CNC Turning Center Setup Technician (Lathe)

Build Precision. Build Your Career.

Step into Belden Universal’s newly constructed, air‑conditioned, and impeccably organized production facility just 12 miles west of downtown Chicago. From day one, you’ll collaborate with seasoned machinists to manufacture universal joints and drive shafts that keep industry moving—while you grow your skills and make a tangible impact.

A Day in the Life

Your shift begins by reviewing work orders and prints, translating GD&T and specifications into a solid machining strategy. You’ll program multi‑spindle CNC lathes, defining zero and reference points, setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches, and calculating requirements using math, geometry, and trigonometry to prove out programs.

Once programs are validated, you’ll set up the lathe—installing and dialing in tooling—then load stock and verify settings by measuring first‑run and sample pieces to international standards. Throughout production, you’ll monitor turning, facing, grooving, drilling, knurling, and thread‑chasing operations; take precise measurements; and quickly troubleshoot malfunctions by reprogramming, adjusting processes, and sharpening or replacing tools as needed. Safety and quality come first, so you’ll follow documented procedures, complete preventive maintenance per manufacturer guidance, and capture production and quality data in logs.

What You’ll Do

• Plan machining from work orders, drawings, materials, and specifications; interpret GD&T.
• Program multi‑spindle turning centers and prove out part programs.
• Set up lathes, install/adjust tooling, and load material.
• Verify setups by measuring positions and first‑article/sample parts to international standards.
• Run and monitor cutting operations (turning, facing, drilling, grooving, knurling, thread chasing).
• Troubleshoot processes; adjust/reprogram controls; maintain sharp, capable tooling.
• Adhere to quality assurance procedures and plant safety regulations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and resolve equipment issues using manufacturer instructions.
• Document production details and quality checks in logs.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience on CNC turning centers (Swiss turning experience preferred).
• Proficiency in G‑code programming and strong grasp of offsets and compensation.
• Solid conceptual and technical aptitude; comfortable with process improvement.
• Hands‑on skill with controls/instrumentation, tooling, and coordinated setups.
• Clear verbal communication and teamwork mindset.

Why Belden Universal

• Competitive pay aligned with your experience.
• Comprehensive benefits plus a 401(k) match.
• 10 paid company holidays and 4 paid personal days annually.
• Mentorship from expert machinists and real advancement opportunities in a rapidly growing company.

Shifts

Ideal: Swing shift, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (45 hours/week). Also open to first shift, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (40 hours/week).