Set-up Machinist

CNC Programmer / Setup Machinist (Mastercam)

Location: Santa Fe Springs, California

Employment Type: Direct Hire – Benefited

Compensation: $32-$36/hr.

Industry: Precision Components Manufacturing

Our client is a long-established custom plastics manufacturer specializing in thermoformed plastic components, CNC machining, fabrication, and finishing for OEM customers across multiple industries including medical devices, instrumentation, telecommunications, and industrial equipment. The company produces both small and large-format thermoformed parts, many of which require precision CNC trimming, machining, and secondary fabrication before final assembly and shipment. With more than five decades of manufacturing experience, the company offers a stable environment where experienced machinists work closely with production and engineering teams to support prototype and production programs.

Position Summary

We are seeking a CNC Programmer / Setup Machinist with experience in Mastercam programming and CNC machine setup to support machining operations for thermoformed plastic components. This role will involve programming, setup, and machining of plastic parts on CNC equipment including a 3-axis router-style mill and CNC lathe. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working with G-code programming, Mastercam, and CNC setup, along with the ability to troubleshoot machining processes and optimize programs. This position also offers a unique mentorship opportunity, as the successful candidate will work directly with the senior programmer/machinist who you will be taking over for in the coming years. The role will involve learning the company's machining processes, tooling strategies, and programming practices with the goal of eventually assuming broader programming responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC machines using Mastercam, with some use of Fusion 360 as needed
• Perform machine setups, tool changes, work offsets, and program verification
• Program and operate a 3-axis Fanuc-controlled router-style mill (Chevalier) used for trimming and machining plastic parts
• Support machining operations on a 2-axis Takisawa CNC lathe
• Modify and optimize existing CNC programs to improve machining efficiency and part quality
• Interpret engineering drawings and part models to develop machining strategies
• Set up fixtures and tooling to support machining of thermoformed plastic components
• Perform test runs and troubleshoot programs, tooling, and machine performance issues
• Work closely with production and experienced shop personnel to refine machining processes
• Maintain documentation for programs, setups, and tooling configurations

Qualifications

• Experience programming CNC machines using Mastercam (preferred)
• Strong understanding of G-code and M-code programming/edits
• Experience performing CNC machine setups and troubleshooting machining processes
• Experience performing set-ups on mills/lathes
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and understand dimensional tolerances
• Experience machining plastic or non-metal materials is a plus but not required
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn shop-specific processes

Ideal Background

• Mid-level CNC Setup Machinist with programming exposure
• Experience using Mastercam for toolpath creation and editing
• Comfortable programming and setting up machines but interested in continuing to learn from a senior machinist