Cnc Machinist

Job Title: CNC Machinist – Lead Programmer

Job Description

This role serves as the lead CNC programmer and technical resource for the machining department, with a primary focus on Swiss lathes, CNC lathes, and EDM equipment. You will develop complex CNC programs from 3D models, drive first article and production release activities, and ensure high-quality aerospace components are produced efficiently and consistently. The position combines hands-on programming, process optimization, shop floor leadership, and material flow coordination to maintain throughput, quality, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead programmer and technical resource for the machining department, providing guidance on programming, setups, and machining strategies.

• Develop CNC programs from 3D models using CAM software (with a strong preference for Mastercam), ensuring programs are efficient, safe, and repeatable.

• Select appropriate tooling, define machining strategies, establish work coordinates, and create clear and accurate setup documentation for operators and setters.

• Lead and support first article development, prove-outs, and production release for new and existing parts, ensuring processes are stable and validated.

• Troubleshoot machining processes, including chip control, chatter, tool life, and cycle time optimization, and implement corrective actions to improve performance.

• Oversee and assist with machine setups and changeovers across the shop to ensure production readiness and minimize downtime.

• Provide technical support to operators and setters to ensure parts meet quality requirements, and support in-process and final inspection of precision aerospace components.

• Upload and download CNC programs using DNC systems, maintain proper revision control, and ensure programs and documentation remain current and accurate.

• Ensure compliance with all quality standards and documentation requirements, including adherence to aerospace specifications and internal procedures.

• Support material handling activities, including staging raw material, moving work-in-process, and transferring finished goods between operations to maintain smooth flow.

• Coordinate with the tool room, inspection, and production control to ensure material, tooling, and resources are available for scheduled work.

• Assist in loading and unloading bar feeders, material racks, and machine staging areas to keep machines supplied and running efficiently.

• Ensure proper identification, traceability, and handling of aerospace materials throughout the process, maintaining strict control over lot and material status.

• Support general shop organization and cleanliness to maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organized work environment.

• Act as the lead on the shop floor and help coordinate daily production activities to meet schedule and customer requirements.

• Assist in prioritizing work, organizing schedules, and ensuring machines are properly staffed and running to maximize throughput.

• Step in to support or direct shop activities in the absence of the Machining Supervisor, providing day-to-day leadership and decision-making.

• Help train and mentor operators, setters, and junior programmers in programming, setups, best practices, and quality standards.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cycle time reduction, and cost savings, and help implement changes to improve overall performance.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the machining department, contributing to ongoing enhancements in processes, quality, and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience.

• Proven experience in developing new parts from print or 3D model through to stable production.

• Strong experience with CAM software, with Mastercam strongly preferred.

• 3+ years of experience with Swiss lathes (Tornos), CNC lathes, and/or EDM equipment preferred but highly relevant to the role.

• Strong background in precision inspection and adherence to rigorous quality standards, particularly for aerospace components.

• Experience working with aerospace materials such as Inconel, Haynes, and stainless alloys strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining issues, including chip control, chatter, tool life, and cycle time optimization.

• Solid understanding of CNC setups, including tooling selection, work offsets, and fixturing for Swiss lathes, CNC lathes, and EDM equipment.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, models, and technical drawings.

• Experience using DNC systems for uploading and downloading programs and maintaining revision control.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively support operators, setters, and cross-functional teams.

• Ability to lead on the shop floor, coordinate daily production activities, and support or direct operations when needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CNC certificate or formal technical training in machining or manufacturing is preferred, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• Experience with Swiss lathes, particularly Tornos equipment, is highly beneficial.

• Exposure to EDM equipment and processes is a strong plus.

• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing environments and associated documentation and traceability requirements.

• Experience with material handling, including staging raw materials, moving work-in-process, and managing finished goods between operations.

• Comfort working closely with tool room, inspection, and production control teams to coordinate resources and schedules.

• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and cost-reduction projects.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train operators, setters, and junior programmers.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain shop cleanliness and orderly workflows.

• Capability to step into a leadership role on the shop floor and support overall operational readiness.

Why Work Here?

You will join an aerospace organization committed to being a preferred supplier of ignition systems and power components by consistently delivering superior products and services. The culture emphasizes strong values, continuous improvement, and a deep commitment to enhancing people, products, processes, and the quality system. You will work in an environment that encourages professional growth, supports collaboration, and values long-term dedication to excellence and innovation.

Work Environment

This role is based in an aerospace manufacturing facility that also operates as a repair station and is expected to participate in an FAA DOT program. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with Saturdays worked as needed to support production demands. You will work within a team of approximately eight full-time employees and three part-time team members. The environment centers around Swiss lathes (including Tornos), CNC lathes, and EDM equipment, with a strong focus on precision aerospace components and materials such as Inconel, Haynes, and stainless alloys. The facility emphasizes safe, organized, and clean work areas, with a structured production flow and close collaboration among machining, tool room, inspection, and production control teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Liberty, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $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 Liberty,SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.