Senior CNC Setup Machinist / CNC Programmer

Senior CNC Setup Machinist / CNC Programmer

Location: Carson, CA
Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP
Work Arrangement: 100% On-Site
Reports To: Operations Manager
Location Requirement: Candidates must reside within 30 miles of Carson, CA

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Senior CNC Setup Machinist / CNC Programmer to join our aerospace and defense manufacturing team. This role combines advanced CNC setup and machining expertise with programming, manufacturing planning, and production leadership responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, and mill-turn machines, along with strong proficiency in Mastercam programming. This individual will play a key role in reviewing new customer requirements, launching new machined parts into production, developing manufacturing routers, and executing first article inspections.

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced machinist to expand into a broader manufacturing leadership role within a growing contract manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming and Setup

• Set up CNC mills, lathes, and mill-turn machines for new and existing customer jobs using engineering drawings, blueprints, and 3D models.
• Develop and modify CNC programs using Mastercam, including lathe, milling, and multi-axis applications.
• Generate G-code programs from model-based definitions and validate program accuracy.
• Perform first article setups, dry runs, program adjustments, and process verification before production.
• Conduct in-process inspections during initial production runs to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance with specifications.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and machining strategies based on part geometry, material, and tolerances.
• Develop setup sheets and provide training to machine operators on fixturing, program execution, and safe machine operation.

Manufacturing Planning and Leadership

• Develop and maintain manufacturing routers, routing sequences, bills of materials (BOMs), and work-center information for new and existing products.
• Establish accurate setup and cycle-time estimates to support production planning and ERP system accuracy.
• Determine appropriate machine assignments, tooling, fixturing, and machining methods for complex components.
• Support machining operations involving 2- to 4-axis lathes, 3- and 4-axis horizontal and vertical mills, 5-axis milling machines, and conventional machining equipment.
• Organize shop-floor priorities and workflow to meet customer requirements and production schedules.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to improve manufacturability, efficiency, and process consistency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable aerospace quality standards, including AS9100 requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in aerospace CNC machining, including advanced setup of CNC mills, lathes, and mill-turn machines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Mastercam programming for lathe, milling, and multi-axis machining.
• Strong understanding of G-code, GD&T, blueprint interpretation, precision machining, and aerospace tolerances.
• Experience working in AS9100- and AS9102-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with aerospace materials, including titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot machining and setup issues.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and technical communication skills.
• Must reside within 30 miles of Carson, CA.
• Must meet applicable U.S. person eligibility requirements under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a make-to-blueprint contract manufacturing or precision machining job-shop environment.
• Experience with Fanuc, Haas, and DMG machine controls.
• Familiarity with master routers, item masters, BOMs, and CNC manufacturing routing sequences.
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, preferably Syteline, JobBOSS, Epicor, or ProShop.
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) processes in accordance with AS9102.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training.
• Flexibility to work first shift and overtime as required.

Key Competencies

• Advanced CNC setup, programming, and machining expertise.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, ownership-driven mindset.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with Production, Quality, Operations, and Sales teams.
• Excellent planning, prioritization, and workflow management skills.
• High standards for accuracy, quality, and process compliance.
• Clear verbal and written technical communication.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to contribute to the production of mission-critical aerospace and defense components.
• Hands-on role with meaningful responsibility for manufacturing processes and production launches.
• Career development opportunities within a growing contract manufacturing business.
• Opportunity to influence machining efficiency, quality, and shop-floor performance.

Work Environment and Compliance

This is a full-time, on-site position in a precision manufacturing facility. The role requires hands-on interaction with CNC machinery, machining tools, production personnel, and quality processes.

ITAR Eligibility: This position involves access to information subject to ITAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under applicable regulations. This generally includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and qualifying protected individuals, such as certain refugees and asylees.