CNC Turning Setup Technician

What a Day Looks Like

You start your shift at a turning center, loading the right tools and dialing in offsets. You review the CNC program, catch and correct errors, and choose the proper workholding to secure the workpiece. As the first chips fall, you watch the cut closely, making fine adjustments to keep the process in control.

Throughout the run, you verify features against blueprints and metric specifications on the product’s predetermined inspection cycle. When something’s off, you stop and notify the lead before continuing production. You document quality checks and production data accurately, then repeat operations to complete each job order to spec.

You preset tools, monitor tool wear and breakage (including any tool-life monitoring systems), and perform deburring with a practiced hand. You run a CMM using existing programs to validate critical dimensions. You keep the machine healthy with basic maintenance and follow all safety procedures, flagging any unusual machine, tooling, or workpiece behavior to the lead.

Core Responsibilities

• Read CNC programs, identify errors, set up machines, and perform offsets on turning machine centers.
• Select workholding and securely fixture workpieces.
• Load and secure cutting tools; preset tools as required.
• Set up and operate the machine; observe cutting operations and adjust as needed.
• Compare finished parts to blueprints using metric measurements per the predetermined inspection cycle.
• Alert the lead of any non-compliant parts before continuing production.
• Complete quality and production control documentation accurately.
• Install new tooling and adjust tool/program offsets as required.
• Repeat machine operations to fulfill job orders efficiently.
• Notify the lead of unusual machine, tooling, or part conditions.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and adhere to all safety procedures.
• Set up and operate the CMM using existing programs.
• Perform deburring and understand all aspects of proper edge finishing.
• Capable of performing general Machine Operator functions as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 3–5 years of related CNC setup experience and/or training, or equivalent combination.
• Proven ability to set up and operate CNC machining centers (with emphasis on turning centers).
• Language: read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write short correspondence; present information effectively in 1:1 and small groups.
• Math: add, subtract, multiply, divide; work in English and Metric units and convert between them.
• Reasoning: apply common sense to carry out detailed but uncomplicated written or verbal instructions; resolve problems with a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Computer: basic computer skills.

Environment & Physical Demands

**Working conditions **

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. However, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

**Physical requirements

**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, hear, speak, view processes and surrounding environment, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.