Mill Setup Technician

Shift Information

2nd Shift | Monday - Friday | 1:30PM - 10:00PM

Job Summary 
The Mill Setup Technician is responsible for setting up and verifying CNC milling operations, ensuring jobs are configured to run safely, accurately, and efficiently. In addition to standard machine operation and in-process inspection tasks, this role involves interpreting blueprints and setup sheets, selecting tooling and fixtures, dialing in work offsets, and supporting production with troubleshooting and process stabilization. The technician works closely with Quality Control to validate first articles and assists with 
training and supervising Mill Operators. This role requires a higher level of technical skill, attention to detail, and cross-functional communication to maintain consistent throughput and dimensional accuracy across multiple shifts. 

Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred) 
• 3+ years of CNC milling experience in a manufacturing environment (required) 
• Demonstrated proficiency in CNC mill setup, including fixture alignment and tooling selection 
• Experience with Haas controls and 3-axis or 4-axis milling machines strongly preferred

Knowledge 

• Setup Practices – Strong understanding of workholding, tool selection, zeroing, and offset setting for Haas CNC mills 
• Blueprint and GD&T Interpretation – Proficiency in reading engineering drawings, including tolerances and feature callouts 
• Inspection Equipment – Skilled in using calipers, micrometers, indicators, height gauges, edge finders, and gage blocks for precision verification 
• Troubleshooting – Familiarity with correcting tool wear issues, chatter, out-of-tolerance conditions, and mechanical setup errors 
• Process Validation – Ability to work with QC to confirm first article inspections and make necessary setup adjustments 
• Production Flow – Understanding of shop floor sequencing and how mill setup impacts downstream operations 
• English Language – Competence in reading work instructions, technical notes, and safety documentation

Skills 

• Proficient in performing complex setups on Haas CNC mills 
• Strong inspection and documentation accuracy 
• Mechanical aptitude for fixture installation, tool length setting, and basic offset edits
• Effective communication with quality, programming, and supervisory personnel
• Ability to train and guide less experienced Mill Operators and Mill Setup Technicians on setup practices, machine use and inspection expectations 
• Prioritization and multitasking across multiple machines or job changes 
• Problem-solving mindset with emphasis on root cause and corrective action

 
Work Context 
Responsibility for Others 

• Responsible for maintaining a safe workspace and following procedures to avoid injury to self or others 
• Expected to lead by example in safety, quality, and communication 
• Involved in onboarding, cross-training and/or supervision of new and existing production personnel 

Work Setting 

• Shop floor machining environment 
• Routine exposure to cutting fluids, metal chips, and moderate noise levels 
• Daily interaction with other setup technicians, machine operators and quality inspectors

Job Hazards

• Potential for contact with rotating machinery, sharp tooling, and hot chips if proper safety procedures are not followed 
• Risk of repetitive motion fatigue, wrist strain, or lifting-related discomfort if ergonomic practices are neglected 
• Exposure to cutting fluids and airborne particulates, mitigated through use of PPE and proper ventilation 
• All hazards are controlled through required training, machine guarding, PPE usage, and adherence to company safety protocols

Body Positioning

• Approximately 85% standing or walking, 15% lifting 
• Frequent bending, reaching, and manual loading of bar stock or part blanks 
• Occasional lifting of parts or raw material up to 50 lbs; team lift required for heavier items

Basic Work Attire

• Shop-appropriate work shirt and pants 
• Steel-toe shoes or boots 
• Safety glasses are always required in machining areas 
• Gloves, ear protection, and high-visibility gear as required by area policy 

Primary Job Duties

• Review setup sheets, travelers, and blueprints to determine fixture, tooling, and zeroing requirements 
• Install workholding and align vises or fixtures to ensure correct orientation and repeatability 
• Load tools and set tool lengths and work offsets in Haas control system
• Perform test cuts and in-process measurements to validate setup prior to handing job off to operators 
• Collaborate with Quality Control to complete and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) 
• Diagnose and resolve setup-related issues such as chatter, tool rubbing, or out-of-tolerance dimensions 
• Train and support Mill Operators in correct loading, operation, and inspection procedures 
• Train and support other Mill Setup Technicians in best setup practices. 
• Maintain accurate records of setup parameters, tool usage, and part count documentation 
• Ensure work area is clean, organized, and free of obstructions; enforce safety best practices 
• Communicate with programming and leadership if job prints, models, or tooling lists need revision 
• Assist with rework or secondary operations if time allows and workload requires

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the 
employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related 
instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give 
instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and 
are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform 
this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty 
proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the 
health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum 
levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied 
or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.