CNC Machinist

Aerotek; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Swiss Screw Machinist to operate Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines in El Cajon, CA. You will load materials, monitor cycles, inspect parts with micrometers and calipers, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances and specifications.

The role requires attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to established procedures. This onsite position on 2nd shift offers contract-to-hire opportunities, with competitive hourly pay and a safety-focused, Lean-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years in CNC machining with Swiss-style experience preferred.
• Experience operating Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines is strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Operate Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines to produce high-precision components.
• Load raw materials, monitor operations, and ensure tight tolerances is met.
• Inspect parts with precision measuring tools and document results.
• Read blueprints and setup instructions to ensure efficient production.
• Perform basic adjustments, tool changes, and offsets to maintain quality.
• Maintain a clean, safe 5S workplace and participate in lean initiatives.
• Collaborate with setup personnel, programmers, and QA to resolve issues.

Skills

CNC machining

Swiss CNC operation

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Communication

Flexibility/overtime

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Citizen K16 CNC

CNC controls & interfaces

Micrometers/Calipers/Indicators

Job description

Job Title: Swiss Screw Machinist (CNC Citizen K16)

Job Description

This position is responsible for operating Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines to produce small, high-precision components for critical applications. You will run Swiss-type lathes, monitor production, and perform inspections to ensure that every part meets tight tolerances and quality standards. The role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow established procedures and blueprints, and a commitment to safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Operate Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines to manufacture high-precision components according to production requirements.
• Load raw materials into Swiss-type lathes and monitor machine operations to ensure parts meet tight tolerances and specifications.
• Inspect parts using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and indicators, and accurately document inspection results.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, setup instructions, and work orders to ensure accurate and efficient production.
• Perform basic machine adjustments, tool changes, and offset corrections as needed to maintain part quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with safety guidelines and 5S standards.
• Communicate effectively with setup personnel, CNC programmers, and quality inspectors to resolve production or quality issues in a timely manner.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and promptly report any mechanical or operational issues that require attention.
• Support and participate in continuous improvement activities and Lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned to support production goals and team objectives.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3+ years of CNC machining experience.
• Minimum 1+ years of experience operating Swiss-style CNC machines.
• Hands-on experience with Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings accurately.
• Familiarity with CNC controls and machine interface operations on lathes and mills.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and indicators.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented attitude.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts or overtime as needed to meet production demands.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical training or machining certification is preferred.
• Experience with Swiss screw machining and CNC lathe operations.
• Experience with milling operations in a CNC environment.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills for troubleshooting basic machining and quality issues.

Why Work Here?

The company offers the opportunity to contribute to highly engineered, business-critical components and technology solutions that support key global industries such as flow, aerospace and defense, transportation, industrial, and energy. You will be part of a large, international organization with a strong engineering heritage, a focus on innovation, and a track record of disciplined growth. The culture emphasizes operational excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across a global network of facilities, providing opportunities to learn, develop, and grow your skills within a diverse set of technologies and applications.

Work Environment

This role is based in a precision manufacturing environment on the 2nd shift, typically from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. You will work on Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines and related equipment, including lathes, mills, and precision measuring instruments. The facility follows established safety and 5S housekeeping standards, with an emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and safe machine operation. The environment is production-focused and team-oriented, with occasional requirements for flexible hours or overtime to support customer and production needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of El Cajon, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in El Cajon,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

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.

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.