Cnc Machinist

Aerotek; Fairfield (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off

Gym membership

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Senior CNC Machinist for its Fairfield, CA operations. The role requires setting up, programming, and operating multi-axis CNC centers to produce precision components from composites and other advanced materials.

The senior machinist will generate and modify toolpaths using CAD/CAM software, interpret engravings and blueprints with GD&T, and mentor junior machinists while maintaining strict quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 7+ years CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years operating and setting up 3-axis CNC vertical machining centers, with 4/5-axis experience preferred.
• Proficiency in programming or modifying CNC programs using CAD/CAM software.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience machining composites such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
• Strong shop math and machining fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC centers in a manufacturing environment.
• Machine composite materials including carbon fiber and fiberglass.
• Generate/modify CNC programs and tool paths using CAD/CAM software.
• Interpret blueprints and engineering drawings with GD&T.
• Select tooling, fixtures, and optimize processes for efficiency and quality.
• Perform first article inspections and document results.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis CNC

CAD/CAM programming

GD&T interpretation

Blueprint interpretation

First article inspections

Shop math

Mentoring

Excel/Access data reporting

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

Job Title: Senior CNC Machinist Job Description

The Senior CNC Machinist independently sets up, programs, and operates multi-axis CNC machining centers to produce precision components from composite and other advanced materials. This role ensures that all parts meet strict quality, safety, and production standards while driving continuous process improvement and supporting the development of less experienced machinists.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers in a manufacturing environment.

• Perform CNC machining operations on composite materials, including carbon fiber and fiberglass, and other precision components.

• Generate and modify CNC programs and tool paths using CAD/CAM software to meet engineering and production requirements.

• Interpret blueprints, CAD models, work instructions, and engineering drawings with a strong understanding of GD&T.

• Select appropriate tooling, establish fixtures, and optimize machining processes for efficiency and quality.

• Conduct first article inspections to verify conformance to specifications and document results accurately.

• Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and height gauges.

• Troubleshoot machining issues, adjust processes, and resolve production problems independently to maintain throughput and quality.

• Calculate feeds, speeds, offsets, and other machining parameters using strong shop math and machining fundamentals.

• Maintain machine calibration schedules and perform or coordinate preventative maintenance activities.

• Ensure tooling, materials, and equipment are production-ready and organized for efficient workflow.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing quality, efficiency, and overall process reliability.

• Mentor and assist less experienced machinists, sharing best practices and technical expertise as needed.

• Use Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access to record, track, and report production and inspection data.

• Read and follow written lab request instructions and communicate discrepancies or non-conformances to appropriate quality personnel.

• Apply FIFO (first in, first out) principles when self-scheduling assignments to maintain proper material and workflow sequencing.

• Record and document work performed each day, including off-shift activities, in clear pass-down communications to supervision.

• Adhere to GMP and quality control standards, performing visual inspections and quality checks throughout the process.

• Maintain strong data integrity in all documentation and reporting related to machining and inspection activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, following all safety guidelines and shop protocols.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Minimum 5 years operating and setting up 3-axis CNC vertical machining centers, with experience on 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in programming or modifying CNC programs using CAD/CAM software.

• Strong understanding of GD&T and advanced blueprint interpretation.

• Proven ability to perform complex setups and manufacture parts with tight tolerances.

• Hands-on experience using precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, and height gauges.

• Strong shop math skills and solid understanding of machining fundamentals.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining processes and resolve production issues independently.

• Experience with inspection, quality control, visual inspection, and quality checks in a production environment.

• Familiarity with composite materials, specifically carbon fiber and fiberglass composites.

• Knowledge of time and temperature-sensitive (TATS) materials and how they impact machining and handling.

• Ability to read and follow detailed written instructions, including lab requests and work instructions.

• Effective communication skills to report discrepancies or non-conformances to quality and supervisory personnel.

• Strong ethic regarding data integrity and accurate recordkeeping.

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the shift.

• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts as required, with strong reliability and attendance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience manufacturing precision components in aerospace, composites, or advanced manufacturing environments is highly preferred.

• Experience performing first article inspections and documenting conformance to specifications.

• Comfort using Microsoft Excel workbooks and Microsoft Access databases for data recording and reporting.

• Experience applying FIFO (first in, first out) principles in scheduling and material handling.

• Background working under GMP or similar regulated quality systems.

• Ability to mentor and support less experienced machinists in a team environment.

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, production-oriented machine shop setting.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports health, financial security, and work-life balance. Team members have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with FSA and HSA options. Paid holidays, paid time off, and parental and family leave help support personal and family needs. A 401(k) plan with company match, life insurance, AD&D coverage, and short-term and long-term disability insurance provide additional financial protection. The organization encourages growth and engagement through tuition reimbursement, gym membership benefits, employee engagement events, and a referral bonus program, plus many other perks designed to foster a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing and machine shop setting with a strong focus on safety, quality, and production. The work involves standing for extended periods with frequent movement around machinery and equipment. Team members work in proximity to CNC machining centers and other shop tools, with exposure to typical shop noise and conditions. The environment is team-oriented, emphasizing collaboration, adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. The position follows a SundayThursday schedule from 9:00 PM to 6:30 AM, with training initially conducted on day or swing shift before transitioning to a graveyard shift. Flexibility for overtime, weekends, or alternate shifts may be required based on production needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfield, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $83200.00 - $104000.00/yr.

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.

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance PlansFSA/HSA Plans AvailablePaid HolidaysGym MembershipTuition Reimbursements401(k) Plan with Company MatchPaid Time OffEmployee Engagement EventsReferral Bonus ProgramLife Insurance and AD&D CoverageShort-Term and Long-Term Disability InsuranceParental Leave & Paid Family LeavePlus much more!

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fairfield,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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.

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.