CNC Machinist

Knowles Corporation; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowles Corporation in San Diego seeks a skilled CNC Machinist/Programmer to develop, edit, and run CNC programs for precision parts. You will interpret drawings and GD&T, select tooling, setup machines, and verify dimensions using calipers and micrometers.

The role requires Mastercam proficiency, experience with milling and turning, and a commitment to safety and lean manufacturing. You will contribute to process improvements and maintain a clean, organized shop environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years hands-on machining experience.
• 1+ year CNC programming experience.
• Experience with Mastercam 2018 or newer required.
• Preferred: associate degree or technical training in machining.

Responsibilities

• Review work orders, drawings, GD&T callouts to plan operations.
• Create CNC programs for new parts and modify existing programs using Mastercam.
• Set up, prove out, and operate CNC milling machines and lathes; verify programs and tooling.
• Set up and operate Wire EDM equipment as required.
• Set up and operate manual mills and drill presses as required.
• Adjust machine settings and troubleshoot machining issues per procedures.
• Align, locate, and secure workpieces using fixtures and work holding.
• Install and adjust cutting tools for material and operation.
• Follow manufacturing methods and setup documentation.
• Determine feeds, speeds, and depth of cut to meet specs.
• Deburr and finish parts per drawings and route sheets.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts with measurement tools.
• Maintain shop cleanliness and report equipment issues.
• Identify safety, quality, or workflow improvements and support lean initiatives.
• Follow safety policies and maintain a clean work area.
• Review CAD files and use Mastercam to extract dimensions for programming.
• Ensure parts are burr-free and defect-free per specs.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining operations

Quality inspection

GD&T

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical training

Tools

Mastercam

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Job Overview

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.