CNC Machinist

Australia-Employment; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot in San Diego, CA is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist to set up and operate CNC mills and lathes on prototype and low-volume parts. You will review blueprints, select tools, establish offsets, load programs, and perform first-piece inspections.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years' CNC experience, ability to work from drawings, and the flexibility to handle multiple jobs in a fast-paced shop. This on-site permanent role offers exposure to aerospace-grade materials and a collaborative team

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; machining education preferred.
• Minimum 3 years CNC machining experience with independent setup and operation.
• Experience in fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume job shop is preferred.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Experience selecting tooling, establishing offsets, and first-piece inspections.
• Proficiency with standard precision measuring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC mills/lathe for prototypes and low-volume parts.
• Review blueprints, CAD models, and setup docs before production.
• Select tools, fixtures, and materials; establish offsets.
• Load, verify, and run CNC programs; perform first-piece inspections.
• Maintain documentation; assist fixture development and process improvements.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

GD&T experience

Tool setting

First-piece inspection

Independent troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Machining certification

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

CNC Machinist

$30 - $40 per hour | San Diego, CA | On-site | Permanent

Setup & Operation | High-Mix Precision Job Shop | San Diego, CA

A bit about us:

Founded more than two decades ago and based in San Diego, we are a locally operated precision manufacturing company specializing in low-volume, high-quality prototyping and machining. We serve sophisticated industries such as aerospace, defense, automation, energy, healthcare, homeland security, and X-ray inspection. Our capabilities span milling, turning, tooling, fixtures, fabrication, welding, CAD support, design consultation, mechanical assembly, and product verification, allowing us to help customers move complex concepts from drawing or model to finished component.

Why join us?

• Work on custom, technically challenging components rather than repetitive, high-volume production
• Machine a broad range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, engineering plastics, copper, brass, and titanium
• Gain exposure to prototype, short-run, tooling, fixture, and precision manufacturing projects
• Join an experienced, locally operated San Diego manufacturing team
• Work directly from customer drawings, models, and specifications
• Opportunity to contribute beyond basic machine operation as your capabilities grow

Job Details

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Set up and operate CNC mills and/or CNC lathes to manufacture prototype and low-volume precision components.
• Review blueprints, CAD models, setup documentation, and work instructions before beginning production.
• Select and install appropriate cutting tools, holders, fixtures, workholding, and raw materials.
• Establish work offsets, tool offsets, and machine reference points.
• Load, verify, and safely execute CNC programs.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Make tool-offset and wear-compensation adjustments to maintain dimensions throughout the machining process.
• Identify setup, tooling, workholding, material, or program-related issues and communicate necessary corrections.
• Machine components from aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, and other specialty or exotic materials.
• Perform multiple setups while responding to changing priorities in a fast-paced job-shop environment.
• Deburr and visually inspect completed components before routing them to the next operation.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, material, and job-traveler documentation.
• Assist with fixture development, process improvements, and machining recommendations when appropriate.
• Maintain machines, tools, measuring equipment, and work areas in clean and serviceable condition.
• Follow all quality, safety, and established manufacturing procedures.

Qualifications Needed:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical machining education, apprenticeship training, or relevant certifications are preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of CNC machining experience involving independent setup and operation.
• Hands-on experience setting up CNC mills and/or CNC lathes; candidates capable of working across both are strongly preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume job shop is highly preferred.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, dimensional callouts, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
• Experience selecting tooling, establishing offsets, setting workholding, and completing first-piece inspections.
• Proficiency with standard precision measuring equipment.
• Ability to make offset adjustments and basic edits at the machine when required.
• Experience machining multiple materials, including aluminum and stainless steel.
• Proven ability to work from drawings or models and produce components to customer specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple jobs, setups, and changing production priorities without sacrificing quality.
• Must be able to work independently and troubleshoot routine machining problems.

Preferred:

• Prototype or short-run machining experience
• CNC mill and CNC lathe experience
• Tool-and-die, jig, fixture, or custom workholding experience
• Experience machining plastics, copper, brass, titanium, or other specialty materials
• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, medical, automation, or similarly regulated precision work
• Experience performing basic G-code or conversational program edits

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal.