Swiss-Turn CNC Programming Technologist

Arena Direct Hire is partnering with a confidential precision manufacturer in the healthcare sector to add a hands-on technologist who thrives at the intersection of CNC Swiss programming, process optimization, and prototype-to-production transfer.

A day in the role

At 6:00am, you’re on the floor in North County San Diego, reviewing yesterday’s run data. A machinist flags a tooling wear issue; you open the program, tweak G and M codes, and adjust offsets. By mid-morning, you’re in SolidWorks refining a model from R&D and building the tooling diagram for an initial prototype. After lunch, you validate a new Citizen CNC Swiss Screw Machine setup, document the optimized cycle, and coach a set-up tech through a revised sequence of operations. Before 2:30pm, you audit a control plan, lock in process parameters, and capture updates for repeatability and quality.

What you’ll tackle

• Create cost-effective CNC machine programs and tooling diagrams for both prototypes and production parts.
• Partner with R&D on new product development, initial prototyping, and seamless transfer into scaled manufacturing.
• Verify and validate CNC programs and set-up parameters for new and existing parts, ensuring accuracy from print to chip.
• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches, models, and specifications with strong GD&T application.
• Define machining methods, cutting tools, machine requirements, and operation sequencing.
• Reduce variability, extend tool life, shorten cycle times, trim secondary operations, and lower total manufacturing cost.
• Maintain and continuously improve existing programs and processes.
• Contribute to control plan development and process optimization for consistent output.
• Install/change tooling, set up parts, and edit programs for Citizen CNC Swiss Screw Machines.
• Troubleshoot daily machining issues side-by-side with machinists and set-up teams.
• Train operators and set-up crews on new or refined machining methods.
• Audit processes to boost efficiency, process control, and quality.
• Use SolidWorks (or similar CAD) and apply GD&T in a production machining environment.
• Champion lean practices and continuous improvement.
• Follow safety standards and maintain a clean, organized work area.

Who you are

• 3+ years of hands-on CNC machining, including introductory CNC programming experience.
• History creating, editing, validating, or supporting CNC programs for prototype or production parts.
• Fluent reading and interpreting engineering prints, drawings, sketches, models, and specs.
• Working knowledge of G Code and M Code.
• Proficient with SolidWorks or comparable CAD tools.
• Comfortable with GD&T principles.
• Experienced installing/changing tooling, setting up parts, and editing programs.
• Direct experience with Citizen CNC Swiss Screw Machines.
• Proven at stabilizing and optimizing machining processes for efficiency, quality, and control.
• A strong troubleshooter and continuous improver.
• Effective independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Organized, communicative, and able to juggle multiple priorities.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

• Background in cGMP and/or ISO regulated settings.
• College or certificate coursework in machining, manufacturing, engineering technology, or related fields.
• Experience training machinists and set-up crews on new/optimized processes.
• Exposure to new product development, prototyping, and manufacturing transfer.
• Track record improving cycle times, tool life, process control, part quality, or manufacturing cost.
• Experience in precision manufacturing, medical device, healthcare manufacturing, aerospace, or similar regulated environments.

Software and technical tools

• SolidWorks or similar CAD software
• CNC machine programming tools
• G Code and M Code
• GD&T
• Citizen CNC Swiss Screw Machines
• Microsoft Office (helpful)

Schedule and reporting

• Location: North County San Diego
• Work Arrangement: In office, 5 days/week
• Schedule: 6:00am to 2:30pm
• Reports to: Machine Shop Manager

Compensation and benefits

• Base compensation range: $100,000 to $125,000
• This role is paid hourly and is eligible for overtime.
• Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, disability insurance, 401(k), financial planning resources, paid time off, and bonus opportunity. Full details will be discussed during the interview process.

Interview process

• Round 1: Onsite interview and facility tour
• Offer decision expected to move quickly for the right candidate.

Proficiencies

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CAD Software
• G-Code
• M-Code
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Manual Machining Skills
• Citizen CNC Swiss Screw
• CNC machine programs
• Solidworks
• SWISS
• SWISS Screw Machining
• tooling diagrams

Machines you’ll use

• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• CNC Swiss Lathe
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis)

Legal and compliance

Employment Type: Non-exempt, paid hourly with overtime

Pre-Employment Requirements

• E-Verify
• Background check
• Basic drug test

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arena Staffing and our client are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including California requirements related to pay scale disclosures, paid sick leave, and required reporting and recordkeeping. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.