5-Axis CNC Operator

SST Direct; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO

Job summary

SST Direct is seeking a skilled 5-Axis CNC Operator / Setup Technician in Hebron, KY to independently set up and run Makino 5-axis machines and mill-turn lathes for aerospace components. You will read GD&T drawings, plan setups, install tooling, and ensure tight tolerances with rigorous inspection.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years of CNC experience, live tooling exposure, and a strong focus on quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3+ years CNC machining experience including 5-axis setup.
• Experience with live tooling / mill-turn lathes.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge.
• Experience holding tight tolerances and using precision tools.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines (Makino) and mill-turn lathes.
• Read blueprints, CAD models and GD&T to plan setups.
• Install tooling, fixtures and adjust offsets for production.
• Machine aerospace parts to tight tolerances and inspect parts.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and improve processes.
• Support new program prove-outs with engineering teams.
• Maintain setup docs and inspection records.
• Follow safety, quality, and aerospace standards.

Skills

5-axis CNC operations

CNC setup

GD&T knowledge

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Team mentoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Makino 5-axis

Mill-turn lathe

Live tooling

G-code basics

Job description

DIRECT HIRE: We are seeking a highly skilled 5-Axis CNC Operator / Setup Technician with a strong background in aerospace machining and precision manufacturing. This role is responsible for independently setting up and operating advanced CNC equipment, including Makino 5-axis machining centers and mill-turn lathes, to produce complex, tight-tolerance components.

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of machining processes, tooling strategies, and GD&T, with the ability to take a job from setup through final inspection. This position plays a critical role in ensuring production efficiency, part quality, and continuous improvement, while also supporting program prove-outs and mentoring less experienced operators. A strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and team-first mindset are essentialfor success in this high-performance environment.

Working Location: Hebron, KY.

Pay: $65K - $70K (depending on experience)

Shift: 1st shift, M - F (up to 10 hours per day)

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, PTO

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines (Makino) and mill-turn lathes
• Read blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T to plan setups
• Install tooling, fixtures, and adjust offsets
• Machine complex aerospace parts to tight tolerances
• Perform in-process and final inspections
• Troubleshoot machining and performance issues
• Support new program prove-outs with engineering
• Maintain setup documentation and inspection records
• Follow safety, quality, and aerospace standards

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• 3+ years CNC machining (including 5-axis setup)
• Experience with live tooling / mill-turn lathes
• Strong blueprint reading + GD&T knowledge
• Experience holding tight tolerances
• Proficient with precision measuring tools

Preferred:

• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• Makino 5-axis experience
• Multi-axis / complex setups
• Basic G-code knowledge
• Lean / 5S exposure

Key Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude & problem-solving
• High attention to detail
• Ability to execute complex setups
• Team-oriented with mentoring ability
• Reliable, accountable, and quality-driven

Work Environment

• Aerospace machining shop (high-precision, fast-paced)
• Standing, lifting, and machine operation required
• Overtime as needed
• Culture: teamwork, ownership, continuous improvement