CNC Set-Up Technician (1st Shift)

Located in Bristol, Rhode Island for over 50 years, Tri-Mack is a leading manufacturer of high-temperature thermoplastic components for the aerospace-defense, semiconductor, energy and medical industries.

Our broad capabilities include collaborative engineering, tool making, injection molding, thermoplastic composite processing, multi-axis CNC machining, bonding and assembly, testing and quality control - all within a modern, environmentally controlled 60,000 sq. ft. facility.

Our culture is based on values that promote respect, teamwork and accountability and we are committed to meeting customer requirements through our ISO 9001/AS9100 quality management system.

PLEASE NOTE - Applicants are required to pass a criminal background check. This position involves access to data that is subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Summary

This position is responsible for setting up CNC machining processes to produce tight tolerance parts using pre-defined programs, tools, and work holding. Set-up Techs follow Standard Work to complete the daily tasks that are essential to this role. Set-up Techs must work to independently set up the majority of jobs across most machine platforms within their department. Setup Techs provide first line technical support to the department in order to minimize scrap and maximize productivity. They are be proficient at troubleshooting issues that come up during a production run, and capable of supporting teammates with tool changes and offsets as needed. Set-up Techs train operators/machinist in the technical aspects of running a job. Some Level 3 Set-up Techs may be progressing towards program modifications and offering actionable improvements to production processes.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

Consistently be able to set up all machines within the department for all part numbers at the specified set-up standard. Work with Quality to get a passing first piece inspection. Run parts to verify run standards and consistency of process. Hand off jobs to an operator by running initial pieces together to verify process remains consistent with a new operator.
Train Machinists/Operators on the technical aspects of running a job.
Assist Machinists/Operators in making adjustments as necessary to ensure the process produces conforming parts.
Review Setup and IPQC documents for accuracy. Alert the Team Lead or Department Manager if a CSO might be required.
Interpret blueprints including GD&T call outs.
Identify correct loading technique from set-up files to ensure part conformance. Teach loading technique to operators at hand-off. Identify critical dimensions to be monitored more closely by operators.
Be proficient changing all tools and inserts. Inform teammates of anticipated wear rates for jobs you set up.
Be proficient with all offsets, taper line adjustments and work offsets required to make consistently conforming parts. Be proficient identifying key machining steps and manipulating machine to verify set up accuracy. Examples include: stopping/restarting a program before a part transfer, stopping/restarting a program to verify a roughing pass, and stopping/restarting a program after machining a single part in a gang-style programing process.
Comply with all quality systems and ISO requirements including, but not limited to, first piece inspection and in process QC documentation, lot traceability, tagging scrap and rework, and bin to bag technique.
Keep work station clean and organized. Return equipment, gauges and measurement tools to proper storage locations when they are no longer needed on a job.
Maintain organized tool storage and communicate tooling and equipment needs to Department Manager via applicable systems.
Clock into and out of work orders to accurately record your time and quantity completed.
Fill out BLT's and IPQC's per WI 10.3A. Support electronic data collection as directed by your manager.
Complete Full Kit Actions for jobs on the TBR/FFK Boards, following the Priority Release Order.
Independently perform and document preventative maintenance activities per company procedures.
Communicate constraints on your productivity to your department managers including: unstable dimensions, raw material shortages/excess, incorrect run standards.
Work in a manner that ensures your own safety and the safety of your co-workers. Always use correct PPE, and never run a machine without proper guarding.
Troubleshoot process problems. Communicate with Team Lead for assistance from Production Engineering Support, QC, Administration, and Management as needed.
Show up to work on time and stick to the schedule agreed upon by you and your supervisor.
Adhere to all AS9100 requirements as specified in work instructions and by your supervisor.
Conduct yourself in an ethical and professional manner, show respect for your fellow workers and all company and personal property, and demonstrate Tri-Mack core values - Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Accountability, and Durability.
All other duties as assigned by your manager.

Details

Date Posted: January 20, 2026

Schedule: Day Shift

Job Type: Full-time

Skills & Experience

High School diploma or general education degree (GED).
Minimum of 5 years of experience on CNC milling and/or lathe machines is required.
Experience in set-up and/or program edits is required.
Solid understanding of blueprints and specifically GD&T is required.
Physical ability to stand, bend, sit and lift up to 40 pounds for 8 to 12 hours per day.
General math knowledge and ability to calculate and solve certain geometric problems.
Ability to use and understand all measuring tools.
Basic computer skills.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits, including:

40-hour week, Monday-Friday, overtime available
Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
Paid Holiday, Vacation & Sick/Safe Time
401(k) with Company Match
Tuition Reimbursement

Apply Now

If you’re looking for an innovative, values-driven company where you can put your mechanical aptitude and expertise to work, grow your career and take on ever-bigger challenges, you may just have found the place! We know our continued success is dependent upon our employees, which is why we are always on the lookout for reliable, knowledgeable and dynamic individuals with past success in a collaborative team setting, working with clear objectives and direction.

*Tri-Mack Plastics provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status or genetic information. Tri-Mack is a drug-free work environment. Pre-employment drug screening (excludes THC) and background checks are required.

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