CNC Machinist Programmer

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

Pay: $29.00–$35.00 per hour

Schedule: Full-Time

Industry: Precision Manufacturing

Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced CNC Machinist – Setup & Program to join our manufacturing team. This is a hands-on machining position for an individual who is comfortable setting up and operating CNC equipment while also being able to create, modify, and troubleshoot CNC programs. The ideal candidate has strong machining fundamentals, can read and interpret engineering drawings, understands tooling and cutting parameters, and can make program adjustments at the machine. Experience with Mastercam or other CAD/CAM software is highly desirable. This position is well suited for a CNC Machinist who has progressed beyond basic machine operation and has experience with setup, program editing, CNC programming, tooling, and process troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities: • Set up and operate CNC mills and/or CNC lathes according to engineering drawings and production requirements.• Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs as needed.• Use Mastercam or other CAD/CAM software to develop or modify toolpaths when applicable.• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.• Select appropriate tooling, workholding, feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters.• Set work offsets, tool offsets, tool lengths, and machine coordinates.• Load tools and materials and verify proper machine setup.• Edit G-code and M-code at the machine control.• Prove out programs and make necessary adjustments to ensure quality and efficient production.• Inspect finished and in-process parts using precision measuring instruments.• Troubleshoot machining issues involving tooling, dimensions, feeds and speeds, offsets, and program errors.• Make program and process adjustments to improve quality, efficiency, and tool life.• Assist with first-piece inspection and ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.• Maintain accurate setup information and machining documentation.• Work closely with engineering, quality, and machine shop personnel to resolve production issues.

Required Qualifications: • Previous experience as a CNC Machinist with setup and programming experience.• Ability to independently set up and operate CNC machinery.• Experience creating, modifying, or editing CNC programs.• Working knowledge of G-code and M-code.• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.• Strong understanding of cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and machining processes.• Ability to use precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, and indicators.• Ability to troubleshoot machining and programming issues.• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with Mastercam or another CAD/CAM system.• Experience programming from engineering drawings or CAD models.• Experience with 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis machining.• Experience with both CNC milling and turning.• Experience machining complex, large, or close-tolerance components.• Experience working with castings or difficult-to-machine materials.• Familiarity with Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Mori Seiki, Okuma, or similar CNC controls.• Experience developing setup sheets, tooling lists, or machining instructions. What Makes Someone Successful in This Role The strongest candidate will be someone who can set up a machine, understand the program, make program adjustments, identify machining problems, and get a quality part into production with minimal supervision. We are especially interested in machinists who have developed programming skills throughout their careers and are comfortable working directly with CNC controls and CAM software. Candidates whose experience is limited strictly to machine operation or basic setup without CNC program editing or programming experience will not be the best fit. Compensation$29.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience, programming ability, machining experience, and technical skill level.