CNC Setup Specialist

About Company:

Our History

Since our humble beginning as a small blacksmith shop in 1882, Brunner & Lay has grown to include manufacturing plants and warehouses on three different continents. These include seven facilities in the United States, two in Canada, three in Great Britain, one in Germany, and two in Australia. We have played a role in the construction of some of the world’s most famous highways, dams, airfields, mines, quarries, and even national monuments.

American Made since 1882

About the Role:

The CNC Setup Specialist plays a critical role in the manufacturing process by preparing and configuring CNC machines to ensure precise and efficient production runs. This position requires a deep understanding of machine setup, tooling, and programming to optimize machine performance and maintain high-quality output. The specialist will collaborate closely with production teams to interpret engineering drawings and specifications, ensuring that all setups meet stringent quality and safety standards. By troubleshooting and resolving setup issues promptly, the CNC Setup Specialist helps minimize downtime and supports continuous improvement initiatives. Ultimately, this role is essential for maintaining the seamless operation of CNC machinery, contributing directly to the overall productivity and success of the manufacturing facility.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience in CNC machine setup within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with CNC tooling and fixtures.
• Basic knowledge of CNC programming and machine operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical certification or associate degree in manufacturing technology or a related field.
• Experience with specific CNC control systems such as Fanuc, Haas, or Siemens.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools and quality control processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work with CAD/CAM software.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma training.

Responsibilities:

• Set up CNC machines according to job specifications, including installing and aligning tooling, fixtures, and workholding devices.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work orders to determine machine setup requirements and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Perform trial runs and make necessary adjustments to machine parameters to achieve optimal performance and product accuracy.
• Collaborate with machinists, programmers, and quality control personnel to troubleshoot and resolve setup-related issues.
• Maintain detailed records of machine setups, tooling usage, and production data to support process documentation and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills:

The CNC Setup Specialist utilizes their technical skills daily to accurately interpret engineering drawings and translate them into precise machine setups, ensuring product specifications are met. Mechanical aptitude is essential for installing and adjusting tooling and fixtures, which directly impacts the quality and efficiency of production runs. Troubleshooting skills are frequently applied to identify and resolve setup issues quickly, minimizing machine downtime. Knowledge of CNC programming and control systems enables the specialist to collaborate effectively with programmers and operators to optimize machine performance. Additionally, strong communication and documentation skills support coordination with team members and maintain accurate records for continuous process improvement.