5‑Axis CNC Setup Machinist — Power Generation & Aerospace Components

Keep Critical Machines Turning

Pioneer Motor Bearing Company is a fourth‑generation family business entrusted with keeping our military mission‑ready and the nation’s power grid running. Our PMB Machine Works division supports defense and aerospace with precision‑machined parts.

In our fast, service‑driven shop, communication and teamwork matter. We hire for character, capability, and a drive to keep improving. If you want to work where craftsmanship is respected and your ideas shorten cycle times, you’ll feel at home here.

A Day in This Role

You arrive to a clean, organized cell. Today’s jobs span fluid film bearings and a defense component. You review route sheets, pull the right tooling, mount a right‑angle head, and dial in work offsets on a 5‑axis VMC. First‑article proves out; you confirm tolerances with micrometers and indicators, edit the program at the control to tighten up a contour, and document your changes. Mid‑shift, you confer with engineering on a faster strategy, then rig and move a heavy workpiece using the overhead crane and best practices. Throughout, you keep the area safe, efficient, and audit‑ready.

What You’ll Do

• Set up 5‑axis CNC machine tools with proper tooling and offsets to manufacture and repair fluid film bearings, seals, and aerospace/defense parts.
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, and verbal instructions to manufacture and inspect detailed parts and tooling, including work requiring right‑angle heads.
• Apply mathematical and geometric calculations to plan setups and verify results.
• Determine machine setup from instructional route sheets and verify first‑article conformity.
• Use precision metrology (dial calipers, micrometers, surface gauges, dial indicators) to hold specified tolerances during machining.
• Edit G‑code at the control to make necessary corrections and record notations for all changes.
• Flag production issues affecting quality, delivery, or customer requirements and collaborate to resolve them.
• Suggest program and setup optimizations to reduce run times; analyze tooling, fixtures, and procedures for continuous improvement.
• Read, analyze, and interpret complex technical drawings confidently.
• Load and unload heavy parts using overhead cranes with proper rigging techniques.

Qualifications

• Proficient in 5‑axis machine tool setup and operation; journeyman‑level skill set preferred.
• Technical degree/trade school or 5+ years related experience; or equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Ability to interpret technical procedures and company, customer, and governmental specifications/regulations.
• Familiarity with DMG MORI, Okuma, Hyundai, Fanuc, and similar platforms.
• Clear communicator able to present information and answer questions for managers and peers.
• Solid math skills (proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume; basic algebra and geometry).
• Knowledge of manufacturing/repair processes for fluid film bearings.
• Understanding of machining processes (cutting fluids, finishes, tolerances, turning, drilling, milling, abrasive processes).
• General familiarity with steels, nonferrous metals, and alloys.
• Aerospace experience is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Strong problem‑solving approach and ownership mentality.
• CAD/CAM programming experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft tools and general computer skills.

Proficiencies We Value

• CNC Programming
• CAD Software
• AS9102
• ITAR Compliance
• Journeyman’s License
• G‑Code
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Machine Setups for Production Runs
• Manual Machining Skills
• CAD/CAM Software
• AS9100 Experience
• ITAR Registration Experience
• Tool/Die/Mold Setup Experience
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & Technologies You’ll Use

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Fanuc, Mazak, Okuma, DMG Mori Seiki
• CAD Software
• CAM Software
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) — Fanuc, Mazak, Okuma, DMG Mori Seiki
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis) — Mazak, Okuma, DMG Mori Seiki

Pay & Benefits That Stand Out

• Overtime: All overtime hours for this role are paid at 2x pay, and vacation and holiday hours count toward overtime calculations.
• Medical: Three plan options; Pioneer pays 95% of employee premiums and contributes significantly toward family coverage.
• HSA/FSA: Health Savings Accounts with $2,000 employer contribution for individuals and $4,000 for dependent plans; Flexible Spending Accounts available.
• Supplemental Health: Revive membership with zero‑cost access to 1,000+ generic medications, free primary care telehealth, mental health support, health/wellness coaching, and access to discounted GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications.
• Also: Dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) safe‑harbor matching, plus additional ancillary benefits.
• Vacation: 2.5 weeks to start; 3 weeks after 3 years, scaling up to 6 weeks.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Indoor machine shop environment.
• Frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly stoop, bend, crawl, reach, stand, and walk.
• Read, write, speak, hear, concentrate, and comprehend complex data.

Ready to Build What Powers the World?

We’re not looking for just anyone — we’re looking for the best. If you’re a skilled 5‑axis setup machinist who takes pride in your work and wants to join a team that values craft, we want to talk with you. If you’re still building toward the required experience, keep growing — and keep us in mind.

Explore our work: Pioneer Manufacturing & Repair | PMB Machine Works