CNC Machinist

Sky Limit Systems, LLC; California; On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems, LLC in California seeks an experienced CNC Machinist for our prototype/m RD team. The ideal candidate can independently perform complete machine setups, select tooling, proof out setups and programs, and edit programs at the machine to produce first-run precision components.

You will work on HAAS mills and lathes, reading blueprints and GD&T, while maintaining tight tolerances and challenging, varied projects with minimal direction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience in prototype/low-volume environment.
• Ability to independently perform complete machine setups and prove out new jobs.
• Experience selecting tooling, inserts, and workholding for diverse tasks.
• Ability to edit CNC programs at the machine to optimize performance (G-code editing preferred).
• Strong blueprint reading, GD&T, machining practices, and inspection techniques.
• Proficient with micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, and height gauges.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete machine setups on HAAS mills and/or lathes for prototype and low-volume work.
• Select tooling, inserts, workholding, and fixturing based on part geometry and material.
• Proof out new machine setups before production release.
• Edit existing CNC programs at the machine to improve quality or cycle time.
• Set and adjust tool length, wear, and geometry offsets to maintain tight tolerances.
• Read drawings and GD&T to determine machining requirements.
• Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections with precision measuring tools.
• Troubleshoot issues and recommend process improvements.
• Machine various materials and complex components with minimal supervision.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Skills

CNC machining

Prototype / job shop

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Problem solving

Independence in setups

Tools

HAAS CNC mills

Lathes

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to join our prototype machining team. This is not a production machining role—our ideal candidate is a highly skilled machinist who can independently perform complete machine setups, select tooling, proof out setups and programs, make program edits at the machine, and produce first-run precision components. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to new, low-volume projects with minimal direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform complete machine setups on HAAS CNC mills and/or lathes for prototype and low-volume production work.
• Select appropriate tooling, inserts, workholding, and fixturing based on part geometry and material.
• Proof out new machine setups before releasing parts to production.
• Make edits to existing CNC programs at the machine as needed to improve part quality, cycle time, or process reliability (full programming experience is not required).
• Set and adjust tool length, wear, and geometry offsets to maintain tight tolerances.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering drawings to determine machining requirements.
• Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and setup issues while recommending process improvements.
• Machine a wide variety of materials and complex precision components with minimal supervision.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience in a prototype, job shop, or low-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complete machine setups and prove out new jobs.
• Experience selecting tooling, inserts, cutting parameters, and workholding for a variety of machining applications.
• Ability to edit existing CNC programs at the machine to optimize performance and maintain quality (G-code editing preferred; full programming not required).
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading, GD&T, machining practices, and inspection techniques.
• Proficient with precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, and height gauges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems independently, and adapt to constantly changing prototype work.

Ideal Candidate

• Thrives in a prototype or R&D environment where every job is different.
• Takes ownership of the entire machining process—from setup and proving out programs to producing a conforming first article.
• Comfortable making machining decisions regarding tooling, speeds, feeds, and process improvements while maintaining exceptional quality standards.