Swiss Machinist

This role focuses on setting up, operating, and programming CNC Swiss machines to produce high-quality precision components in a largely paperless, technology-driven environment. You will interpret blueprints and job routers, select tools, program and adjust machines, and ensure parts meet strict quality and tolerance requirements. The position can support a first-shift hybrid setup/program role with potential leadership responsibilities, or a largely self-sufficient second-shift role maintaining production overnight.

Responsibilities

• Study blueprints and job routers to understand specifications, materials, and operational sequences required to set up new jobs.
• Determine material requirements and plan the sequence of operations for efficient and accurate production.
• Select appropriate cutting tools based on material properties, tool capabilities, and availability.
• Position, secure, and align tools in machine tool holders and verify their positions for proper operation.
• Program and operate CNC Swiss machine controls, including setting cutting speeds, depths, and feed rates using G-code and CAM software.
• Set up and run CNC Swiss machines, including creating and adjusting offsets and changing tools as needed to maintain production.
• Inspect sample workpieces and production parts to verify conformance to specifications and ensure in-process quality control requirements are met.
• Monitor processes, materials, and machine operations, making adjustments to controls and tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
• Check parts regularly, make offsets, and change tools during the shift to keep production running smoothly, including overnight on second shift when applicable.
• Clean and prepare parts for finishing and shipping according to blueprints and job router instructions.
• Meet or exceed job order expectations for setup times, cycle times, and total hours.
• Create detailed setup sheets and catalog, store, and manage custom tooling and part programs for future use.
• Update company information on job routers to improve efficiency and accuracy for repeat orders.
• Use computers for time tracking, work order tracking, setup documentation, data entry, blueprint access, and file management in a paperless environment.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on machines, tools, and equipment, and keep the work area clean and orderly.
• Follow ISO 9001 and AS9100 guidelines and standard operating procedures in daily work.
• Suggest and implement process improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety.
• Collaborate with team members, communicate effectively about job status and issues, and contribute to a positive, cooperative work environment.
• For first shift, support a hybrid role that includes setup, programming, and potentially leading activities within the Swiss machining area.
• For second shift, work independently and self-sufficiently to maintain production, including troubleshooting and resolving issues as they arise.

• Hands-on experience as a Swiss machinist with programming and setup capability on CNC Swiss machines.
• Proficiency with G-code programming and CNC controls.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong mathematics skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry.
• Knowledge of machine designs, uses, capabilities, limitations, and maintenance requirements.
• Understanding of cutting tools such as cutoff, face/turn, groove, drill, and thread tools, including their capabilities, proper setup, and utilization.
• Knowledge of work holding and fixturing, including capabilities and limitations.
• Proficiency with measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, comparators, indicators, and similar instruments.
• Understanding of material properties and cutting dynamics, including proper speeds and feeds for different materials.
• Knowledge of post-processing and finishing operations and their effects on final part dimensions and quality.
• Familiarity with shop operations and systems, including material stock and labeling, shipping preparation, chip management, and waste handling.
• Knowledge of and adherence to standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and safe work practices.
• Ability to calculate dimensions and tolerances, including allowances for coatings or plating when required.
• Ability to use and interpret CAM/CAD software and programming languages such as G-code.
• Proficiency with computers, including file management and working in a digital, paperless environment.
• Ability to monitor and control machine operations and adjust parameters to maintain quality and productivity.
• Quality control skills, including testing and inspecting parts using precision measuring instruments.
• Strong critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions and approaches.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate resourcefulness in solving problems on the shop floor.
• Skill in prioritizing work and adjusting priorities to meet changing production needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including respect for different working styles and priorities.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and remain calm and effective in stressful situations.
• Ability to collaborate with a larger team and interact effectively with diverse colleagues.
• Use of tact and diplomacy in daily interactions.

• Experience with Swiss CNC machining in a production environment.
• Experience using CAM software such as GibbsCAM or Partsmaker for Swiss machine programming.
• Experience in a hybrid setup/programming role rather than a dedicated programming-only position.
• Experience in a self-sufficient second-shift role, maintaining production independently.
• Experience working with automation and robotically tended machines; familiarity with tending multiple machines is a plus.
• Experience working under ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality standards.
• Comfort working in a highly digital, paperless environment with a computer at every work center.
• Strong investigative skills to verify facts and information needed to complete work and resolve issues.
• Ability to suggest and implement process and workflow improvements.
• General understanding of questions to ask when clarifying job requirements, specifications, or issues.

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both financial and personal well-being, including a 401(k) plan with up to 3% match and multiple healthcare plan options to suit different needs. Paid time off starts at two weeks in the first year, increases to three weeks in the second year, and can build up to six weeks with long-term service, with flexibility for experienced candidates. You will work in a modern, technology-focused environment that values continuous improvement, professional growth, and collaboration.

Work Environment

The work environment is a climate-controlled manufacturing facility focused on precision CNC Swiss machining. The shop operates with ISO 9001 and AS9100 guidelines integrated into daily processes. The facility is highly digital and nearly paperless, with a computer at every work center used for time tracking, work order tracking, setup documentation, data entry, and accessing blueprints. The Swiss machining area includes multiple CNC Swiss machines, some of which are robotically tended, providing exposure to automation and advanced manufacturing technologies. Both first and second shift opportunities are available, with first shift supporting a hybrid setup/program role and second shift focused on independent, self-sufficient production support overnight. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, preventive maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols while supporting focused, detail-oriented work on precision components.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Oakdale, MN.

The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $96000.00/yr.

Up to 3% 401k match, 8 Healthcare plan options, PTO 2 weeks the first year, 3 weeks @ 2, building up to 6 weeks @ 15yrs. ( Can be flexible for right candidate with years)

This is a fully onsite position in Oakdale,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.