CNC Machinist 5 Axis - 2nd Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Santa Ana, CA, is seeking a 5 Axis CNC Machinist to operate advanced CNC centers, prepare materials and tooling, and work with programmers to reduce setup time while meeting strict aerospace and defense specifications. Candidates must read blueprints, understand 5‑axis setups, and follow AS9100 quality procedures.

The role requires safe, efficient manufacturing practices and collaboration with production leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and applicable work experience.
• Previous experience operating CNC machining equipment in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating 5-axis CNC machining equipment.
• Experience with Siemens 840D and Fanuc 31i-B5 controls.
• Strong blueprint-reading and interpretation skills.
• Strong understanding of CNC machine setups, tooling, cutters, fixtures, and machining processes.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management System (QMS) procedures, reporting, documentation, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Ability to consistently follow established manufacturing, quality, and safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with employees and leadership at all levels.
• Experience working within an AS9100-regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
• Training related to applicable process changes and customer-specific requirements.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a precision manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate 5-axis CNC machining centers safely and efficiently to manufacture precision components.
• Prepare CNC equipment by ensuring materials, tooling, cutters, programs, and fixtures are available and properly maintained.
• Collaborate with programmers to reduce setup time and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Coordinate with management to prioritize machine schedules and support production requirements.
• Interpret manufacturing requirements and identify quality, production, or scheduling concerns for escalation to management.
• Perform routine CNC machine maintenance and maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas.
• Identify tooling and cutter requirements and coordinate ordering as needed to support machining operations.
• Follow AS9100 procedures, Quality Management System requirements, and established manufacturing standards.
• Understand the impact of product conformity and product safety on customer requirements and mission success.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and perform additional machining-related duties as assigned.

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, supporting the development and production of advanced technologies for high-speed and strategic defense applications. Our teams manufacture precision components and systems supporting mission-critical programs where quality, reliability, and performance are essential.

As a 5 Axis CNC Machinist, you will operate advanced CNC machining equipment to manufacture high-precision components supporting mission-critical aerospace and defense hardware. You will prepare materials, tooling, cutters, fixtures, and machine programs while working closely with programmers and production leadership to optimize workflow, reduce setup time, and meet customer requirements. This position requires strong machining knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality, safety, and efficient manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate 5-axis CNC machining centers safely and efficiently to manufacture precision components.
• Prepare CNC equipment by ensuring materials, tooling, cutters, programs, and fixtures are available and properly maintained.
• Collaborate with programmers to reduce setup time and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Coordinate with management to prioritize machine schedules and support production requirements.
• Interpret manufacturing requirements and identify quality, production, or scheduling concerns for escalation to management.
• Perform routine CNC machine maintenance and maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas.
• Identify tooling and cutter requirements and coordinate ordering as needed to support machining operations.
• Follow AS9100 procedures, Quality Management System requirements, and established manufacturing standards.
• Understand the impact of product conformity and product safety on customer requirements and mission success.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and perform additional machining-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and applicable work experience.
• Previous experience operating CNC machining equipment in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating 5-axis CNC machining equipment.
• Experience with Siemens 840D and Fanuc 31i-B5 controls.
• Strong blueprint-reading and interpretation skills.
• Strong understanding of CNC machine setups, tooling, cutters, fixtures, and machining processes.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management System (QMS) procedures, reporting, documentation, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Ability to consistently follow established manufacturing, quality, and safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with employees and leadership at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within an AS9100-regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
• Training related to applicable process changes and customer-specific requirements.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a precision manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of at least eight hours.
• Ability to occasionally push, pull, lift, or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to safely operate tools and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to clearly see objects at approximately 20 inches or less, with corrective lenses permitted.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements for extended periods.
• Ability to continuously hold, grasp, turn, and manipulate tools or components.
• Ability to occasionally reach overhead, at shoulder level, and below shoulder level.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Export Control Requirements

This position requires access to information and/or hardware subject to U.S. export-control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Candidates must qualify as a U.S. person as defined by applicable U.S. export-control regulations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Hourly Rate

$27 - $30 USD

Karman Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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