CNC Machinist

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero); San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Supplemental Coverage

HSA

Retirement Savings

Paid Holidays

Work Environment

Ideal Location

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist to perform precision machining on 3-axis and 5-axis mills, develop and maintain CNC programs, set up and operate machines, and collaborate with Engineering and Quality to ensure high-quality production.

Candidates should bring strong 5-axis programming experience, fixture design ability, blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision inspection skills to optimize processes and reduce cycle times.

Qualifications

• Strong 5-axis programming experience.
• Ability to design machining fixtures.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Well-versed in GD&T principles and inspection procedures.
• Skilled with precision inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Familiarity with ISO9001 or AS9100 quality standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform all machining operations within the shop, ensuring quality and production goals are met.
• Develop, maintain, debug, and test CNC programs for 3-axis and 5-axis mills using CAD/CAM systems such as SolidWorks and Mastercam.
• Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis mills to complete production runs.
• Analyze tooling and process failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize machining processes to reduce cycle time, improve tooling efficiency, and eliminate wasted machine movements.
• Collaborate with Engineering to refine designs for improved manufacturability.
• Use Work Orders to track job progress and maintain material traceability.
• Support Quality Assurance in troubleshooting and resolving nonconformances.
• Participate in the expansion and optimization of machine shop processes.

Skills

5-axis programming experience

Fixture design

Blueprint reading

GD&T principles

Precision inspection tools

Multitasking

ISO9001/AS9100 familiarity

MS Office

Communication skills

Organizational planning

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

ERP/MRP workflows

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled CNC Machinist to perform precision machining of components using 3-axis and 5-axis mills. The ideal candidate will develop and maintain CNC programs, set up and operate machines, troubleshoot issues, and work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to ensure high-quality production. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to optimize machining processes.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform all machining operations within the shop, ensuring quality and production goals are met.
• Develop, maintain, debug, and test CNC programs for 3-axis and 5-axis mills using CAD/CAM systems such as SolidWorks and Mastercam.
• Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis mills to complete production runs.
• Analyze tooling and process failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize machining processes to reduce cycle time, improve tooling efficiency, and eliminate wasted machine movements.
• Collaborate with Engineering to refine designs for improved manufacturability.
• Use Work Orders to track job progress and maintain material traceability.
• Support Quality Assurance in troubleshooting and resolving nonconformances.
• Participate in the expansion and optimization of machine shop processes.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Strong 5-axis programming experience.
• Ability to design machining fixtures.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Well-versed in GD&T principles and inspection procedures.
• Skilled with precision inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Familiarity with ISO9001 or AS9100 quality standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Experience converting labor-intensive machining processes to lights-out operations.
• Knowledge of pallet-changing systems.
• Familiarity with 5S, Six Sigma, and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with ERP/MRP workflows.Ability to perform basic preventative maintenance on CNC machines.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.

E-Verify participation required for employment.

All ESAero positions require US citizenship or US resident status.

Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Hiring Range: $25-$35/hr Hourly/Non-Exempt