Machine Setter Job Description, KRAs and Skills

A Machine Setter prepares machines to produce a new job correctly. They fit tools, dies, fixtures or moulds, set parameters, run trial pieces until quality approves the first piece, and then hand over to the operator. Setters also correct machines when parts drift out of tolerance. They work on CNC, press, moulding or special purpose machines. A good setter makes changeovers quick and first pieces right, so operators can run the job without constant adjustment.

Detail	For this role
Department	Production
Level	Mid level
Reports to	Production Supervisor
Direct reports	None
Experience	3 to 7 years as an operator and setter on CNC, press or moulding machines

Machine Setter job description template

Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.

Job title: Machine Setter

Department: Production

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

Key responsibilities

Read the job card, drawing and setup sheet for each new job, and collect the tools, fixtures, gauges and material it needs.
Mount and align dies, moulds, fixtures and cutting tools, and set clamping, stroke, feed, speed or temperature.
Run trial pieces, measure critical dimensions and adjust the setup until quality approves the first piece.
Hand the machine to the operator with clear instructions on checks, offsets and the conditions for stopping the job.
Correct machine settings during the shift when parts move towards the tolerance limits.
Cut setup and changeover time using SMED methods such as presetting tools and preparing the next job in advance.
Check tool wear and replace inserts, punches or electrodes on the tool change schedule.
Report tool damage, machine faults and recurring setup problems to the supervisor and the tool room.
Teach operators the adjustments they are allowed to make and safe machine handling.

Requirements

ITI in the Fitter, Turner, Machinist or Tool and Die Maker trade
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is an advantage
A completed apprenticeship in a machining or press shop is preferred
3 to 7 years as an operator and setter on CNC, press or moulding machines

KRAs and KPIs for a Machine Setter

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result area	How to measure it
First piece approval	First piece approved within two trials for 90 percent of setups
Setup time	Average setup time per changeover within the standard for each machine
Setup-related rejections	Zero batch rejections caused by a wrong setup in the month
Tool care	No tool or die damage caused by incorrect setting
Response to operators	Operator calls for resetting attended within 15 minutes

Skills and tools

Die, mould and fixture settingCNC offsets and parameter settingReading drawings and setup sheetsVernier, micrometer and height gaugeSMED changeover methodsJudging tool wearSafe lifting and clampingTeaching operators patiently

Tools used day to day: CNC control panels, Power presses and die clamps, Injection moulding machines, Vernier caliper and micrometer, Dial indicators, Setup sheets.

Reporting line and career path

Moves up from: CNC Operator, Press Operator, Machine Operator
Next roles: CNC Programmer, Production Supervisor, Line Supervisor

Interview questions for a Machine Setter

How do you set a new die on a 100 tonne power press safely?
The first piece is fine but the tenth is out of tolerance. What do you check?
How would you cut changeover time on a machine you set every day?
Which adjustments should an operator never make without a setter?
Tell me how you use a dial indicator to align a fixture.
Which machines and controls can you set on your own?

Managing a Machine Setter in ZeniaHR

AttendanceSetters are usually rostered one per shift for each machine group, so build their rotation in Shifts & Roster with at least one setter on every shift. Punches at the gate biometric device feed attendance, and changeovers that run past shift end show up as overtime for the supervisor and then HR to approve.LeaveBefore approving a setter's leave, confirm that another setter trained on the same machines is rostered. A shift swap with a colleague, approved by the supervisor and HR, is often better than leaving a shift without a setter.Performance and KRAsRate setters quarterly on first piece approvals, setup time and setup-related rejections, entered as weighted KPI goals. A competency goal for each new machine type learned during the year encourages multi-skilling.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a machine setter do?

A machine setter prepares a machine for a new job. They fit dies, moulds, fixtures or tools, set the machine parameters, run trial pieces until quality approves the first piece and then hand the machine to the operator. They also correct settings when parts drift and help reduce changeover time.

What is the difference between a machine setter and a machine operator?

The setter prepares and adjusts the machine, and the operator runs it. Setters change tools and dies, set parameters and approve the first piece with quality. Operators load and unload parts, carry out in-process checks and make only the minor adjustments they are allowed. Setting needs more experience and training.

What is the qualification for a machine setter job?

Most setters hold an ITI certificate in the fitter, turner, machinist or tool and die trade, often with an apprenticeship. They usually spend several years as operators before becoming setters. Knowledge of the specific machines, such as CNC controls, presses or moulding machines, matters more than the certificate alone.