Cnc Machine Operators Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job description:

We are seeking an experienced CNC Setup Operator / Machinist to set up and operate CNC milling machines and lathes for precision manufacturing.

This is not an entry-level machine operator position. Candidates should have hands-on CNC machining experience and be comfortable setting up jobs, selecting and installing tooling, establishing and adjusting offsets, reading drawings, inspecting their own work, and making adjustments to maintain required tolerances.

The ideal candidate is someone who can work independently from a job traveler and drawing, produce a good first piece, and maintain consistent quality throughout the production run.

Primary Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC milling machines.
• Review job travelers, drawings, specifications, and work instructions before starting a job.
• Verify the correct raw material, tooling, fixtures, and program for each job.
• Install and set cutting tools, workholding, fixtures, and related equipment.
• Establish and adjust tool and work offsets.
• Load and run CNC programs and verify proper machine operation.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections.
• Make necessary tool offsets and minor adjustments to maintain specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Monitor cutting tools for wear, breakage, and performance.
• Replace worn or damaged tooling as required.
• Monitor machining operations and identify problems before additional nonconforming parts are produced.
• Inspect completed parts using appropriate precision measuring equipment.
• Maintain required dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and workmanship throughout the production run.
• Deburr and finish machined parts without damaging critical dimensions or finished surfaces.
• Saw and prepare raw material as required.
• Accurately document inspection results and required production information.
• Record labor and job information as required.
• Maintain productivity while ensuring part quality.
• Keep machines, tooling, work areas, and the shop floor clean and organized.
• Follow company quality procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements.
• Communicate machining, tooling, drawing, or quality issues to the appropriate supervisor or Quality personnel.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC mills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and machining specifications.
• Experience setting and adjusting tool offsets and work offsets.
• Understanding of cutting tools, tool wear, feeds, speeds, and basic machining practices.
• Ability to perform first-piece and in-process inspections.
• Ability to hold specified tolerances throughout a production run.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and other inspection tools.
• Good shop math skills, including fractions, decimals, basic geometry, and measurement conversions.
• Ability to recognize machining problems and make appropriate adjustments.
• Ability to follow job travelers, written procedures, and work instructions.
• Ability to accurately document inspection and production information.
• Ability to work independently after receiving job requirements.
• Basic English communication skills sufficient to understand drawings, work instructions, safety requirements, and production documentation.

Preferred Experience

Experience with any of the following is a plus:

• CNC vertical milling machines
• CNC lathes
• Multi-axis machining
• 4-axis or 5-axis machining
• Prototype and low-volume/high-mix manufacturing
• Precision fixtures and workholding
• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Plastics such as Delrin or PTFE
• Close-tolerance machining
• Aerospace, semiconductor, medical, or other precision manufacturing environments
• Basic CNC program edits at the machine

What We Are Looking For

The right candidate:

• Can set up a CNC machine and does not require someone else to make routine offsets and adjustments.
• Understands the difference between simply operating a machine and being responsible for the quality of the parts coming off the machine.
• Checks their own work throughout the production run.
• Recognizes tool wear and dimensional changes before parts go out of tolerance.
• Is careful with customer parts, tooling, fixtures, and equipment.
• Follows drawings, travelers, and procedures rather than making assumptions.
• Communicates problems promptly instead of continuing to produce questionable parts.
• Is dependable, organized, and takes pride in producing accurate work.
• Can work independently while also working effectively with Production and Quality.

Work Location: In person

You should be proficient in:

• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Installation
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• 4-Axis / 5-Axis Machining
• CNC Lathe Operation
• D&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)