CNC Swiss Machine Operator

Company: MEPCO LLC
Location: Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Pay: $23–$34/hour, DOE
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM (40 hrs/week, no overtime)
Experience: Entry-level welcome; setup experience a plus
Machines: Tsugami & Citizen Swiss turn lathes
Controls: Fanuc, Mitsubishi

Why This Job Is Worth Considering

MEPCO has manufactured steam traps, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers for steam and hydronic heating systems since 1903, working out of its Grand Rapids facility. The Swiss department runs five Tsugami machines (three to four currently running, with a goal of all five online by year-end), turning brass and stainless parts that go into those products. MEPCO invests real time in training: new operators go through Gyrotech's CNC 101 and G&M code classes and get roughly 4-5 weeks to build tool-change and machine knowledge before working independently. Turret lathe operators are also welcome and will be cross-trained onto Swiss equipment. The shop is air-conditioned, uses water-based coolant, and stays quiet.

What You'll Be Doing

• Run 2-3 Swiss turn machines at a time, handling tool changes, bar loads, and part checks
• Self-inspect parts, following a first-piece/last-piece double-check process
• Machine brass and stainless steel to tolerances of ±0.005", with some features at ±0.003"
• Build troubleshooting skills over time — the area MEPCO's team says takes longest to develop
• Work production lots of 20,000-50,000 parts, large by CNC standards
• Use shop-provided tools, or bring your own if you prefer

Machines, Controls and Equipment

• 5 Tsugami Swiss turn machines with Fanuc controls
• Citizen Swiss machines with Mitsubishi controls also in the shop; Star Swiss experience welcome too
• New turret lathes for cross-training
• Materials: brass and stainless steel

What We're Looking For

Required: None to start — MEPCO trains entry-level hires through Gyrotech's CNC 101/G&M code coursework and a 4-5 week ramp-up.

Preferred: 2+ years running a Swiss turn machine (or 1+ year on CNC mills) for setup-capable consideration; prior Tsugami, Citizen, or Star Swiss experience; programming familiarity is a plus, though MEPCO does not want new hires rewriting existing programs.

Pay, Benefits and Schedule

Pay runs $23-$34/hour depending on experience, benchmarked each year against a local wage study. Schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM — 40 hours straight, no overtime.

• Medical, dental, and vision (HMO)
• 401(k) with 100% match up to 4%
• Life insurance
• $125/year safety shoe allowance; gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection provided
• Annual bonus
• Vacation starting at 4 days after 90 days, growing toward 25 days over time

About MEPCO and How to Apply

Since 1903, MEPCO has designed and manufactured steam traps, centrifugal and regenerative turbine pumps, thermostatic radiator valves, regulating valves, strainers, heat exchangers, and expansion tanks for steam and hydronic heating systems used in buildings and industrial process applications worldwide. The company is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Apply through hireCNC to be considered for this opening.