CNC Machinist

CalTek Staffing; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

CalTek Staffing is seeking CNC Machinists for 1st shift in a precision manufacturing environment located in Scripps Ranch. The role focuses on operating CNC mills and lathes, inspecting parts, and ensuring adherence to drawings and specifications. Candidates with programming experience are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will work in a hands-on production setting, maintaining quality and documentation, while supporting continuous improvements and shop-wide safety practices.

Qualifications

• Two years of CNC machining experience or equivalent training.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and understand tolerances.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC mills and/or lathes to meet drawings and work-orders.
• Review engineering drawings, travelers, specs, and work instructions before starting a job.
• Install and adjust cutting tools, fixtures, and workholding; verify tooling and offsets.

Skills

CNC machining experience

Read engineering drawings

Precision measurement

Tooling and feeds speeds

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mori Seiki/DMG MORI

Job description

Title: CNC Machinist (Lvl I Or Lvl II)
Location: Scripps Ranch
Shift: 1st Shift
Compensation: $25-$35/hr.+ (More experience commands higher comp.)

About the Company

CalTek is recruiting for a precision manufacturing firm supporting customers in aerospace, medical, semiconductor, energy, and commercial manufacturing. The company handles projects ranging from prototype development to production runs, including small, intricate components, precision tooling, fixtures, and fabricated assemblies.

Its in-house capabilities include CNC milling and turning, wire and sinker EDM, small-hole EDM, surface grinding, and toolroom support. This range allows the team to handle parts requiring several manufacturing processes while working through challenges involving geometry, material selection, workholding, and dimensional accuracy.

The shop operates three-, four-, and five-axis machining equipment, horizontal and vertical mills, and mill-turn lathes. Its inspection resources include contact and optical measurement systems for verifying precision features. Work spans conventional metals, engineering alloys, and difficult-to-machine materials.

This is a hands-on production environment where careful setups, consistent inspection, accurate documentation, and communication between machining, engineering, and quality personnel contribute directly to successful jobs.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking one or potentially two CNC machinists for first- or second-shift opportunities. The primary need is for someone who can operate CNC equipment, inspect their work, make necessary adjustments, and keep production moving while maintaining quality.

Candidates who also bring CNC programming experience are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities will reflect the selected candidate's experience and the equipment assigned.

What You'll Do

• Set up and operate CNC mills and/or lathes to produce parts that meet drawing and work-order requirements.

• Review engineering drawings, job travelers, specifications, and work instructions before starting a job.

• Install and adjust cutting tools, fixtures, and workholding; verify tooling and offsets before production.

• Load CNC programs and make appropriate program edits within the scope of your responsibilities.

• Check first-piece dimensions and support required first-article verification before continuing production.

• Perform in-process and final dimensional checks using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and indicators.

• Monitor tool condition, adjust wear offsets, and identify changes that could affect dimensions, finish, or consistency.

• Troubleshoot machining issues and work with supervisors, engineering, and quality personnel to resolve problems.

• Maintain accurate production counts, inspection records, and job documentation.

• Follow established safety practices and applicable ISO 9001, AS9100, customer, and internal quality procedures.

• Keep machines and work areas clean and organized, and assist with training or process improvements as needed.

What We're Looking For

• At least two years of CNC machining experience, or equivalent training.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Ability to read engineering drawings and understand dimensions, tolerances, and machining instructions.

• Working knowledge of cutting tools, feeds and speeds, workholding, and machining fundamentals.

• Experience using precision measuring instruments to verify your own work.

• Ability to recognize tool wear, dimensional variation, and other production issues.

• Basic shop math skills, including geometry and trigonometry.

• Attention to detail, dependable work habits, and the ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities.

Experience That Stands Out

• Completing machine setups independently, from tooling and workholding through first-piece verification.

• CNC programming experience in addition to machine operation.

• Familiarity with Mori Seiki/DMG MORI or comparable CNC equipment.

• Experience machining parts for aerospace, medical, semiconductor, defense, or other precision manufacturing applications.

• Understanding of GD&T and experience working within ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and electronic production records.

Additional Responsibilities for Operator/Programmer Candidates

Depending on experience and assignment, candidates with programming skills may also develop or revise CNC programs, select tooling and machining sequences, verify toolpaths, and support improvements to existing processes.