Set-Up Machinist

About VetPowered:
VetPowered, LLC, named Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year in the United States is a rapidly growing San Diego based corporation specializing in manufacturing, welding, fabrication, machinery repair and customized training under private and US Government contracts. VetPowered employs a highly trained workforce that uses the latest in cutting edge CNC equipment. VetPowered is dedicated to bringing advanced manufacturing back to America.

Key Job Functions:
At VetPowered, the Setup Machinist is responsible for the efficient and accurate setup, operation, and troubleshooting of CNC machining centers (mills and lathes). This role ensures that all jobs are properly prepared for production, meeting quality, safety, and efficiency standards. The Setup Machinist plays a critical role in reducing setup times, minimizing scrap, and improving overall shop throughput. Here is a detailed breakdown of your responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform complete CNC machine setups including:
• Loading and verifying programs (G-code)
• Installing and qualifying tooling
• Setting tool offsets and work offsets (G54–G59)
• Fixture setup, alignment, and verification
• Interpret blueprints, GD&T, and work instructions to ensure accurate setup and production
• Conduct dry runs and first article inspections to validate setup prior to production release
• Adjust offsets, speeds, and feeds to optimize performance, reduce cycle time, and maintain part quality
• Troubleshoot machining issues including:
• Tool wear/breakage
• Dimensional inaccuracies
• Program inconsistencies
• Ensure all parts meet required tolerances using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauges)
• Collaborate with programmers and engineers to improve machining processes, tooling strategies, and fixture design
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
• Reducing setup time
• Minimizing scrap
• Increasing efficiency and throughput
• Train and mentor machine operators and OJT students on proper setup techniques and machine operation
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with 6S standards
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 (or equivalent) quality standards and internal procedures
• Accurately document setup sheets, tooling lists, and job notes for repeatability
• Monitor machine performance and report issues related to equipment, tooling, or processes
• Follow all safety procedures and report hazards immediately

• Other duties as required in support of the department and company goals.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications & Work Experience:
To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily (with or without an accommodation). The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• 3 – 7+ years of CNC machining experience, with strong setup experience preferred.
• Experience with CNC mills and/or lathes (3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis preferred)
• Strong understanding of G-code and machining processes
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools and inspection techniques
• Experience with fixturing, tooling selection, and setup optimization
• Familiarity with CAM software (Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar) preferred
• Knowledge of AS9100 or similar quality systems preferred
• Experience in UniPoint, and JobBoss (a plus)
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Contribute to achievement of the Mission and Vision of our organization by being:

• Attention to Detail- The ability to accomplish a task while demonstrating a thorough concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small.
• All In-Brings their whole self to work and giving it their all no matter how difficult the job or situation.
• Accountable- Taking personal responsibility for their work, owns mistakes, communicate honestly rather than hiding the truth, does not blame others or make excuses.
• Adaptable- Easily adjusts to changing circumstances.
• Always Improving- A constant, ongoing effort to improve something. This 'something' can be a product, a service, one's skill set, or a team's way of working.

Position Accountability and Metrics:
SMART Metrics (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely)

• Maintain a SAFE working environment for all personnel
• Reduce setup time across jobs by X% within first 6 months
• Achieve first article approval on first run ≥ X% of the time
• Minimize scrap and rework to ≤ X% of production
• Ensure on-time job readiness for production schedules
• Maintain accurate and complete setup documentation for repeat jobs
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization

Position Details: This is a full-time hourly (non-exempt) position (40+ hours/week).

Pay: The range of pay for this California-based position is $30.00 - $38.00 hourly.

Overtime: Overtime applies based on workload and production needs.

Incentive Compensation: Potential for bonus/incentives after one full year of employment.

The actual compensation offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve listed and you think can bring value to VetPowered we would love to learn more about you and encourage you to apply.

Benefits and Perks: VetPowered makes available comprehensive benefits the 1st of the month, following the date of hire. Options include Medical (50% employer contribution), dental and vision coverage (100% employer contribution), a 401k program with employer match up to $1,000 per year, 8 paid holidays, and paid time off. While the Company intends to maintain these employee benefits, it reserves the absolute right to modify, amend or terminate these benefits at any time and for any reason.

Dress code: Our office staff works in a business casual or relaxed business casual environment.
Position is provided VetPowered uniforms, and laundry service.

Because the dress code does vary by position and department, please consult with your hiring manager to confirm your applicable dress code at the time of hire.

Supervisory: None
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear 10-30lbs (35-75lb W/M). Applications may include but are not limited to repetitive work using a computer keyboard, mouse and headphones while sitting and/or standing at an assigned work desk area.

Work Environment: The employee works in a contract manufacturing facility in an urban industrial neighborhood. Other areas within the facility are mixed use such as administration, classrooms, welding, and machining areas.