Tree Top Staffing is recruiting a Swiss CNC Setup Machinist for a growing, family-owned precision machining company serving aerospace, defense, and other precision manufacturing industries.
This opportunity offers a day-shift schedule with Friday afternoons off, voluntary overtime, a climate-controlled shop, and medical coverage for employees and eligible family members with an employee contribution of just $1 per week.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Swiss CNC Setup Machinist will program, set up, adjust, and prove out multi-axis Swiss-style CNC automatic lathes to manufacture high-precision, close-tolerance components.
Supporting five Star Swiss machines, this person will take new jobs from engineering drawings or models through programming, tooling preparation, setup, first-piece approval, and production handoff. The primary focus is establishing reliable processes and supporting operators, rather than continuously operating a single machine.
The ideal candidate brings independent programming and setup capabilities, strong blueprint-reading skills, proficiency with precision measuring instruments, and the troubleshooting ability to improve machining processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Machine Setup and Programming
- Perform complete setups on multi-axis Swiss CNC lathes, including selecting, mounting, and aligning cutting tools, guide bushings, collets, and bar feeders.
- Write programs from engineering drawings or models using the machine control or CAD/CAM software.
- Load and edit established programs, prove out new programs, and adjust G-code and M-code to improve cycle times and component accuracy.
- Coordinate with scheduling to prepare tooling packages, collets, and other requirements ahead of job changes.
- Perform tool touch-offs, establish offsets, run initial parts, and make necessary corrections.
Production and Quality Assurance
- Inspect first pieces and coordinate with the quality department for final approval before production.
- Use micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, gauge pins, and other precision measuring instruments.
- Maintain close tolerances, often within ±0.0002 inch on inside and outside diameters.
- Inspect threads, surface finishes, and critical dimensions against engineering drawings and applicable GD&T requirements.
- Accurately document setup sheets, tool lists, and inspection records in ProShop.
- Train operators on established jobs and assist with repeat setups and production questions.
Troubleshooting and Process Optimization
- Resolve machining issues involving tool wear, chatter, chip control, threading, dimensional variation, and material binding.
- Adjust feeds, speeds, tooling, and offsets to maximize tool life and maintain part quality.
- Develop stable, repeatable processes that operators can run efficiently across shifts.
- Collaborate with experienced machinists, programmers, and quality personnel to resolve complex issues.
Maintenance and Shop Safety
- Perform routine daily maintenance on machines and bar feeders, including coolant checks, lubrication, and chip cleanout.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workstation following 5S and company safety guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrated ability to independently write CNC programs from scratch and complete new-part setups.
- Experience programming, setting up, and operating Swiss-style CNC lathes, such as Star, Citizen, Tsugami, Nomura, or comparable equipment.
- Three or more years of relevant experience preferred; demonstrated independent capability is more important than a specific number of years.
- Strong blueprint-reading skills and a working understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Familiarity with guide bushing adjustments, sub-spindle synchronization, and live tooling applications.
- Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and close-tolerance machining.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently, collaborate with teammates, train operators, and respond constructively to feedback.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.
Prior Star experience is not required. Highly capable mill-turn programmers and setup machinists with limited Swiss experience may also be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with Fanuc 30 Series controls.
- Offline programming experience using Mastercam or comparable CAD/CAM software.
- Experience machining stainless steel and alloy steel; titanium and Inconel experience is a plus.
- Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
- Journeyman Machinist certification or a trade school degree in Precision Machining or Tooling.
- Experience supporting multiple machines and training production operators.
SCHEDULE:
- Monday–Thursday: 7:00 AM–4:15 PM, including a 30-minute unpaid lunch.
- Voluntary overtime is currently available, typically 10–20 additional hours per week.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- $30–$40 per hour, with flexibility up to $45 per hour for an exceptionally qualified candidate.
- Medical coverage for employees and eligible family members with an employee contribution of $1 per week.
- Optional dental and vision coverage at the employee’s expense.
- Two to four weeks of PTO, depending on the agreed hiring package.
- Continued training and professional development opportunities.
- Heated and air-conditioned work environment.
- Relocation assistance may be considered for a qualified candidate.