Job Description

CNC Lathe Setup Machinist

Dakota Digital | Sioux Falls, SD

Job Type: Full-Time | First Shift
Schedule: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Some flexibility available)
Overtime: Available
Pay: Based on experience

Position Summary

Dakota Digital is seeking a skilled CNC Lathe Setup Machinist to join our in-house machine shop in Sioux Falls, SD.

This position focuses primarily on CNC lathe setups, tooling, troubleshooting, and ensuring machines are operating accurately and efficiently. Once setups are complete, production operators assist with routine machine operation, allowing this role to concentrate on the technical aspects of machining, process improvements, and problem-solving.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CNC turning, a solid understanding of machining processes, and the ability to independently set up and troubleshoot equipment.

Experience with our specific machines is not required. We are willing to train the right individual who brings a strong machining foundation and a willingness to learn.

Our Equipment

Our machine shop utilizes the following CNC turning equipment:

• Two Okuma L370 CNC lathes with bar feeders
• Okuma LB300MY CNC lathe
• Okuma OSP/P200 controls

Key Responsibilities

• Perform CNC lathe setups, changeovers, and first-piece inspections.
• Select, install, and adjust cutting tools, inserts, drills, boring bars, and other tooling.
• Set up chucks, collets, jaws, and other workholding equipment.
• Bore and modify soft jaws as needed for specific jobs.
• Load CNC programs and establish appropriate tool and work offsets.
• Read, interpret, and make necessary adjustments to CNC programs and G-code.
• Review blueprints, specifications, and tolerances to ensure accurate machining.
• Inspect finished parts using micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, thread gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Monitor and adjust tooling, offsets, speeds, feeds, and cutting conditions.
• Diagnose and resolve machining issues involving dimensions, surface finishes, chatter, chip control, tooling, and workholding.
• Assist with machine operation when production demands require.
• Work alongside production operators to maintain consistent quality and machine performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve setup efficiency, cycle times, and machining processes.
• Maintain accurate setup documentation to support future production runs.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who brings a strong mechanical background, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

• Previous experience operating and/or setting up CNC lathes or turning centers.
• CNC setup experience or a strong machining background with the ability to learn independent setups.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Knowledge of cutting tools, inserts, toolholding, and workholding methods.
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Understanding of CNC tool offsets, work offsets, speeds, feeds, and cutting conditions.
• Ability to read CNC programs and make necessary edits or adjustments.
• Strong troubleshooting, mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and quality while working efficiently.

Preferred Experience

The following experience is beneficial but not required:

• Okuma CNC lathes
• Okuma OSP/P200 controls
• Bar feeder systems
• Live tooling and Y-axis turning
• G-code programming and editing
• GibbsCAM software

Materials We Work With

Our machine shop produces a variety of components using approximately:

• 75% Aluminum
• 20% Mild Steel
• 5% Plastics

Benefits

Dakota Digital offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Bonuses
• Air-conditioned, well-lit manufacturing environment

About Dakota Digital

Dakota Digital designs and manufactures high-quality instrumentation and electronic products for the automotive and motorcycle aftermarket. Our products can be found in classic cars, hot rods, custom trucks, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles.

Our in-house machine shop plays an important role in manufacturing components used directly in our products. This provides our machinists with a variety of projects and the opportunity to see how their work contributes to the finished product.

As Dakota Digital continues to grow, we are also planning a new manufacturing facility for our machine shop, making this an exciting time to join our team.

If you have a passion for CNC machining, enjoy hands-on problem-solving, and take pride in producing quality work, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Dakota Digital team!