CNC Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

CNC Machinist III

Client: Confidential Precision Manufacturing Company

Location: Ontario, CA

Department: Manufacturing / CNC Machining

Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Shift: 1st Shift

Schedule: 5:00 AM-1:30 PM

Reports To: Manufacturing Production Manager

Pay Rate: $28.00-$35.00/hour, based on experience and demonstrated skill level

Workplace Type: On-Site

Industry: Precision Manufacturing / CNC Machining / RF & Microwave Components

Position Summary

A confidential precision manufacturing client in Ontario, CA is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist III to support CNC machining operations. This role is responsible for setting up, running, troubleshooting, and maintaining CNC and conventional machines used to produce precision components.

Candidates should have strong hands-on experience operating CNC mills and/or CNC lathe turning centers, along with the ability to read blueprints, interpret specifications, perform first-piece inspections, make machine adjustments, and manufacture parts to tight tolerances.

This is a skilled machinist role. A Level III CNC Machinist is expected to work with minimal supervision, understand machining processes, apply learned skills independently, and produce parts that meet or exceed drawing and specification requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC and conventional machines.
• Operate CNC mills, CNC lathes, and/or Swiss multiple-head turning machines.
• Analyze and interpret blueprints, specifications, drawings, and sample parts.
• Determine dimensions, tolerances, tooling needs, fixtures, and machining requirements.
• Plan machine setups, position workpieces, and operate CNC machines to produce parts to required specifications.
• Use fixtures, holding devices, materials, inserts, tool holders, and pre-set tools.
• Perform first-piece inspections and make necessary setup adjustments.
• Use precision measuring tools such as drop indicators, calipers, and micrometers.
• Deburr parts as needed to meet quality requirements.
• Lapp parts to achieve required dimensions and flatness when needed.
• Check machine readiness and perform regular machine maintenance to support functionality and performance.
• Work with programmers to resolve programming issues during the machining process.
• Report problems, discrepancies, and anomalies promptly.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying problems, root causes, and correction needs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area according to 6S standards.
• Follow safety, quality, and production requirements.
• Work independently, follow instructions, and maintain focus for extended periods.
• Perform other tasks as directed by management.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a machine shop environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with CNC mills and/or CNC lathe machines.
• Strong CNC machining background.
• Ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC equipment.
• Experience with 3-axis and/or 4-axis CNC mills preferred.
• Experience with CNC lathes or Swiss multiple-head turning machines preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, planning documents, and work orders.
• Ability to perform first-piece inspections and make machine adjustments.
• Ability to use drop indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring tools.
• Intermediate math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
• Ability to determine tolerances and dimensions from prints.
• Basic PC skills, including Microsoft Office and MRP systems.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a high-performance team environment.
• Ability to follow all workplace safety guidelines, policies, and applicable laws.

Preferred Qualifications

• CNC operator or machinist trade school diploma or certification.
• Experience with Swiss turning machines.
• Experience machining precision components.
• Experience working with tight tolerances.
• Experience with 6S, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement.
• Experience working with programmers to resolve machining or program issues.
• Experience lapping parts to meet dimensional and flatness requirements.
• Experience in RF, microwave, aerospace, defense, electronics, or high-precision component manufacturing.

Tools, Machines & Technical Skills

• Candidates may work with or be expected to use:
• CNC mills.
• CNC lathes.
• Swiss multiple-head turning machines.
• Conventional machines.
• Fixtures and holding devices.
• Inserts and tool holders.
• Pre-set tools.
• Drop indicators.
• Calipers.
• Micrometers.
• Blueprints and technical specifications.
• Work orders and planning documents.
• Microsoft Office.
• MRP systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand frequently.
• Ability to walk frequently.
• Ability to sit regularly.
• Ability to use hands frequently.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms frequently.
• Ability to climb or balance occasionally.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl occasionally.
• Ability to lift and move physical inventory weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and machine shop environment while following PPE and safety requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a skilled CNC Machinist with strong setup, operation, troubleshooting, and inspection experience. This person should be able to work independently, read prints, understand tolerances, use precision measuring tools, make setup adjustments, and consistently produce quality parts.

The strongest candidates will have 5+ years of machine shop experience, 3+ years of CNC mill and/or lathe experience, strong blueprint reading ability, and experience working with tight-tolerance precision components