CNC Manufacturing Programmer & Setup Specialist

Location: Hudson, WI
Pay: Up to $38/hour, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time

A day in this role

You arrive at a well-organized small shop and review the day’s jobs with the owner. A new print comes in—tight tolerances, multiple ops. You translate the blueprint into a CNC program, choose the right cutters and workholding, and dial in speeds and feeds. You set offsets, prove out the program, and make fine edits to keep the cycle efficient. Between ops, you check parts using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and bore gauges, documenting results to confirm every dimension. A short weld task pops up (about 10–20% of the work overall), and you handle it confidently before returning to the mills and lathes. As the run stabilizes, you troubleshoot a chip evacuation issue, tweak parameters, and keep production on schedule—all while maintaining a clean, safe cell and collaborating with a tight-knit team.

Core responsibilities

• Program, set up, and run CNC mills and/or lathes to produce precision components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions with confidence.
• Select tooling, materials, and workholding appropriate to each job.
• Edit programs and adjust offsets, speeds, and feeds to uphold quality and throughput.
• Measure parts with calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and dial indicators; verify tolerances and document results.
• Troubleshoot machining challenges and keep jobs running efficiently.
• Perform occasional welding as needed (approximately 10–20% of the workload).
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and safe.
• Work directly with the owner and team to meet goals and deadlines.

What you bring

• Proven experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC equipment.
• Ability to independently complete setups and produce parts to spec.
• Strong blueprint reading and precision measurement skills.
• Solid understanding of tooling, machining fundamentals, and tolerances.
• A knack for identifying and resolving routine machining issues.
• Detail orientation, reliable attendance, and pride in craftsmanship.
• Clear communication and the ability to work both independently and with a small team.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn, improve processes, and share ideas.

Preferred extras

• Experience with Fanuc controls.
• Welding experience.
• Ability to train or support less experienced operators (no welding certification required).

Why you’ll enjoy working here

• Variety: Precision work serving multiple industries.
• Direct collaboration: Partner daily with the owner and an experienced crew.
• Ownership: Lead your setups, production, and quality.
• Growth: Expand your skill set and potentially move into a lead role as we grow.
• Small-shop visibility: Your contributions are seen and valued.

Core proficiencies

• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Blueprint Reading

Equipment & controls you’ll use

• CNC Lathes
• CNC Mills
• Fanuc Controls

How to apply

Apply today and share your CNC programming and setup experience, the machines and controls you’ve used, and your preferred shift.