CNC Machinist - Day and 2nd Shift

Sonaca North America; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premiums

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Disability insurance

Employee assistance

Wellness program

Tuition assistance

Career growth

Job summary

Sonaca North America seeks skilled CNC Machinists to operate 3- and 5-axis machinery, loading parts, monitoring cycles, and reading blueprints with GD&T. This role emphasizes quality, safety, and teamwork in a aerospace environment.

You'll perform inspections, maintain tooling, and keep the work area clean while contributing to on-time delivery and continuous improvement. Day-to-day responsibilities include setup, deburr, and process documentation as part of a collaborative manufacturing team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years CNC machining experience (mills preferred) required.
• Previous experience with 4-Axis and/or 5-Axis Machining strongly preferred.
• Setup experience strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or high school equivalency preferred. Candidates that do not have a high school diploma or high school equivalency will be required to take a pre-employment assessment to be considered for the role.
• Trade school for machining practices would be preferred.
• Math skills to perform basic calculations.
• Ability to read prints and use standard inspection tools.
• Strong attention to detail and quality mindset.
• Ability to read measuring equipment. (Calipers/Micrometers)
• Able to concentrate, focus, and pay strict attention to detail independently.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machining centers (3-axis / 5-axis depending on experience)
• Check, and monitor the parts that are being run
• Read and interpret blueprints and GD&T
• Perform in-process inspections to ensure quality standards
• Responsible to produce the proper amount of parts per machine cycle time
• Deburr and blend all parts that are machined
• Perform daily maintenance on machines including: maintaining fluid levels, emptying chips, wiping down machine to remove coolant, dust and debris
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Paperwork is filled out properly, and maintained as necessary
• Work in a team-focused, safety-driven aerospace environment
• Attendance, always here and on time

Skills

CNC machining

Mills

4-Axis Machining

5-Axis Machining

Setup experience

Math skills

Reading prints

Inspection tools

Attention to detail

Concentration

Education

High school diploma

Machining trade school

Job description

Who Are We

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 10 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition. Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.

Position Summary

We are currently seeking multiple CNC Machinists to operate computer numerical control machines and conventional machines to fabricate parts. Loads parts in machine, cycles machine, detects malfunctions in machine operations such as worn or damaged cutting tools. Run production lots, communicate with co-workers regarding productions runs, and maintains safe, organized and clean work environment. In all actions supports Sonaca North America’s Quality Policy, Mission Statement and other policies and procedures by supporting our commitment to total customer satisfaction, quality products and services, lean processes, continuous improvement, on-time delivery, safety, teaming, individual accountability and respect for people.

At Sonaca North America, our machinists don’t just look at hourly pay — they look at what hits their paycheck. With our industry-leading shift premiums, many of our team members are earning $30–$40+/hr total compensation without needing lead or programmer titles.

We Believe In Being Transparent About Real Earnings

• Base Pay: $22–$30/hr (based on experience)
• 2nd Shift Premium: +25%

We Offer Flexibility Based On What Matters To You

• Day Shift: schedule, skill development, career growth
• Off-Shift (Night): higher earnings with consistent schedule

What You’ll Do

• Set up and operate CNC machining centers (3-axis / 5-axis depending on experience)
• Check, and monitor the parts that are being run
• Read and interpret blueprints and GD&T
• Perform in-process inspections to ensure quality standards
• Responsible to produce the proper amount of parts per machine cycle time
• Deburr and blend all parts that are machined
• Perform daily maintenance on machines including: maintaining fluid levels, emptying chips, wiping down machine to remove coolant, dust and debris
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Paperwork is filled out properly, and maintained as necessary
• Work in a team-focused, safety-driven aerospace environment
• Attendance, always here and on time

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years CNC machining experience (mills preferred) required.
• Previous experience with 4-Axis and/or 5-Axis Machining strongly preferred.
• Setup experience strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or high school equivalency preferred. Candidates that do not have a high school diploma or high school equivalency will be required to take a pre-employment assessment to be considered for the role.
• Trade school for machining practices would be preferred.
• Math skills to perform basic calculations.
• Ability to read prints and use standard inspection tools.
• Strong attention to detail and quality mindset.
• Ability to read measuring equipment. (Calipers/Micrometers)
• Able to concentrate, focus, and pay strict attention to detail independently.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Noise levels ranging from quiet to extremely loud
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on the manufacturing floor including, but not limited to, eye, ear, and foot protection
• May occasionally lift and /or move up to 10-50 pounds

WHY MACHINISTS CHOOSE SONACA

• Higher total earnings through shift premiums
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a percentage company-match contribution
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Employee assistance plan — for access to counseling, consulting and other community resources
• Wellness program
• Tuition assistance, apprenticeship and training opportunities available
• Clean, organized, process-driven environment
• Opportunity to grow into setup, programming, or leadership roles
• Subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an “at will” basis and may be terminated at any time.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company’s online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636-916-2400 for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America‘s Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials.

Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer.

Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer.