Set-up Lead Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Set-up Lead Machinist Job Description

The Set-up Lead Machinist sets up and operates a variety of CNC machine tools, with a focus on 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers, to produce precision parts according to print and engineering requirements. This role combines advanced technical machining expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring high-quality output, efficient workflows, and safe operation of equipment in a busy contract manufacturing environment.

• Set up and operate a variety of machine tools, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machines, to produce precision parts and fabricate or modify components to print.
• Work with 5-axis machines such as Haas 750SS, DMU 50 Deckel Maho, and Mori Seiki, using controllers including Haas, Fanuc, and Heidenhain.
• Read and understand CNC programs to effectively monitor equipment, detect and report malfunctions, and prevent accidents.
• Identify tool stick-outs, clearances, and rigidity issues, and make appropriate adjustments to ensure safe and accurate machining.
• Troubleshoot machining issues such as machine errors, tool breakage, and improper tool performance by reviewing programs, tooling, and setup to determine root cause and corrective actions.
• Perform fully efficient set-ups, including selecting and installing tooling, fixtures, and workholding, and confirming proper offsets and program parameters.
• Edit CNC programs as needed to improve machining performance, quality, and efficiency while maintaining part specifications.
• Apply knowledge of shop mathematics, metal properties, and machining procedures to calculate dimensions and tolerances and plan machining operations.
• Measure parts using precision instruments such as calipers and other inspection tools to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Set up, adjust, and operate basic machine tools and specialized or advanced tooling variations to perform precision machining operations.
• Monitor machine feed and speed during machining processes and make adjustments to optimize performance and part quality.
• Design and make fixtures and tooling to meet engineering and production needs.
• Verify first article at each operation and follow established inspection procedures to maintain consistent quality standards.
• Follow all internal procedures, including signing off each step on the router and complying with AS9100 and other company quality requirements.
• Conduct quality control analysis, including first article inspection (FAI) and in-process inspection of parts and machining processes to evaluate and maintain parts quality.
• Use critical thinking and logical reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to machining and process problems.
• Manage personal time effectively to maximize production output and meet workflow and delivery requirements.
• Maintain selective attention and focus on tasks over extended periods without being distracted, ensuring accuracy and safety.
• Assist in keeping all machines running at or close to 100% utilization by supporting setups, troubleshooting, and workflow coordination.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment, supporting other machinists and working closely with shift leaders to maximize workflow.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities by training other employees on setups, machining techniques, and proper procedures.
• Multi-task effectively and provide hands-on assistance to other machinists and team members when needed.
• Leverage programming skills, when available, using tools such as FeatureCAM or Mastercam to support machining operations and improve efficiency.
• Think creatively and outside the box to propose improvements that help elevate the companys capabilities and performance.
• Work within all company policies and procedures, including internal process requirements and applicable quality standards.

• 35 years of experience in machining or CNC setup within a machine shop environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machines, including set-up and operation.
• Ability to work with 5-axis machines such as Haas 750SS, DMU 50 Deckel Maho, and Mori Seiki.
• Proficiency with CNC controllers including Haas, Fanuc, and Heidenhain.
• Ability to read and understand CNC programs to monitor equipment, detect malfunctions, and prevent accidents.
• Skill in identifying tool stick-outs, clearances, and rigidity requirements for safe and accurate machining.
• Troubleshooting skills to diagnose machine errors, tool breakage, and performance issues by analyzing programs, tooling, and setup.
• Full efficiency in performing complex CNC set-ups, including tooling, fixturing, and offsets.
• Knowledge of 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining principles and the ability to edit CNC programs.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to calculate dimensions and tolerances using shop mathematics.
• Knowledge of metal properties and standard machining procedures.
• Competence in measuring parts with precision instruments such as calipers and other inspection tools to verify conformance.
• Capability to set up, adjust, and operate basic machine tools and advanced tooling variations for precision machining operations.
• Ability to monitor and adjust machine feed and speed during machining processes.
• Leadership qualities, including the ability to train other employees and support a team environment.
• Effective time management skills to maximize production output.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus on tasks over extended periods.
• Critical thinking skills to assess alternative solutions and approaches to machining and process problems.
• Ability to work accurately and systematically, even under time pressure.

• No formal education or certifications required; experience and demonstrated skill are prioritized.
• Programming skills with CNC software such as FeatureCAM and Mastercam are a significant plus.
• Experience in a machine shop environment, particularly in contract manufacturing settings.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality management system requirements.
• Experience with lathe operations in addition to milling and multi-axis machining.
• Comfort working with blueprint reading and interpretation for precision machining.
• Ability to design and create fixtures and tooling to support engineering and production needs.
• Strong communication skills to work closely with shift leaders and other personnel.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented mindset with good time management abilities.
• Ability to contribute positively to continuous improvement and team-based problem solving.

You join a small, close-knit machine shop where your expertise has a direct impact on the success of the business and the quality of the products delivered to customers. The environment encourages collaboration, creative problem solving, and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to share your ideas and help shape processes and workflow. You work with advanced multi-axis CNC equipment and modern controls, expanding your technical capabilities while contributing to challenging, varied contract manufacturing projects. The culture values initiative, leadership, and teamwork, offering room to grow your responsibilities, mentor others, and develop your skills in both machining and programming.

This role is based in a machine shop environment located in Santee, operating as a small shop of around 15 people. The facility focuses on contract manufacturing, running a wide variety of jobs based on customer requirements rather than repetitive, high-volume production. You work with advanced CNC equipment, including 5-axis machines such as Haas 750SS, DMU 50 Deckel Maho, and Mori Seiki, and use controllers like Haas, Fanuc, and Heidenhain. The setting is hands-on and production-focused, with an emphasis on keeping machines running at high utilization while maintaining quality standards aligned with internal procedures and AS9100 requirements. You collaborate closely with shift leaders and machinists in a practical shop environment where safety, precision, and efficiency are central to daily operations, and typical machine shop attire is expected.

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

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

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

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Santee,CA.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.