CNC Setup Machinist

Position Summary

WillowWood Global is seeking an experienced CNC Setup Machinist to support manufacturing operations within our Production Team. The primary responsibility of this position is the setup, prove-out, troubleshooting, and optimization of CNC milling machines used to manufacture high-quality prosthetic components.

This position will be responsible for preparing CNC mills for production, including fixture and workholding setup, tooling, work offsets, program verification, first-piece production, and process adjustments. Once setups are completed, the CNC Setup Machinist may also be required to operate CNC milling machines or CNC lathes as needed to support production requirements and meet manufacturing schedules.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on CNC setup experience, a thorough understanding of machining processes and tooling, and the ability to independently troubleshoot machining and quality issues. This role requires attention to detail, sound mechanical judgment, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform complete setups of CNC milling machines for production operations.
• Install and verify fixtures, workholding, cutting tools, tool offsets, and work coordinate offsets.
• Load, verify, and prove out CNC programs before releasing machines for production.
• Produce and inspect first-piece parts to verify setup accuracy and conformance to specifications.
• Make tooling, work offset, feed, speed, and program adjustments as necessary to achieve part quality and efficient machining.
• Troubleshoot setup, tooling, machining, dimensional, and process-related problems.
• Identify root causes of machining issues and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Operate CNC milling machines and CNC lathes as required to support production schedules and department needs.
• Manufacture prosthetic components according to engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and established manufacturing processes.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Monitor tool condition and replace or adjust tooling as necessary to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
• Work with Production, Engineering, Quality, and other team members to improve machining processes, tooling, fixtures, cycle times, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Assist with CNC program modifications and editing when required.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and help maintain equipment in good working condition.
• Accurately record production information and complete required manufacturing and quality documentation.
• Maintain tooling, fixtures, gauges, and work areas in a clean and organized condition.
• Follow all company quality standards, safety requirements, manufacturing procedures, and operating instructions.
• Perform other machining and production duties as assigned to meet department and company requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong demonstrated experience performing complete CNC milling machine setups.
• Ability to independently set tooling, fixtures, work offsets, and tool offsets.
• Experience proving out, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC programs and machining processes.
• Strong understanding of machining principles, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, workholding, and fixture methods.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing specifications.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Ability to recognize and correct dimensional, tooling, workholding, and machining problems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to operate CNC mills or CNC lathes as required to support production.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately complete production and quality documentation.
• Ability to work independently while effectively communicating with Production, Engineering, and Quality personnel.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Haas CNC milling machines.
• CNC lathe setup and operating experience.
• Familiarity with G-code programming and CNC program editing.
• Experience with multi-axis CNC machining.
• Experience developing or improving fixtures and workholding methods.
• Experience with machining process improvement, cycle-time reduction, and tooling optimization.
• Technical certification or vocational training in machining, CNC technology, or manufacturing technology.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing machine shop environment in a clean, climate-controlled facility.
• Regular exposure to operating machinery, machine noise, cutting tools, cutting fluids, chips, and vibration.
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear as applicable.
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, reaching, and material handling throughout the shift.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate machinery, tools, controls, and precision measuring equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect machined components and accurately read precision measurements.

WillowWood Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.