CNC LATHE SET-UP MACHINIST

Campbell Engineering Inc; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 42,705 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Stable position

Climate-controlled facility

Modern CNC equipment

Long-term growth opportunities

Job summary

A respected CNC machine shop in California is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Set-Up Machinist for full setup responsibilities in a quality-driven environment. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of CNC machining experience with a focus on lathe setups and familiarity with Fanuc controls. This full-time position offers competitive pay and the opportunity to work in a collaborative team culture. Join a well-established shop known for high-precision work across various industries.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of CNC machining experience with a focus on CNC lathes.
• Proven experience performing full lathe setups.
• Experience with Fanuc CNC controls.
• Familiarity with Mastercam for program editing.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete CNC lathe setups for production jobs.
• Set up and run single-turret horizontal CNC lathes.
• Edit and prove out programs using Fanuc controls.
• Machine parts from plastics, aluminum, steel, and hardened alloys.
• Conduct in-process inspections to ensure quality.

Skills

CNC machining

Fanuc CNC controls

Mastercam

Understanding of tooling and setup

Independent work ability

Fluent in English

Tools

CNC lathes

Mill-turn lathes

Job description

CNC Lathe Set-Up Machinist

Campbell Engineering Inc.
📍 Lake Forest, CA (Orange County)
💼 Full-Time | Day Shift
💰 $31–$35/hour (based on experience)

About the Company

Campbell Engineering Inc. is a well-established, mid-sized ISO 9001 / AS9100-certified CNC machine shop located in Lake Forest, California. Founded in 1996, CEI specializes in high-precision CNC milling, turning, wire EDM, and assembly, serving customers across aerospace, medical, optical, laser, electronics, and sensor technology industries.

From prototype to production, Campbell Engineering is known for tackling complex machining challenges, investing in modern equipment, and maintaining a strong quality culture. Most team members have long tenures, and the shop emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

Position Overview

Campbell Engineering is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Set-Up Machinist to join their growing team. This role is ideal for a hands-on machinist who enjoys full setup responsibility, working with mill-turn lathes, and producing tight-tolerance components in a structured, quality-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform complete CNC lathe setups for production and repeat jobs
• Set up and run single-turret horizontal CNC lathes with Y-axis
• Edit and prove out programs as needed using Fanuc controls
• Work with Mastercam-generated programs
• Set tooling, offsets, and fixtures for lathe with live tooling / mill-turn operations
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints
• Machine parts from a variety of materials, including plastics, aluminum, steel, and hardened alloys
• Conduct in-process inspections to ensure parts meet quality and tolerance requirements
• Follow AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality procedures and documentation standards
• Collaborate with programmers, engineers, and quality personnel to improve processes

Required Experience & Skills

• 5–10 years of CNC machining experience, with a strong focus on CNC lathes
• Proven experience performing full lathe setups
• Experience with Fanuc CNC controls
• Familiarity with Mastercam (program editing and understanding toolpaths)
• Experience with mill-turn / lathe with milling capabilities
• Strong understanding of tooling, feeds, speeds, and setup best practices
• Ability to work independently in a production environment
• Fluent in English

Compensation & Benefits

• $31–$35 per hour, depending on experience
• Full-time, stable position
• Work in a climate-controlled, AS9100-certified facility
• Modern CNC equipment and well-organized shop floor
• Long-term growth opportunity with a respected Orange County manufacturer

Why Join Campbell Engineering?

• Established shop with nearly 30 years of success
• Diverse, high-precision work across multiple industries
• Strong emphasis on quality, teamwork, and ethical business practices
• Collaborative culture where machinists’ input is valued
• Stable workload from prototype through production

👉 Apply today to join a respected Southern California CNC machine shop producing complex, high-precision components for critical industries.