CNC Mill Machine Operator Set Up
Location: MLK / GQM / 67G / LNT / UF
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The CNC Setup Machinist is responsible for the complete setup, operation, and first-article verification of horizontal, vertical, and 5-axis CNC milling machining centers equipped with Okuma OSP, Haas, and Fanuc control systems. Working from engineering drawings, CAM programs, and setup sheets, the Setup Machinist selects and assembles fixtures/tooling, loads and edits G-code programs, establishes work offsets, performs in-process inspection, and produces conforming parts to print within established cycle times and quality standards. This role will focus on machine setup and training of other machinist to share skills & knowledge. This position operates within a regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment and requires strict adherence to AS9100 quality management requirements and company CMMC cybersecurity compliance policies.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Machine Setup & Tooling
Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, operation sheets, and CAM setup documentation to plan and execute machine setups.
Coordinate with engineering on New Part Introduction (NPI)
Select, assemble, preset, and load cutting tools (end mills, face mills, drills, reamers, boring heads, taps, etc.) using tool presetters and shrink-fit or hydraulic toolholders.
Mount and indicate fixtures, tombstones, vises, and custom workholding to within specified tolerances. Some fixture design and manufacturing will be required.
Set and verify all work coordinate offsets and tool length / diameter offsets on Okuma OSP, Haas, and Fanuc controllers.
Configure B-axis / trunnion positions and rotary table indexing for 5-axis simultaneous and 3+2 positional work. The majority of work will be conducted on vertical & horizontal machining centers.
Load, transfer, and verify CNC part programs via DNC/network or USB; perform program edits at the control as required.
Program Editing & Optimization
Edit G-code and M-code at the control to correct toolpath, feeds, speeds, cutter compensation, and subprogram calls.
Adjust macros, variables, and canned cycles (G73, G74, G76, G81–G89) on Fanuc and Haas controls; modify conversational programs on Okuma OSP as needed.
Optimize cutting parameters to improve cycle time, surface finish, and tool life without sacrificing dimensional conformance.
Collaborate with CNC programmers and process engineers to document program revisions and feed findings back to the CAM team.
Quality & Inspection — AS9100 Environment
Perform first piece inspection using calibrated hand tools: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, CMM fixtures, and surface plates. Working closely with quality will be critical on first time runs.
Apply GD&T principles to verify flatness, perpendicularity, true position, runout, and profile callouts.
Complete in-process SPC checks and statistical control charts per the Quality Control Plan.
Follow all traveler, router, and work order documentation requirements; ensure traceability of materials, tools, and processes per AS9100 and customer flow-down requirements.
Maintain strict configuration control — no unauthorized deviations, substitutions, or undocumented process changes.
Machine Operation & Monitoring
Monitor and adjust feeds, speeds, depth of cut, and coolant flow during production runs to maintain part quality and maximize tool life.
Detect abnormal sounds, vibration, chatter, or alarms and take corrective action or escalate as required.
Perform tool life management: track insert index counts, end-mill wear, tap condition, and execute planned tool changes.
Support machine operators and CNC operators during production; provide setup handoff documentation for subsequent shifts & other machinists to take over so you can move on to the next setup.
Machine & Equipment Care
Perform operator-level preventive maintenance: lubrication, coolant concentration checks and top-off, chip conveyor clearing, filter replacement, and way wipe-down.
Report abnormal machine condition, axis alarms, or hydraulic/pneumatic issues to maintenance immediately.
Maintain a clean, organized work area in compliance with 5S standards.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, and overhead hoists to load/unload fixtures and workpieces (certification required).
Safety, Security & Compliance
Follow all OSHA, company, and department safety policies including lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE requirements, and machine guarding standards.
Handle coolants, cutting fluids, and metalworking lubricants per SDS requirements and environmental regulations.
Adhere to all CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) policies governing access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) — including proper handling of digital part programs, setup documentation, and manufacturing data on shop-floor systems and networked machines.
Participate in safety audits, toolbox talks, and continuous-improvement kaizen events.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; completion of a vocational/technical machining program, apprenticeship, or equivalent training strongly preferred.
Minimum 3 years of hands-on CNC milling setup experience in a production or job-shop environment.
Demonstrated proficiency setting up and editing programs on at least two of the following: Okuma OSP-P300M/P500M, Haas (Mill/UMC series), or Fanuc 31i/0i-MD controls.
Solid understanding of G-code / M-code programming fundamentals; ability to write or edit short programs without CAM software.
Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings with ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
Experience with precision measurement tools (micrometers, bore gauges, CMM operation a plus).
Prior experience in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment with working knowledge of AS9100 Rev D quality management system requirements — including traveler/router compliance, FAIR/AS9102, NCR/CAR processes, and customer flow-down requirements.
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with 5-axis simultaneous machining (trunnion, tilt-rotary, or dual-rotary table configurations) or other multi-axis machines.
Familiarity with CAM software — our shop programs in Esprit; experience with Esprit is a strong advantage. Working knowledge of other major platforms (Hypermill, SolidCAM, Mastercam, or Fusion 360) is also valued.
Direct experience working under a CMMC-certified or CMMC-compliant quality management system, including proper handling of CUI on shop-floor networks and DNC systems.
Experience machining tight-tolerance aerospace or defense components: aluminum, titanium, Inconel, stainless, and other high-performance alloys.
Knowledge of SPC methods and experience using quality management software.
Forklift certification and overhead crane experience.
NIMS Machining Level II credential or journeyman machinist certification.
Work Environment
This position operates on the manufacturing floor environments. Exposure to noise, machinery, temperature variation, and industrial conditions may occur when accessing plant areas.
Momentum Manufacturing complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or employment process should notify Human Resources.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job:
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Ability to stand for long periods of time
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Ability to stand, sit, bend and kneel without difficulty
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Ability to repeatedly lift/pull/push 50lbs
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Exposure to loud noises
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Working in the presence of fork trucks and other manufacturing machinery
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Must be able to lift 50 pounds independently
Momentum Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify the role as business needs evolve.
