Lead CNC Setup Machinist & Programmer

Lead CNC Setup Machinist & Programmer

Advance Machine Specialties, LLC is seeking an experienced Lead CNC Setup Machinist & Programmer to join our team. This is a hands-on, highly skilled position for a machinist who can do more than simply operate equipment—you should be confident setting up CNC machines, programming parts, machining components, and ultimately taking a leadership role within a small job-shop environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced machinist who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and the challenge of producing parts from start to finish.

What You'll Do

• Set up and operate CNC machining equipment for a variety of jobs and part runs
• Program CNC machines and make necessary program adjustments at the machine
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
• Determine appropriate tooling, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining processes
• Machine both simple and complex parts to tight specifications
• Inspect finished parts and verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment
• Troubleshoot machining, setup, tooling, and programming issues
• Make adjustments to ensure parts meet quality and customer requirements
• Work independently to determine the best approach for completing jobs efficiently
• Help organize and prioritize work throughout the shop
• Serve as a technical resource and lead for other shop employees
• Take ownership of jobs from setup and programming through completion

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a true CNC machinist/programmer with hands-on experience in both programming and machining. This is not an entry-level machine operator position.

• 2+ years of relevant CNC machining and programming experience
• Strong hands-on CNC setup experience
• Demonstrated ability to program CNC equipment
• Ability to take a job from print to finished part
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, feeds, and speeds
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints
• Experience with precision measurement and inspection tools
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Reliable, accountable, and willing to take ownership of your work
• Leadership mindset with the ability to help guide others in a small-shop environment

Experience matters more than a specific number of years. Candidates with extensive machining experience but limited programming experience may not be the right fit. We're looking for someone whose recent hands-on experience demonstrates that they can confidently set up, program, and machine.

The Right Fit

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys the variety and challenge of a job-shop environment. Our work requires a machinist who can think through a job, make decisions, solve problems, and produce quality parts—not someone whose experience has been limited primarily to loading and unloading machines or running repetitive production.

If you're the kind of machinist who can look at a print, determine how to approach the job, set up the machine, develop or modify the program, and make the part, we'd like to hear from you.

Why Join Advance Machine Specialties?

• Work in a hands-on, small-shop environment
• Variety of machining and programming work
• Opportunity to take on a leadership role
• Competitive pay based on experience and demonstrated skill
• Opportunity for an experienced "all-around" CNC professional to make a meaningful impact on the shop

If you're an experienced CNC machinist who can genuinely program, set up, and machine, apply today.

About Advance Machine Specialties:
Advance Machine Specialties is a small, growing CNC machine shop dedicated to precision, quality, and excellent customer service. We value teamwork, craftsmanship, and a supportive work environment where every employee’s contributions matter. Our team works on a variety of production and custom projects, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and build a career in machining.