CNC Machinist

POSITION SUMMARY

The CNC Machinist owns the full machining process from setup and tooling selection through program editing, first article validation, and production. This role works on complex, tight-tolerance components across aluminum, steel, titanium, and specialty alloys for aerospace, defense, and energy applications. The environment includes multi-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn equipment, requiring strong problem-solving and technical skill. This is a high-accountability role with the opportunity to take on challenging work and make a direct impact on quality and performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up CNC milling centers, lathes, and multi-axis/mill-turn machines from print to first-part approval
• Select and qualify tooling, workholding, and fixturing appropriate to part geometry and material requirements
• Edit and optimize CNC programs at the control (G-code, conversational, or CAM post) to achieve required tolerances and surface finishes
• Perform first article inspection using CMM, precision hand tools, and surface measurement equipment; document results
• Run production lots, monitor in-process quality, and make offset and tooling adjustments to maintain process capability
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and customer-specific requirements
• Support automation and lights-out machining cells, including robot-assisted operations
• Troubleshoot machining issues including chatter, tool breakage, dimensional drift, and surface finish defects
• Mentor CNC Operators and contribute to process improvement and cycle time reduction efforts
• Maintain accurate production records, traveler documentation, and tool inventory

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience with demonstrated setup and program editing capability
• Proficiency on multi-axis CNC platforms (milling, turning, or combined mill-turn)
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Hands-on experience with precision metrology: CMM, surface plates, micrometers, bore gauges, and thread gauges
• Solid understanding of cutting tools, toolpath strategies, speeds and feeds, and workholding for various materials
• Experience machining aluminum, steel, stainless, and at least one specialty alloy (titanium, Inconel, etc.)
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities across multiple jobs simultaneously
• Commitment to first-time quality and zero-defect production

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience on 5-axis milling centers (Mazak, DMG Mori, Haas, or similar)
• Mill-turn or Swiss-turn programming/operation experience
• Background in aerospace (AS9100) or defense manufacturing environments
• CAM programming experience (Mastercam, Fusion 360, Hypermill, etc.)
• Familiarity with CMM programming (Calypso, PC-DMIS, or equivalent)
• Experience supporting or working within lights-out/robotic automation cells