement initiatives, cycle time reductions, and process optimization.
• Maintain tooling inventories and recommend tooling improvements to enhance efficiency and part quality.
• Support operators and less experienced machinists with setup guidance and technical troubleshooting.
• Follow all quality, safety, and lean manufacturing procedures.
• Document setup information, tooling changes, and process improvements.

Skills

Swiss CNC machining

G-Code programming

CNC setup

Troubleshooting

Blueprints & GD&T

Tools

PartMaker

Esprit

GibbsCAM

Mastercam

Job description

Swiss CNC Programmer/Machinist

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $40 - $50 per hour

Job Details

• Perform complete machine setups on Swiss-style CNC lathes including Citizen, Star, and Tsugami platforms.
• Load tooling, set offsets, perform first-piece inspections, and ensure machines are producing parts to specification.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, fixturing, and process-related issues to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Make program edits and adjustments at the machine as needed to optimize performance and maintain quality standards.
• Monitor production runs and perform in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, comparators, and gauges.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams on continuous improvement initiatives, cycle time reductions, and process optimization.
• Maintain tooling inventories and recommend tooling improvements to enhance efficiency and part quality.
• Support operators and less experienced machinists with setup guidance and technical troubleshooting.
• Follow all quality, safety, and lean manufacturing procedures.
• Document setup information, tooling changes, and process improvements.

Preferred Programming Experience

• Ability to create, edit, and optimize CNC programs is highly desired.
• Experience with G-Code programming and Swiss CNC machine controls.
• Familiarity with CAM software such as PartMaker, Esprit, GibbsCAM, Mastercam, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Experience optimizing feeds, speeds, tooling, and machining strategies for improved productivity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Swiss CNC machining experience preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with Citizen, Star, Tsugami, or similar Swiss-type CNC lathes.
• Strong setup and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T.
• Experience working in a precision machining environment serving aerospace, medical device, industrial, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality parts.
• Programming experience is highly preferred but not required for the right setup‑focused machinist.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative manufacturing team.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a true Swiss machining professional who enjoys being on the shop floor, tackling complex setups, solving machining challenges, and continuously improving processes. While programming experience is a major plus, our top priority is finding someone with strong Swiss CNC setup, troubleshooting, and production expertise who can hit the ground running on Citizen, Star, and Tsugami equipment.

A bit about us:

We are a rapidly growing precision machine shop specializing in the manufacture of high‑tolerance components for customers across the aerospace, medical device, industrial, defense, and other highly regulated industries. Our reputation is built on delivering exceptional quality, tight tolerances, and outstanding customer service through advanced machining technologies and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As we continue to expand, we are investing in state‑of‑the‑art Swiss CNC machining capabilities and are seeking skilled professionals who take pride in producing precision components that meet the highest industry standards. Our team‑oriented environment offers the opportunity to work with industry‑leading equipment, tackle complex manufacturing challenges, and contribute directly to the success of a company that values craftsmanship, innovation, and employee growth.

If you're a Swiss CNC Programmer/Machinist with experience on Citizen, Star, and Tsugami platforms and enjoy a hands‑on role where your expertise makes a difference, you'll find a long‑term home with us.

Why join us?

• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities and performance‑based growth potential.
• Work with industry‑leading Swiss CNC equipment including Citizen, Star, and Tsugami platforms.
• Join a growing precision machining company serving aerospace, medical device, defense, and industrial customers.
• Be part of a team that values craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and investing in advanced manufacturing technology.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact by programming, setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex Swiss machining processes. Stable, long‑term career opportunity with a company experiencing continued growth and expanding customer demand.
• Collaborative, hands‑on culture where your expertise and ideas are recognized and appreciated.
• Exposure to challenging, high‑precision components requiring tight tolerances and advanced machining techniques.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings options, paid time off, and holiday pay.
• Clear opportunities for advancement into Lead Machinist, Lead Programmer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Production Leadership roles.