CNC Mill Machinist
Job Description
This role focuses on setting up and operating CNC mill machines on a day shift schedule in a growing machine shop located in Santa Ana, CA. You will work with 3- and 4-axis mills, with the opportunity to work on 5-axis equipment, producing precision components for demanding applications. The position requires a blend of CNC setup and operation, manual machining skills, and strong quality control practices to ensure accurate and efficient production.
Responsibilities
Set up and operate CNC mill machines using engineering drawings and customer-supplied .step files to produce precision components.
Collaborate closely with Planning, Quality, and Production teams to meet production goals and maintain on-time delivery.
Accurately interpret blueprints and technical drawings to determine machining requirements, tolerances, and sequencing.
Select appropriate cutters, taking into account speeds, feeds, and control system limitations to optimize machining performance.
Diagnose and resolve machine malfunctions, tooling issues, and programming errors to minimize downtime and scrap.
Apply CNC programming knowledge, including G-code and M-code, to adjust, modify, or troubleshoot programs as needed.
Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and repeatability.
Perform manual machining operations when required to support production and finishing work.
Work with various metals and materials while maintaining strict adherence to aerospace and defense industry specifications.
Collaborate with the deburr, quality, and shipping departments to ensure parts meet all dimensional and cosmetic requirements prior to shipment.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and follow all shop procedures and quality standards.
Essential Skills
Minimum 2+ years of combined machining experience in a machine shop environment.
Proven experience setting up and operating CNC mill machines, including 3-axis verticals and 4-axis horizontals.
Ability to set up and operate CNC machines directly from engineering drawings and customer-supplied .step files.
Proficiency in blueprint interpretation, including dimensions, tolerances, and geometric features.
Strong understanding of CNC programming languages, including G-code and M-code, sufficient to troubleshoot and adjust programs.
Comprehensive knowledge of FANUC, OKUMA, and KITAMURA controls.
Experience working with 3-4 axis mills, with 5-axis experience strongly preferred and needed for new equipment.
Demonstrated ability to select proper cutters and determine appropriate speeds and feeds based on material and machine capabilities.
Hands-on experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers and other inspection instruments for quality verification.
Experience in the aerospace and defense industry with adherence to relevant industry specifications and quality standards.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a production team.
Authorization to work in the U.S. and ability to provide documentation to meet I-9 and E-Verify requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with 5-axis milling operations is a strong plus.
Familiarity with Mastercam programming for creating and modifying CNC programs.
Experience using verification tools such as Vericut or similar software to simulate and validate programs.
Experience in manual machining to support setup, prototyping, and secondary operations.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in a production environment.
Effective communication skills to coordinate with planning, quality, production, deburr, and shipping teams.
Why Work Here?
You will join a growing, mid-sized machine shop with a supportive team-oriented culture and leadership that values collaboration and continuous improvement. The organization maintains strong relationships with major aerospace and defense customers, providing exposure to complex, high-precision work and opportunities to expand your technical skills. As the business continues to grow, you will have the chance to work with advanced equipment, contribute to process improvements, and build a long-term career in a stable and dynamic environment.
Work Environment
This position is based in a mid-sized machine shop in Santa Ana, CA, operating on a day shift schedule from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The facility employs around 45 staff members, with a machining team of approximately 25 and 4-5 dedicated programmers. You will work in a production environment that includes CNC milling equipment, deburr operations, a quality department, and shipping. The shop uses modern CNC mills with FANUC, OKUMA, and KITAMURA controls, as well as tools such as calipers and verification software like Vericut. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with regular interaction across departments to support high-quality, on-time delivery of machined components.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Ana, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $72800.00 - $93600.00/yr.
PTO, full benefits, dental vision, 401k
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Santa Ana,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 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.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
