CNC Machinist - 3-Axis Vertical Mill (Plastics)

Randstad USA; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad USA is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to support a premier client in California. You will set up and operate 3-axis vertical mills, machine plastic components, and perform first-article inspections in a clean ISO-certified facility.

You will work with minimal supervision in a high-mix/low-volume environment, edit G-code at the machine, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience setting up and operating 3-Axis Vertical Mills.
• Background machining plastics and polymers required.
• Mastery of blueprint reading, GD&T interpretation, and precision measuring tools.

Responsibilities

• Setup & Machining: Perform setups and operations on 3-Axis Vertical Mills for plastic components. Load tooling, verify tool lengths, set work offsets, and perform G-code edits directly at the machine to optimize surface finish and tolerances.
• Material Expertise: Utilize proper feeds, speeds, tooling, and chip management techniques tailored specifically to engineered plastics and polymers.
• Quality & Inspection: Perform first-article and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and indicators. Interpret blueprints and complex GD&T requirements to ensure part conformance.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to improve tooling, fixtures, and cycle times. Maintain setup sheets and process notes for repeatability.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Provide guidance and technical assistance to junior machinists, collaborating closely with programmers, engineering, quality teams, and cross-shift team members.
• Safety & Maintenance: Adhere to safety protocols, perform routine machine maintenance (coolant levels, chip removal), and maintain an organized workspace following 5S standards.

Skills

CNC

3 Axis

Vertical Mill

Plastics

Polymer

Fanuc

Haas

Education

High School

Tools

G-code

Job description

At Randstad, we represent leading manufacturing companies across the country, and one of our premier clients is currently seeking skilled CNC Machinists specializing in 3-Axis Vertical Mills and Plastics Fabrication to join their growing team.

Whether you prefer early mornings or late afternoons, we have immediate openings on both Morning and Swing shifts!

If you take pride in precision machining, love working with engineered plastics, and want to work in a clean, state-of-the‑art ISO 9001 / AS9100 certified facility, we want to hear from you.

Position Overview

In this hands‑on role, you will perform skilled setups, operations, and first‑article inspections on 3-Axis Vertical Mills (VMCs) to manufacture high‑precision components primarily using plastic materials (such as Delrin, acrylic, polycarbonate, and PEEK).

You will work with minimal supervision in a high‑mix/low‑volume environment, making work offset adjustments, editing feeds/speeds, troubleshooting machining issues, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Available Shift Schedules

• Morning Shift (1st Shift): [e.g., Monday – Friday | 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM]
• Swing Shift (2nd Shift): [e.g., Monday – Friday | 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM] (Differential pay may apply)

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3-5+ years of hands‑on experience setting up and operating 3-Axis Vertical Mills. Background machining plastics and polymers required.
• Technical Skills: Mastery of blueprint reading, GD&T interpretation, and precision measuring tools.
• Control Systems: Proficient with common CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, or Mazak.
• Programming & G-Code: Solid understanding of G-code for minor program edits, feed/speed optimization, and machine‑side troubleshooting.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; technical/trade school certification preferred.
• Soft Skills: Communication skills (verbal and written English), high attention to detail, reliability, and shift‑to‑shift handoff communication.
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for extended periods, perform fine motor movements, and safely lift up to 35-50 lbs.

Salary: $66,560 - $95,680 per year. Shift: First. Work hours: 6 AM - 2:30 PM. Education: High School.

Responsibilities

• Setup & Machining: Perform setups and operations on 3-Axis Vertical Mills for plastic components. Load tooling, verify tool lengths, set work offsets, and perform G-code edits directly at the machine to optimize surface finish and tolerances.
• Material Expertise: Utilize proper feeds, speeds, tooling, and chip management techniques tailored specifically to engineered plastics and polymers.
• Quality & Inspection: Perform first-article and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and indicators. Interpret blueprints and complex GD&T requirements to ensure part conformance.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to improve tooling, fixtures, and cycle times. Maintain setup sheets and process notes for repeatability.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Provide guidance and technical assistance to junior machinists, collaborating closely with programmers, engineering, quality teams, and cross‑shift team members.
• Safety & Maintenance: Adhere to safety protocols, perform routine machine maintenance (coolant levels, chip removal), and maintain an organized workspace following 5S standards.

Skills

• CNC
• 3 Axis
• Vertical Mill
• Plastics
• Polymer
• Fanuc
• Haas

Qualifications

• Years of experience: 3 years
• Experience level: Experienced

Randstad is a world leader in matching great people with great companies. Our experienced agents will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent opportunities, no one works harder for you than Randstad.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact [e-mail].

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Experience

• Experienced
• 3 years

Education

• High School