Cnc Machinist

CNC Machinist III

CNC Machinist III - $29 to $35/hr - 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Shifts Available

San Diego, CA

Job Description

The CNC Machinist III sets up and operates computer numerical control (CNC) equipment, including lathes, mills, and vertical turning lathes (VTL), to produce precision metal parts and materials. This role interprets blueprints and technical specifications to determine dimensions, tolerances, and sequences of operations, and executes complex machining assignments on multi-axis machines. The CNC Machinist III follows routers and technical planning documents, adheres to established specifications, and uses precision measuring tools to verify the accuracy and quality of finished components.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate CNC machine controls to position tools and regulate cutting depth, speed, feed, and coolant flow in order to produce precision metal parts and materials according to work orders, blueprints, drawings, templates, and layouts.
• Mount, align, and secure tooling, attachments, and workpieces on machine chucks or fixtures, ensuring proper clamping and positioning for safe and accurate machining.
• Start and stop automatic operation of numerical control machines, perform test setups, and verify workpiece dimensions and programming before and during production runs.
• Monitor machines during operation to diagnose malfunctions, identify the need for adjustments or repairs, and make appropriate changes to machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or equipment issues arise.
• Perform routine machine maintenance such as checking coolant levels, confirming proper machine positioning, and ensuring equipment remains in good working order.
• Ensure finished parts meet specified dimensions and tolerances, verifying conformance to engineering and quality requirements using appropriate measuring devices.
• Clean machines, tooling, parts, and the surrounding work area in accordance with 5S procedures to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient workspace.
• Demonstrate reliability by appearing for work on time, following directions, collaborating effectively with co-workers, and consistently adhering to work rules, procedures, corporate policies, goals, and objectives.
• Accept constructive feedback, show initiative, and exhibit a strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in daily work.
• Participate in Daily Management board meetings and engage in discussions related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, and Utilization.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve machining processes and contribute to continuous improvement activities to enhance productivity and quality.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and templates, including dimensional, true position, and circularity callouts, to plan and execute machining operations.
• Set up fixtures properly, including clamping, centering, and indicating, to ensure accurate and repeatable part positioning.
• Set up cutting tools, change inserts for cutting operations, and verify that tooling is appropriate for the material and machining requirements.
• Use calipers, micrometers, bar gauges, and other measuring devices to inspect parts and confirm that all critical dimensions and tolerances are met.
• Control the operation of equipment by monitoring gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure machines are running correctly and safely.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2 years of previous CNC machine setup and operation experience or equivalent experience, with openness to candidates who have less experience but are highly motivated to learn and work hard.
• Proven ability to set up and operate CNC lathes, mills, and vertical turning lathes (VTL) for precision machining.
• Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, drawings, and templates, including dimensional, true position, and circularity callouts.
• Strong understanding of shop mathematics and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to perform feeds and speeds calculations appropriate to materials and tooling.
• Knowledge of CNC machines, controllers, and tools, particularly Fanuc and Mazak control systems.
• Ability to control equipment operations and monitor gauges, dials, and indicators to ensure proper machine performance.
• Capability to set up fixtures correctly, including clamping, centering, and indicating of fixtures for accurate part positioning.
• Ability to set up cutting tools and change inserts for cutting operations safely and efficiently.
• Proficiency in using and understanding precision measuring devices such as calipers, micrometers, and bar gauges.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Vocational or technical training in machining, CNC operations, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience machining larger parts and components is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with 5S principles and practices for workplace organization and cleanliness.
• Comfort participating in Daily Management processes focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, and Utilization.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed routers and technical planning documents and adhere to established specifications.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
• Effective teamwork skills and the ability to follow instructions and collaborate with supervisors and colleagues.

Why Work Here?

You will join a global aerospace organization that combines decades of engineering heritage with a forward-looking approach to digital innovation. The company focuses on delivering high-technology structural airframe and engine components to leading aerospace and space customers, emphasizing quality, safety, and reliability. With a global footprint across multiple regions, you benefit from exposure to advanced manufacturing practices, complex machining projects, and opportunities to grow your skills in a technically challenging environment. The culture values continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional development, providing a setting where motivated individuals can build long-term careers while contributing to aerospace excellence.

Work Environment

The role is based in a precision manufacturing environment that supports the aerospace and space industries, producing complex machined rings, ring components, and structural assemblies in titanium, nickel, cobalt, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. You will work with near net shape starting blanks ranging from approximately 2 inches to 180 inches in diameter, using advanced CNC lathes, mills, and vertical turning lathes controlled by systems such as Fanuc and Mazak. The facility emphasizes high standards of quality and safety, on-time delivery, and adherence to rigorous engineering requirements. The workplace follows 5S principles to maintain cleanliness, organization, and efficiency around machines and workstations. You can expect a structured production environment with daily management practices focused on safety, quality, delivery, efficiency, and utilization, and you will routinely use precision measuring equipment and shop tools to verify part accuracy and maintain process control.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $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 San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.