1st Shift CNC Machinist

1st Shift CNC Machinist

This role supports a manufacturing operation that produces high-speed turbo motors, generators, and turbomachinery equipment for the aerospace and defense industry. You will set up and operate CNC lathes and other machine shop equipment on a first-shift schedule, ensuring precision, quality, and efficiency in a high-mix, low-volume production environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machine tools, including NL2500 and DMG-Mori NLX3000 lathes, as well as other general machine shop equipment.
• Perform machine set-ups in accordance with established procedures and work instructions.
• Run machines following operation sheets to manage operations efficiently and meet production requirements.
• Collaborate with supervisors and colleagues to exchange technical information and resolve machining issues.
• Troubleshoot work in process when program, speed, tolerance, or surface finish problems occur, and adjust as needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints, planning sheets, sketches, and related technical data to determine holding requirements, setup procedures, control settings, and machining methods and sequences.
• Calculate and set machine controls to position cutting tools in relation to the workpiece and regulate depth of cut, speed, feed, and coolant flow.
• Inspect and measure parts using conventional inspection equipment to verify dimensions and quality.
• Design fixtures and tools as needed to support fabrication of parts.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating machines, tools, and equipment.
• Check and add fluids, replace coolant, and change filters as part of regular equipment upkeep.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with shop standards.
• Adapt to a high-mix, low-volume shop environment and support project-based work across different applications, including aerospace and potentially medical projects.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a CNC machinist or completion of a recognized CNC programming/machinist apprenticeship program, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating CNC lathes, including NL2500 and DMG-Mori NLX3000, or similar equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, planning sheets, sketches, and related technical documents.
• Ability to calculate and set machine controls for cutting tool positioning, depth of cut, speed, feed, and coolant flow.
• Experience using conventional inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, comparators, and dial indicators.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in machining and inspection tasks.
• Capability to perform routine machine maintenance, including checking and adding fluids, replacing coolant, and changing filters.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-mix, low-volume shop environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Prior experience working in a machine shop on project-based work, preferably with exposure to aerospace applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Completion of a formal CNC programming or machinist apprenticeship program.
• Knowledge of on-machine programming and the ability to make program adjustments at the machine.
• Experience in aerospace machining environments; experience in medical machining environments is also relevant.
• Demonstrated agility in handling diverse part types and small production runs.
• Capability to design fixtures and tooling to support custom part fabrication.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with supervisors and team members.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and organized work area.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that supports both health and financial well-being, including medical coverage, dental and vision plans, and a 401(k) program with a 3% match. The organization offers a stable MondayFriday first-shift schedule with no required overtime, supporting work-life balance. You will work in a specialized environment focused on high-performance equipment, providing opportunities to develop advanced machining skills and gain experience in demanding industries.

Work Environment

The role is based in a medium-sized manufacturing facility of approximately 120 employees, within a mechanical assembly department of about 20 people. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with no overtime expected. Work involves both sitting and standing depending on the operation and assembly line requirements. The environment includes typical manufacturing conditions, such as exposure to glue odors and machinery noise. Standard machine shop and assembly equipment are used, including CNC lathes, general machine shop tools, and conventional inspection instruments. Safety is a priority, and employees are required to wear appropriate protective footwear, such as steel-toed or safety shoes, along with other standard shop safety gear as needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cerritos, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cerritos, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.