Job Title: 1st Shift CNC Mill Machinist (Machinist II - Aerospace)
Job Description
This 1st shift CNC Mill Machinist (Machinist II) role focuses on setting up and operating advanced CNC machinery to produce precision aerospace components from a variety of exotic materials. You will hold extremely tight tolerances, perform detailed in-process inspections, and work from complex engineering drawings and specifications while maintaining strict compliance with AS9100 and ITAR requirements. This position plays a critical role in supporting production flow, product quality, and on-time delivery in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate advanced CNC equipment, including dual pallet (4-axis) machining centers and multi-tasking turning centers such as Mazak and Okuma machines.
Machine aerospace components from materials including aluminum alloys, copper alloys (including beryllium copper), stainless steel, high heat-treat materials, titanium, lightweight composites, phenolics, plastics, 300M, and high-temperature alloys.
Work to extremely tight tolerances, including tolerances as tight as ±0.0001" in various turning and milling applications.
Use precision inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and dial indicators, for machine setup, in-process checks, and on-machine inspection of forgings.
Optimize CNC programs to ensure consistent, accurate, and efficient part production while maintaining quality standards.
Document tooling and machine setups after first article (FA) approval to ensure repeatable and reliable production runs.
Complete required inspection reports and maintain accurate physical and electronic records in accordance with AS9100 requirements.
Identify, report, and document defects or quality concerns, escalating issues to supervisors or quality engineers as appropriate.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance on CNC machines and related equipment to ensure optimal operation.
Act as a subject matter expert on CNC machining processes and assist in training and mentoring co-workers as assigned.
Interpret and work from blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and military or aerospace specifications to produce conforming parts.
Perform thorough in-process and final inspections using precision measurement tools to verify that parts meet all quality and tolerance specifications.
Follow AS9100 Quality Management System requirements, shop practices, and traveler instructions, including signing off job travelers upon completion of entire batches.
Ensure full traceability of parts, including accurate serial number identification, documentation, and recordkeeping.
Handle aerospace components carefully to avoid damage and maintain inspection and work areas in a clean, organized, and FOD-free condition.
Inspect own work consistently and take accountability for producing parts that meet all dimensional and quality requirements.
Support production deadlines by maintaining high efficiency, flexibility, and a strong sense of urgency in daily work tasks.
Participate in cross-functional tasks and provide support to other departments when needed to maintain overall production flow.
Promote and maintain a safe work environment by following safety procedures, using required personal protective equipment (PPE), and reporting unsafe conditions.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, engineering, quality, and peers to resolve technical issues and improve processes.
Advise the Production Supervisor of equipment maintenance needs, potential issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Work a 1st shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with the flexibility to work up to 2 hours of overtime daily as needed to meet production demands.
Essential Skills
Ideal minimum of 10+ years of experience operating and setting up Mill/Turn machines (such as Integrex and WFL) and multi-axis CNC mills (5-7 axis).
Strong proficiency in CNC machining, including turning, multi-axis milling, and multitasking machining centers.
Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and military or aerospace specifications.
Demonstrated skill in using precision inspection equipment, including dial indicators, micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and similar tools.
Deep understanding of tight tolerance machining, including holding tolerances as tight as ±0.0001".
Familiarity with AS9100 Quality Management System requirements and aerospace shop practices.
Hands-on experience working with exotic aerospace materials, including titanium, 300M, stainless steel, high-temperature alloys, aluminum alloys, copper alloys (including beryllium copper), high heat-treat materials, lightweight composites, phenolics, and plastics.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to document processes clearly, maintain part and process traceability, and comply with all quality system documentation requirements.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while meeting tight deadlines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience optimizing CNC programs to improve consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in production.
Experience acting as a subject matter expert and providing training or guidance to other machinists or team members.
Comfort working under aerospace and ITAR requirements and following detailed traveler and documentation processes.
Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with production, engineering, and quality teams.
Attention to detail and a high level of ownership over part quality and documentation.
Willingness to work overtime as needed to support production schedules.
Why Work Here?
You will join a specialized aerospace manufacturing environment that values craftsmanship, precision, and continuous improvement. The organization offers comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with company match to support your long-term financial security. You will work with advanced CNC technologies and complex aerospace materials, providing opportunities to deepen your technical expertise and grow your career. The culture emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork, giving you the chance to contribute meaningfully while being supported by experienced peers and leadership.
Work Environment
This role is based in a busy aerospace manufacturing facility with a dusty shop environment and high noise levels, where appropriate PPE is required. You will primarily work 1st shift, Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with the potential for up to 2 hours of overtime per day depending on production needs. The work involves prolonged periods of standing or sitting at machines, as well as physical activities such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and general movement around equipment and workstations. You will operate advanced CNC machining centers and multi-tasking turning centers and work with a variety of metals, composites, and plastics in a structured, process-driven environment governed by AS9100 and aerospace quality standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Anaheim, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $36.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Anaheim,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
