Precision CNC Mill Setup Machinist -- Aerospace & Defense

Own the Evening: A Day-in-the-Life on Second Shift

When the shop quiets and the lights glow on row after row of mills, that’s when you take the helm. As ACME’s second‑shift CNC Mill Setup Machinist, you claim a machine at job launch and guide it through to the final part. You translate complex aerospace and defense blueprints into reality, prove out fresh programs, hold tight tolerances on high‑mix, low‑volume work, and stand as the last line of defense for quality when others have gone home. This is a true setup role, not a button‑pushing operator position.

What You’ll Do

• Set up complete jobs on vertical and horizontal CNC machining centers using engineering drawings, routers, and work orders.
• Select, install, and qualify all tooling, fixtures, and workholding tailored to each new part.
• Prove out new and revised programs, dialing in offsets, edits, and parameters to secure first‑article approval.
• Inspect in‑process and final parts with precision tools: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and CMM (where applicable).
• Read and apply GD&T and complex blueprints independently and accurately.
• Troubleshoot alarms, tool failures, surface finish challenges, and out‑of‑tolerance conditions without waiting on engineering or programming.
• Capture accurate production records, setup sheets, first‑article documentation, and non‑conformance reports.
• Hand off proven setups to operators and document everything for reliable repeatability.
• Keep second‑to‑first shift continuity strong by communicating open issues, priorities, and in‑process jobs at turnover.
• Champion safety, quality, housekeeping, and 5S across the floor.
• Share what you know—cross‑train and transfer knowledge as the team grows.

What You BringRequired

• 5+ years of CNC milling with full setup ownership (beyond operator‑only work).
• Ability to independently take a job from print to first article, including workholding, tooling, and program prove‑out.
• Fluency with blueprints and GD&T.
• Hands‑on experience performing precision measurements and first‑article inspection.
• Demonstrated skill resolving out‑of‑tolerance conditions, tool wear, and machine alarms on your own.
• A consistent, long‑term commitment to second shift.

Preferred

• Background in aerospace, defense, or heavy industrial precision manufacturing.
• Familiarity with FANUC or Siemens controls.
• Exposure to AS9100 or ISO quality systems.
• Experience with high‑mix, low‑volume complex components.
• Track record of informally coaching or mentoring less experienced operators.

Why You’ll Like Working Here

• Competitive hourly pay aligned with your experience.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
• Stability and growth—70+ years in business with a long‑term ownership mindset.
• Challenging, interesting parts—high‑mix aerospace and defense components, not repetitive runs.
• Investment in your development—apprenticeship, training, and opportunities to step into lead and mentorship roles.

Our Culture

At ACME, we are Dedicated, Persistent, Creative, and Supportive. We value people who get the job done, think deeply, improve processes, and help the team win.

Second shift position; steady long‑term availability required.