FlexTrades is hiring a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with deep Swiss CNC machining experience for travel-based contract work. If you’ve programmed in Esprit, know your way around Tsugami machines, and thrive on the shop floor solving problems in real time, this is the perfect opportunity to earn top pay and help drive transformation at a high-potential site.
Job Location
Nationwide travel-based opportunity with potential job sites in Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas.
Job Summary
As a Manufacturing Engineer with FlexTrades, you’ll be tasked with revitalizing underperforming Swiss CNC operations. The site has long relied on Tsugami machines with Fanuc controls, but efficiency, quality, and setup times have suffered due to lost expertise and outdated processes. You’ll live at the machines, troubleshoot in real-time, and collaborate with both operators and engineers to drive measurable improvements across programming, tooling, inspection, and training.
Key Responsibilities
- Work on-site daily, side-by-side with machinists to observe, troubleshoot, and solve issues in real time
- Identify root causes of inefficiencies related to sub-spindle alignment, tooling, bar chamfering, and more
- Reduce setup times, scrap rates, and improve first-piece yield
- Evaluate and refine feeds/speeds, batch sizes, tooling life, and programming methods
- Improve or rewrite programs using Esprit CAM software for Tsugami Swiss CNC machines
- Work with Fanuc-controlled, 6-axis Tsugami Swiss lathes
- Analyze current measurement and inspection practices to identify quality gaps
- Support better part inspection through improved tools, techniques, and documentation
- Collaborate with Machinists, Engineers, Supervisors, and hourly staff to explain “why” behind changes
- Document best practices and process improvement strategies clearly and concisely
- Be on the floor consistently—this is a boots-on-the-ground role, not a desk job
- Communicate effectively across multiple channels (in person, Teams, phone, email)
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in Swiss CNC machining and engineering support
- Proficiency with Esprit CAM software (Swiss lathe programming required)
- Familiarity with Tsugami Swiss CNC machines and Fanuc controllers
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause analysis abilities
- Experience driving process improvement initiatives in machining operations
- Comfortable with both imperial process drawings and metric engineering prints
- Exceptional communication and documentation skills
- Hands-on and floor-focused—must thrive in high-interaction, live production environments
- Able to pass a drug test
- Willing to travel and commit to long-term assignments (3 to 12 months)
- Available for 2nd or 3rd shift work, 50+ hours/week
Compensation & Benefits
- $65/hour + guaranteed overtime (paid at time and a half)
- Full suite of benefits
- Paid travel to and from job sites
- Paid lodging (single-occupancy hotel room)
- Daily per diem of $45
- Flexibility to take time off between assignments
About FlexTrades
FlexTrades deploys elite technical talent to help manufacturers overcome critical production challenges. From CNC programmers to manufacturing engineers, we connect problem-solvers with high-impact opportunities. Join us to turn your expertise into meaningful change—and get rewarded for it.
FlexTrades is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
FlexTrades is hiring CNC Machinists with honing and lapping experience for precision machining assignments across the country. This is a high-skill role ideal for those with an advanced understanding of tight tolerance work, tool setup, and GD&T. If you’re ready for a contract-based role with great pay, full benefits, and guaranteed overtime, we want to hear from you.
Job Location
Nationwide travel-based opportunity with possible job sites in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Job Summary
As a CNC Machinist with FlexTrades, you’ll be responsible for setting up and operating manual hone and lap machines to match fit highly precise components. This role requires expert-level experience with ID honing and lapping, the ability to hold ultra-tight tolerances, and the skills to interpret complex blueprints and GD&T specifications. Technicians must pass a hands-on certification process before being authorized to inspect and sign off on their work.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate manual horizontal Sunnen hone machines for ID honing
- Perform manual lapping using single-spindle equipment
- Execute precise match fitting of mating parts using aluminum oxide and diamond compounds
- Work with tolerances down to Ø .00002” and ± .0002”, ensuring precision for size, roundness, concentricity, and finish
- Interpret detailed engineering prints (imperial) including multiple pages of section views
- Apply GD&T principles: positional tolerances, profile of a surface, true position, and bonus tolerances
- Perform quality checks using air probes and bore gauges
- Handle parts ranging from .093–.500 ID and up to 11” long
- Use carts and totes for material handling
- Collaborate with full-time employees during classroom and on-the-job inspection certification process
- Create consistent setups using standard mandrels and drill chuck-mounted laps
- Inspect and stamp parts upon certification approval
Materials & Equipment
- Materials: 440C, 52100, Nitralloy, stainless steel, and low alloy steels
- Hone specs: 63–99 stone grit, J&K abrasives
- Lapping compound: 38 white aluminum, 1200 grit with #3 diamond
- Typical setup: More of a changeover than a full setup; reference setup sheets and detailed work instructions
Candidate Requirements
- Hands-on experience with manual ID honing and lapping machines
- Ability to work to ultra-tight tolerances (Ø .00002” and ± .000075”)
- Must not come from an engine honing background; production experience is required
- Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and GD&T specs (imperial only)
- Must pass a certification process to inspect and approve part quality
- Willingness to undergo training (classroom, online, and OJT) with performance audits
- Able to work 2nd or 3rd shifts, 50+ hours/week
- Must be able to pass a drug test
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of part quality
- Available for travel assignments lasting 3 to 12 months
Compensation & Benefits
- $38/hour + guaranteed overtime paid at time and a half
- Access to a full suite of benefits
- Paid travel to and from job sites
- Paid lodging (single-occupancy hotel room)
- Daily per diem of $45
- Flexibility to take time off between assignments
About FlexTrades
FlexTrades deploys skilled machinists, toolmakers, and technicians across the United States to support manufacturers facing production shortfalls. We provide hands-on support where it’s needed most, offering consistent work, competitive pay, and the flexibility to explore new environments while doing what you do best.
FlexTrades is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
