Setup Specialist

CNC Machinist Lead / Setup Specialist

PacAero Agawam (formerly Litron) is a leader in the Defense and Aerospace sectors, specializing in RF/microwave package integration, laser welding, CNC machining, medical device manufacturing, and more. With approximately 70 employees at our 23,000 sq ft Agawam, MA facility, we serve aerospace, industrial, and medical customers. A Qnnect Company, we are ISO9001 certified and comply with DFAR and ITAR regulations.

PacAero Agawam is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist Lead / Setup Specialist to provide technical direction and day-to-day coordination within our aerospace machining operations. This is a working lead role responsible for performing CNC setups, supporting machinists, and helping ensure machining activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with engineering, quality, and customer requirements.

This position serves as a primary technical resource on the shop floor and supports daily production scheduling by coordinating machine assignments, job readiness, and workflow based on priorities established by the Manager and Production Control.

This is not a formal people management role. The CNC Machinist Lead / Setup Specialist does not conduct discipline, performance reviews, or write-ups, but provides technical guidance and communicates employee or production concerns to the Manager as appropriate.

This position located in Agawam, MA and is onsite, full-time days, Monday through Friday, and is non-exempt.

Floor Coordination & Workflow Support

Provide day-to-day technical direction and support to CNC machinists

Coordinate job assignments, machine utilization, and workflow based on production priorities

Support production scheduling by monitoring job progress and helping adjust workflow as needed

Ensure machines, tooling, and materials are ready to support scheduled work

Communicate production delays, equipment issues, or capacity concerns to the Manager

Reinforce expectations related to safety, quality, and workplace standards

Escalate employee concerns, attendance issues, or performance concerns to the Manager

CNC Setup, Operation & Troubleshooting

Perform complex CNC milling setups including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines

Conduct first-piece prove-outs and inspections

Verify tooling, offsets, fixtures, and setup accuracy prior to production runs

Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues to support efficient production

Assist operators with technical questions and problem resolution

Support machine changeovers and process adjustments

Quality & Compliance Support

Ensure machining activities comply with PacAero quality standards and aerospace requirements, including AS9100, ISO9001, and customer specifications

Verify parts meet blueprint requirements, GD&T, and tolerance specifications

Support First Article Inspections and in-process inspection activities

Identify and communicate nonconformances or recurring process concerns

Support corrective actions through technical input and process reinforcement

Process Improvement & Operational Support

Identify opportunities to improve setup efficiency, cycle times, and throughput

Support tooling improvements and machining strategies

Assist in maintaining standardized setup practices and documentation

Support continuous improvement initiatives including Lean and 5S

Workplace Standards

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machining environment in accordance with PacAero standards

Follow all company safety, quality, and operational procedures

Support workplace organization and housekeeping standards

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred

Minimum 5 years of CNC milling experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing

Strong CNC setup experience required, including multi-axis milling

Advanced ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and tight tolerances

Experience with CNC controls such as Haas, Okuma, or similar

Strong troubleshooting and machining problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting machining workflow coordination or job scheduling

Experience with Mastercam or other CAM software

Familiarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality standards

Prior experience in a senior machinist or setup-focused role

Skills & Competencies

Strong CNC machining and setup expertise

Ability to guide and support machinists in daily work

Strong organizational and workflow coordination skills

Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving ability

Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality

Dependable and team-focused