CNC Swiss Machinist

Senior CNC Swiss Programmer / Setup Machinist

Location: Greater Portland, OR.
Openings: 2 Positions
Industry: Precision Manufacturing / CNC Swiss Machining

Position Overview

We are seeking two experienced Senior CNC Swiss Programmers / Setup Machinists to join a performance-driven precision manufacturing organization.

The ideal candidates will have extensive hands-on experience programming, setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing CNC Swiss machines. This position requires individuals who can take full ownership of the manufacturing process, from interpreting engineering drawings and developing CAM programs to machine setup, first-article inspection, and production readiness.

We are looking for technically strong machinists who take pride in their work, demonstrate accountability, and contribute to a structured, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CNC Swiss machining programs using CAM software, preferably Autodesk PartMaker.
• Independently set up, troubleshoot, and operate CNC Swiss machines.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and tolerances to develop effective machining processes.
• Manage the complete manufacturing process from print review and programming through setup, first-article approval, and production.
• Machine a variety of materials, including stainless steel (15-5, 17-4, 300 and 400 series), carbon steel, Inconel, titanium, aluminum, and brass.
• Develop detailed setup sheets, machining instructions, and standardized process documentation.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, programming, tolerances, surface finishes, and production efficiency.
• Collaborate with quality and manufacturing teams to ensure parts meet customer specifications.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve throughput, minimize scrap, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Share technical knowledge and support the development of other machinists.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience programming CNC Swiss machines using CAM software. Autodesk PartMaker experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong hands-on experience setting up and troubleshooting CNC Swiss machines.
• Experience with at least one of the following Swiss machine manufacturers is required:
  • Citizen
  • Star
  • Tsugami
  • Hanwha
• Ability to independently interpret engineering drawings and develop machining processes.
• Experience machining complex precision components across a variety of metals and alloys.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, feeds and speeds, machining strategies, and precision tolerances.
• Ability to create clear setup documentation and standardized manufacturing procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supervising machinists, leading shifts, or mentoring junior team members.
• Experience performing in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
• Demonstrated success improving machining processes, reducing cycle times, and increasing production throughput.
• Familiarity with manufacturing performance metrics, including OEE, scrap reduction, and production efficiency.
• Experience implementing standardized machining processes and best practices.

Work Environment & Company Culture

Our organization operates in a performance-driven precision manufacturing environment where accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement are essential.

We believe successful machinists and programmers take ownership of their work from initial print review through production.

Our manufacturing philosophy emphasizes:

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for quality, productivity, and results.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Using measurable performance metrics to identify and resolve production challenges.
• Knowledge Sharing: Documenting processes and supporting the development of fellow team members.
• Professional Communication: Maintaining respectful, direct, and solution-oriented communication.
• Continuous Improvement: Consistently identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and production reliability.
• Teamwork: Supporting colleagues and production priorities to meet customer commitments.

We are committed to building a stable, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operation that consistently delivers high-quality products to our customers.

Interview Process

Candidates advancing through the interview process should be prepared to demonstrate their technical capabilities through a practical machining assessment.

This may include:

• Reviewing and interpreting an engineering drawing.
• Developing a CNC Swiss program using Autodesk PartMaker.
• Setting up the machine and preparing the machining process.
• Producing a component and obtaining first-article quality approval.

This assessment is designed to evaluate real-world programming, setup, troubleshooting, and machining capabilities.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a hands-on CNC Swiss machining professional who combines advanced programming expertise with strong setup capabilities, technical problem-solving skills, and a commitment to manufacturing excellence.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can work independently, take ownership of complex machining projects, and help establish repeatable, efficient production processes.