Machinist Expert

Job Title: Machinist-Expert (Swing)
Duration: 12 months contract
Location: Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Job Description:
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Career Machinist to join a precision manufacturing team supporting advanced mechanical components and assemblies used in cutting-edge electronic and microwave applications.

This role operates at the intersection of machining excellence and engineering collaboration. You will develop, optimize, and sustain machining processes using advanced equipment including Swiss-style lathes, single and multi-turret lathes, and 3- to 5-axis CNC milling centers. Working closely with engineering teams, you will influence component design for manufacturability, support new product introduction (NPI), and ensure stable, repeatable production processes.
This is not a production-only operator role. We are looking for a machinist who takes ownership of process performance, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Develop, refine, and sustain precision machining processes for complex components
Operate and set up Swiss-style lathes, mill/turn centers, and 3- to 5-axis milling machines
Collaborate with engineering teams to improve design for manufacturability (DFM)
Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transition
Ensure process stability, repeatability, and yield performance
Utilize advanced metrology tools to verify conformance to tight tolerances
Interpret and apply engineering drawings including GD&T
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in tooling, fixturing, and cycle time optimization
Maintain thorough documentation of setups, tooling strategies, and process changes

Qualifications
We are seeking a motivated machinist with strong technical capability and a passion for precision.

Required:
Career-level machining experience in high-precision environments
Strong understanding of machining fundamentals and tight tolerance work
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
Strong teamwork and communication skills
Positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn
Highly Desired Experience:
3- to 5-axis CNC milling
Swiss-style lathes
Mill/Turn machine centers
Advanced metrology (CMM, optical systems, precision inspection tools)
CNC/CAM programming
CAD/Solid Modeling software
Tool grinding and custom tool development

What We Value
Ownership mindset and accountability
Detail orientation and process discipline
Collaboration across engineering, maintenance, and production teams
Continuous improvement thinking
Adaptability in a dynamic NPI and production environment
If you are passionate about precision machining and want to contribute to high-performance mechanical solutions, we encourage you to apply.

Skills:
Required Skills
Career-level CNC machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment
Strong blueprint reading skills and ability to interpret GD&T
Independent machine setup and operation capability
Experience holding tight tolerances in complex components
Solid understanding of tooling selection and cutting parameters
Ability to troubleshoot machining issues (surface finish, chatter, dimensional variation, tool wear)
Proficiency with precision measurement tools (micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height gauges)
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Ability to work collaboratively with engineering and cross-functional teams
Positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn

Preferred Skills
3-5 axis CNC milling experience
Swiss-style lathe experience
Mill/Turn machine center experience
CNC/CAM programming experience
Familiarity with CAD or solid modeling software
Advanced metrology experience (CMM, optical inspection systems)
Tool grinding or custom tool development experience
Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI)
Continuous improvement mindset

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred:
Technical certification or formal training in Machining, Manufacturing Technology, or Machine Tool Technology
Completion of an apprenticeship program in CNC Machining