Milling Set Up Technician in Elkhorn, Wisconsin at READER PRECISION SOLUTIONS

As a Milling Setup Technician at Reader Precision Solutions, you will join an award-winning company on a mission to supply its clients with the industry's leading precision parts and components. The ideal candidate for this role will have a minimum of three years of experience setting up and operating CNC milling equipment and possess advanced troubleshooting, machining, and CNC programming capabilities. This individual will be responsible for machine setups, part and program prove-outs, process optimization, operator training, and continuous improvement initiatives. We are seeking a highly skilled technician who is passionate about enhancing manufacturing processes, improving productivity, and sharing their knowledge with others.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Set up and operate one or more CNC milling machines to perform machining operations according to engineering drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
• Perform complete machine setups including tooling installation, workholding setup, fixture alignment, program loading, and machine preparation.
• Conduct first-piece inspections and complete part and program prove-outs to ensure conformance to quality and production standards.
• Edit, optimize, and troubleshoot CNC programs as necessary to improve quality, efficiency, tool life, and cycle times.
• Collaborate with Engineering to validate new programs, tooling strategies, and process improvements.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of mechanical, tooling, fixturing, programming, and machine-related issues to minimize downtime and maximize machine utilization.
• Analyze machining processes and implement improvements that enhance productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train and mentor machine operators on machine operation, quality expectations, inspection methods, troubleshooting techniques, and safe work practices.
• Provide technical support and guidance to operators throughout production runs.
• Operate milling equipment as needed to support production requirements and meet delivery schedules.
• Monitor machine operation and verify conformance of workpieces using precision measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, comparators, CMM, Keyence systems, and functional gauges.
• Make machine, tooling, and offset adjustments as required to maintain part conformance and optimize performance.
• Ensure all routers, prints, setup documentation, inspection records, and quality requirements are accurately completed and maintained.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of ISO Quality Management System work instructions and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of machine setups, tooling changes, prove-outs, process improvements, and quality inspection results.
• Consistently clean and maintain machines, tooling, fixtures, and related equipment to ensure optimal operating condition.
• Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Tool Room, and Maintenance personnel to resolve technical challenges and achieve production goals.
• Support Tool Room operations as needed.

Milling Platforms You Will Work With:

• Brother Speedio CNC Milling Centers
• Vertical Machining Centers (VMCs)
• Automated Milling Cells and Supporting Equipment
• Tool Presetters, Workholding Systems, and Fixture Assemblies

Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of CNC milling setup experience in a manufacturing environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or CNC certifications preferred.
• Proficient in CNC milling machine setup, operation, troubleshooting, and program editing.
• Experience with part and program prove-outs, process optimization, and cycle time improvements.
• Strong troubleshooting skills involving tooling, fixturing, machine performance, and machining processes.
• Ability to train and mentor machine operators.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in the use of precision inspection equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, CMM, and Keyence systems.
• Ability to read and interpret prints, GD&T, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of machining principles, tooling, materials, feeds and speeds, workholding, and metalworking practices.
• Basic math skills, including arithmetic, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Proficient computer skills, including ERP system transactions and data entry.
• Vision corrected to 20/20.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, hourly (non-exempt) position regularly scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Additional overtime hours may be required based on production demands, staffing needs, or operational priorities, as determined by the Swiss CNC Supervisor.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

The characteristics listed below represent the physical and environmental demands required to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties.

This role requires frequent standing and walking on the production floor, with occasional bending, reaching, crouching, and lifting up to 25 pounds. The position involves close visual attention to machining activity and inspection needs. This individual may be exposed to moderate manufacturing noise, moving machinery, and machining fluids such as cutting oils and solvents.

Core Competencies – Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars:

Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

• Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our customers to achieve synergy.
• Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.
• Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on customer needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.
• Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.

Reader Precision Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.