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Cnc Setup Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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CNC Setup Operator and applications engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Automotive, Robotic Fusion 360 Below is the clients Senior CNC Setup & Applications Engineer Job Type: Full-time Location: Elk Grove Village, IL Work Location: On-site only Job Summary Confidential ...

New

Éxito Search Partners

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CNC Swiss Lathe Setup

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve manufacturability and process ... Strong background in Swiss CNC setup, programming, and process optimization . * Proficiency with ...

Custom Cylinders, Inc

CNC Setup Machinist

Cary, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Interpret engineering drawings to understand tolerances of the parts to be machined. * Interpret setup documentation and tooling sheets to setup a variety of jobs. * Setup and operate CNC multi ...

Buck Knives

CNC Setup Technician

Post Falls, ID · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Work with Leads, Programmers, and Quality personnel to resolve CNC concerns. * Follow all safety ... setup responsibilities. • Formal CNC training or technical certification is a plus. GROWTH ...

Éxito Search Partners

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CNC Swiss Lathe Setup

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve manufacturability and process ... Strong background in Swiss CNC setup, programming, and process optimization . * Proficiency with ...

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CNC Setup Operator and applications engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Automotive, Robotic Fusion 360 Below is the clients Senior CNC Setup & Applications Engineer Job Type: Full-time Location: Elk Grove Village, IL Work Location: On-site only Job Summary Confidential ...

New

Agile Staffing

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CNC Setup Machinist

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23 - $40/hr

Shift: 2nd & 3rd Shift Available Summary The CNC Setup Machinist I is responsible for setting up, programming, and operating CNC milling machines to produce precision parts that meet quality ...

Buck Knives Inc

CNC Setup Technician

Post Falls, ID

Description SUMMARY The CNC Setup Technician is responsible for setting up and preparing CNC ... Work with Leads, Programmers, and Quality personnel to resolve CNC concerns. * Follow all safety ...

Graphite Metalizing Corporation

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CNC Setup Machinist

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$32 - $38/day

Setup and Program CNC lathe and mills machines using conventional G and M code, and conversational programming * Read and interpret blueprints, job orders, and inspection plans. * Load/unload parts ...

Veteran-friendly

Urgent

Buck Knives, Inc.

CNC Setup Technician

Post Falls, ID · On-site

Work with Leads, Programmers, and Quality personnel to resolve CNC concerns. * Follow all safety ... setup responsibilities. · Formal CNC training or technical certification is a plus. GROWTH ...

Graphite Metalizing Corporation

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CNC Setup Machinist

Yonkers, NY · On-site

$32 - $38/day

Setup and Program CNC lathe and mills machines using conventional G and M code, and conversational programming * Read and interpret blueprints, job orders, and inspection plans. * Load/unload parts ...

Veteran-friendly

Urgent

5TH AXIS INC

CNC Setup Machinist

San Diego, CA

$25 - $35/hr

You'll work closely with operators, programmers, leads, and production management to ensure setups ... Minimum 3 years of CNC setup machinist experience * Strong experience setting up 3- and 4-axis CNC ...

T&D Machine

CNC CNC Setup Operator

Butler, WI

$28 - $32/hr

CNC Setup Operator (a.k.a. the One Who Actually Makes It Happen) We're looking for someone who ... Work with programmers and machinists who know what they're doing * Suggest better ways to do things ...

K2 Ascend

CNC Setup Machinist

Plymouth, MI

$52K - $83.20K/yr

Engineers handle programming, but technicians must be comfortable performing program edits, machine ... CNC setup experience in a production machining environment • Experience with CNC mills and/or ...

Actalent

Cnc Programmer

Madison, WI

$26.75 - $36.50/hr

This role focuses on advanced equipment setup and maintenance, precise machining, and consistent adherence to shop safety and best practices. The CNC Programmer contributes to process improvement ...

New

5TH Axis Inc

CNC Setup Machinist

San Diego, CA

You'll work closely with operators, programmers, leads, and production management to ensure setups ... Minimum 3 years of CNC setup machinist experience * Strong experience setting up 3- and 4-axis CNC ...

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How much do cnc setup programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cnc setup programmer in the United States is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CNC Setup Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CNC Setup Programmer, you need expertise in CNC machining, blueprint reading, and programming languages such as G-code, usually backed by vocational training or relevant experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (like Mastercam or SolidWorks) and CNC control systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as NIMS. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with production teams. These competencies ensure precision, efficiency, and minimal downtime in manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges faced by CNC Setup Programmers and how can they be addressed?

CNC Setup Programmers often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex blueprints, troubleshooting machine errors, and ensuring precise setup for efficient production runs. Staying updated with the latest CAM software and machine technology helps overcome these hurdles. Additionally, strong communication with machinists and engineers is vital to resolve discrepancies quickly and maintain high-quality output. Proactively refining setups and conducting test runs can also minimize downtime and increase productivity.

What are CNC Setup Programmers?

CNC Setup Programmers are skilled professionals who create, modify, and optimize programs for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, which are used to manufacture precision parts. They are responsible for setting up the machines, selecting appropriate tools, and ensuring the correct sequence of operations. In addition, they troubleshoot issues, adjust programs as needed, and verify that finished products meet quality standards. Their expertise is crucial for efficient and accurate manufacturing in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and metalworking.

What is the difference between Cnc Setup Programmer vs Cnc Operator?

AspectCnc Setup ProgrammerCnc Operator
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in CNC programmingBasic manufacturing or machine operation training
Work EnvironmentDesigning and setting up CNC machines, programmingOperating CNC machines based on existing programs
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesManufacturing, production lines

The main difference is that a Cnc Setup Programmer focuses on creating and setting up CNC programs and machines, while a Cnc Operator runs the machines based on existing setups. The Setup Programmer requires programming skills and technical certifications, whereas the Operator primarily needs operational training. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

More about Cnc Setup Programmer jobs
What states have the most Cnc Setup Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cnc Setup Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cnc Setup Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cnc Setup Programmer jobs are:
Cnc Setup Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cnc Setup Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,389 per year, or $31 per hour.

CNC Setup Operator and applications engineer

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Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted yesterday

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Job description

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

Company Description

Global Specialty Ingredient Company with a great reputation.