Job Title: 2nd Shift CNC Lathe / Mill-Turn Machinist - Short-Run Large Part Machining
Job Description
This role focuses on setting up and operating 2-axis CNC lathes or mill-turn machines to perform short-run, large-part machining with low-volume, high-mix production. You will complete multiple setups per day, work primarily with round rotating parts, and machine complex materials while ensuring all parts meet strict dimensional and quality requirements.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate 2-axis CNC lathes or mill-turn machines to perform short-run, large-part machining, typically handling 2-3 setups per day.
Interpret and work from blueprints, sketches, and ICL requirements to determine machining operations, dimensions, and tolerances.
Apply a strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to ensure accurate part production and inspection.
Machine round rotating parts using appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for various materials, including titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and steel alloys.
Perform setups and machining operations on low-volume, high-mix lot sizes, including typical 6-piece lots, while maintaining efficiency and quality.
Use tailstock or steady rest CNC components to properly support long or complex parts during turning operations.
Turn threads and measure suspended threads accurately, ensuring compliance with specifications and quality standards.
Measure and record dimensions per sketches and ICL requirements, documenting inspection results as required.
Use larger-scale measurement devices and precision inspection tools to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
Utilize inspection tools such as height gages, bore gages, radius gages, dial calipers, flapper gages, and scales to perform in-process and final inspections.
Follow ITAR-related requirements and shop procedures while handling parts and documentation.
Collaborate with team members and support continuous improvement in setup efficiency, machining quality, and safety practices.
Essential Skills
Proven experience setting up and operating 2-axis CNC lathes in a production or job-shop environment.
Hands-on experience with short-run, large-part machining involving 2-3 setups per day.
Strong understanding of GD&T and the ability to apply it to both machining and inspection activities.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and ICL requirements accurately.
Experience working with round rotating parts on CNC turning or mill-turn machines.
Proficiency machining materials such as titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and steel alloys.
Experience using tailstock or steady rest CNC components for part support during turning operations.
Demonstrated ability to turn threads and measure suspended threads to tight tolerances.
Skilled in using precision inspection tools, including height gages, bore gages, radius gages, dial calipers, flapper gages, and scales.
Ability to use larger-scale measurement devices for quality inspection of large parts.
Familiarity with Siemens CNC controls.
Ability to work effectively with low-volume, high-mix lot sizes, such as 6-piece lots.
Ability to comply with ITAR-related requirements in a controlled manufacturing environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with 2-axis CNC lathe setup and operation on Mori Seiki or similar turning machines.
Background in CNC lathe or mill-turn machining within a precision manufacturing or job-shop setting.
Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail when working with complex materials and large components.
Comfort working in a contract-to-hire arrangement with the potential to transition to a longer-term role based on performance and business needs.
Why Work Here?
You join a precision-focused manufacturing environment where your CNC expertise with complex materials and large rotating parts is highly valued. The contract-to-hire structure offers a clear pathway to long-term opportunity for those who perform well and embrace the shop's quality standards. You benefit from hands-on work with advanced CNC equipment and controls, exposure to challenging low-volume, high-mix projects, and the chance to build your skills in a structured, ITAR-compliant setting. The organization supports growth through on-the-job training and a phased shift transition, helping you integrate smoothly into the team and the workflow.
Work Environment
The role is based in a precision machining shop operating under ITAR requirements, working primarily with large, round rotating parts made from titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and steel alloys. You will train on first shift from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until June, then transition to second shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The environment centers on CNC lathes and turning machines, including Mori Seiki-@type equipment with Siemens controls, and uses tailstock and steady rest components for part support. Work involves low-volume, high-mix production with typical 6-piece lot sizes and frequent setups, supported by a full range of precision and large-scale measurement devices for quality inspection. The setting is a typical industrial machining facility with a focus on safety, accuracy, and adherence to documented procedures.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cerritos, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $30.00/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 Cerritos,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 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.
