Lead 5-Axis CNC Machinist -- Airframe and Turbine Components

Job Description

Job Description

Ready to take on complex, multi‑axis work that keeps aircraft and space systems flying?

Shift: 2nd Shift (3:00PM - 11:30PM), Monday – Friday
Facility & Location: Ketema, El Cajon, CA

Why Zenix Aerospace™?

We’re a global partner to the world’s leading aerospace companies, with eight strategic locations across the US, UK, and Southeast Asia. We focus on structural airframe and engine components for fuel‑efficient commercial narrowbody platforms—delivering on time, to exacting quality and safety standards, powered by decades of engineering heritage and a forward‑leaning digital mindset.

About our Ketema site

Ketema supports aircraft and turbine engine builders and delivers precision parts for space, marine, and ground applications. We machine complex titanium and nickel alloy components and fabricate intricate assemblies.

What you’ll do

• Own setups and operation on 3–5 axis CNC equipment: lathes, mills, VTLs, and modified dual‑head mills.
• Translate blueprints and templates into actionable machining plans—dimensions, tolerances, and sequences included.
• Configure machine controls for feeds, speeds, depth of cut, and coolant; perform test runs; correct issues fast.
• Mount/align/secure workpieces and tooling; validate performance and dimensional accuracy.
• Troubleshoot automatic programming/control issues (Fanuc or Mazak) and keep machines running in specification.
• Perform routine checks and maintenance; keep the area clean per 5S.
• Verify conformance using calipers, micrometers, and bar gauges.
• Participate in Daily Management board discussions on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, and Utilization.
• Drive continuous improvement—identify process enhancements that boost throughput and quality.
• Show up on time, collaborate well, follow procedures, and embrace feedback.

Must‑have capabilities

• Comfort with dimensional callouts including true position and circularity.
• Shop math, GD&T, and feeds/speeds calculations.
• Experience with desktop publishing software and strong spreadsheet skills for analysis.
• Hands‑on with Fanuc or Mazak controllers and related tooling.
• Fixture mastery: clamping, centering, indicating.
• Cutting tool setup and insert changes.
• Skilled use of precision measuring instruments.

Credentials

• High school diploma/GED (or equivalent mix of education and experience).
• Vocational training or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years setting up and operating CNC machines (or equivalent).
• Mazak Mill/Turn experience is required.

Benefits and culture

Join a collaborative, tight‑knit team and receive market‑aligned base pay, comprehensive benefits, wellness offerings, an employee recognition program, a matching 401(k), paid vacation, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to give back to the community.

Proficiency checklist

You should be proficient in:

• CNC Tooling
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) (Mazak)

Compliance

If offer of employment is made it will be contingent upon passing all of the following: Drug Test, Background Check, ITAR and U.S. Export Compliance Screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran

Access to our facility (and, therefore, employment) is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, U.S. refugees, asylees or temporary residents under amnesty provisions [as defined in 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)] and properly licensed foreign persons. Applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to provide information to determine whether they are subject to these regulations and, if so, to assess their country of chargeability for trade compliance control purposes. Additionally, potential employee’s names will be screened against the Consolidated Screening List (maintained by the United States government) to determine eligibility to receive technical data.