CNC Machinist

Knowles; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Knowles is seeking a CNC Machinist / Programmer who will develop, edit, and verify CNC programs for precision parts. The role requires interpreting drawings, GD&T, and ensuring part quality while maintaining safety and efficiency on the shop floor.

The position involves setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, and related equipment, using Mastercam and CAD files, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of hands-on machining experience.
• At least 1 year of CNC programming experience.
• Experience with Mastercam 2018 or newer; ability to create and edit programs is required.
• Associate degree, trade-school certificate, or equivalent technical training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, CAD models, material specs and GD&T to plan machining operations.
• Create and modify CNC programs for new parts using Mastercam; reference CAD data as needed.
• Set up, prove out, and operate CNC mills and lathes; verify programs, tooling, and offsets.
• Set up and operate Wire EDM and manual mills/drill presses as required.
• Select tooling and sequences; adjust machine settings and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Mastercam

GD&T

Machining experience

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical certificate

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD

Job description

The CNC Machinist / Programmer produces precision-machined parts by programming, setting up, and operating CNC equipment. This role develops and edits CNC programs, interprets engineering drawings and GD&T requirements, verifies part quality, and follows established safety and production standards.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review work orders, engineering drawings, CAD models, material specifications, machining requirements, and GD&T callouts to plan machining operations.
• Create CNC programs for new parts and modify existing programs to meet drawing revisions and production requirements using Mastercam; use SolidWorks and CAD files as needed.
• Set up, prove out, and operate CNC milling machines and lathes; verify programs, tooling, offsets, and work holding before production.
• Set up and operate Wire EDM equipment as required.
• Set up and operate manual mills and drill presses as required.
• Select appropriate tools, fixtures, and machining sequences; adjust machine settings and troubleshoot machining or cutting issues within established procedures.
• Align, locate, and secure workpieces using appropriate fixtures and work holding methods.
• Install and adjust cutting tools appropriate to the material, part geometry, and operation.
• Apply approved manufacturing methods, setup documentation, tooling standards, and production procedures.
• Determine and adjust feeds, speeds, and depth of cut to achieve required dimensions, surface finish, and tool life.
• Deburr and finish precision-machined parts according to engineering drawings and route sheets, maintaining required edge breaks and chamfers.
• Inspect in-process and completed parts using appropriate measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and comparators; document results as required.
• Perform routine machine care and housekeeping to support equipment cleanliness, accuracy, and reliability; report equipment issues promptly.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, cycle time, and workflow; recommend and support process improvements and lean initiatives.
• Follow company policies and procedures, including safety requirements, and maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Review CAD files and use Mastercam to interpret geometry and extract dimensions needed for programming and machining.
• Ensure finished parts are burr-free and free of machining or handling defects, including chatter, gouges, scratches, poor surface finish, embedded chips, and missing edge breaks or chamfers.
• Verify completed setups and parts against the applicable drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of hands-on machining experience.
• At least 1 year of CNC programming experience.
• Experience with Mastercam 2018 or newer; ability to create and edit programs is required.
• Associate degree, trade-school certificate, or equivalent technical training is preferred. Experience with composite materials is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Work/Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to grasp, handle, and manipulate tools, parts, and measuring instruments.
• Ability to coordinate movements and safely perform hands-on machine setup and operation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing / machine-shop environment.
• May be exposed to loud noise, moving machinery, and other typical machine-shop hazards.
• Requires compliance with applicable machine guarding, PPE, and shop safety procedures.
• May be exposed to machining fluids, metal chips, and other manufacturing contaminants.

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.

Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.

What's in it for you on Day 1:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Basic Life Insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Hourly Overtime opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Exciting Onsite Perks:

• Free coffee available at our cafeteria
• Employee Appreciation Events

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment.

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.

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