CNC Setup Operator and applications engineer

Senior CNC Set-up and Applications Engineer

Our client who is  61 year manufacturing facility specializing in parts for the Aerospace Industry seeks a for their Senior CNC Set-up and Applications Engineer for their

 Elk Grove Village Il facility.

Experience required

4th or 3 2 axis, fixture creation, tooling,

Nice to have experience: Automotive, Robotic Fusion 360

Below is the clients job description

Senior CNC Setup & Applications Engineer

Job Type: Full-time
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Work Location: On-site only

Job Summary

Confidential AS9100-certified precision machining job shop is hiring a Senior CNC Setup & Applications Engineer to lead advanced job setup, tooling, fixturing, and machining process execution for complex, high-mix, tight-tolerance work.

This role is ideal for someone with strong hands-on experience in 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling, plus simple CNC lathe setups, who can develop practical, repeatable setup strategies that work in real shop conditions. We are looking for someone creative, process-driven, and highly capable in solving difficult manufacturing challenges involving workholding, tool access, rigidity, datum strategy, and process stability.

Responsibilities
• Develop and improve advanced CNC job setups for complex machined parts
• Create practical tooling, fixturing, and workholding solutions for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling
• Support simple CNC lathe setup planning and application
• Evaluate prints, tolerances, materials, and machine capability to determine the best setup approach
• Support prove-outs and troubleshoot setup, fixturing, tooling, and machining issues
• Improve repeatability, first-pass success, and process consistency
• Create clear setup documentation, tool lists, workholding notes, and operation guidance
• Work closely with programmers, machinists, and inspection personnel to ensure reliable execution
• Apply strong blueprint reading and GD&T understanding in a build-to-print environment

Qualifications
• Strong experience in CNC setup, tooling, fixturing, and applications engineering
• Proven hands-on experience with 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling setups
• Experience with simple CNC lathe setups
• Strong understanding of workholding, clearance, stickout, chatter control, chip evacuation, and tolerance repeatability
• Ability to create setup documentation machinists can follow without guessing
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T skills
• Experience in a precision machining job shop environment
• AS9100 / aerospace manufacturing experience preferred
• Familiarity with Mastercam and/or Fusion 360 preferred

Benefits
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Company pays 85% of employee premiums

Additional Information
• 60-day try-out period
• Industry references required
• Equal Opportunity Employer