CNC Machinist II

ISSI Engineering and Machining; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ISSI Engineering & Machining is seeking a CNC Machinist II to join our precision machining team in Indianapolis. You will work with Makino 4-axis and 5-axis centers, set up complex fixtures, and prove out CAM programs while maintaining strict GD&T standards.

The role requires 4–5 years of CNC experience, aerospace exposure is preferred, and mentoring responsibilities are part of the job. A strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years CNC machining experience including setup and operation.
• Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience in aerospace, AS9100D, or similarly regulated environments preferred.
• Ability to mentor and support less-experienced machinists.
• Must provide basic personal precision inspection tools for day-to-day inspection.

Responsibilities

• Set up, prove out, and operate Makino 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers on production, expedited, and one-off work.
• Perform complex setups using precision fixtures, multiple work offsets, non-vise workholding, probing, and multi-sided machining.
• Safely prove out CAM-generated programs, verifying tooling, workholding, offsets, machine position, setup conditions, and clearances.
• Monitor and troubleshoot machining processes, including tooling, workholding, part movement, dimensional variation, surface finish, cutting conditions, setup repeatability, machine behavior, and program execution.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T; perform detailed manual inspection.
• Operate established Zeiss CMM programs, interpret inspection results, and work with CMM programming and quality teams for evaluation.
• Diagnose whether machining or dimensional issues relate to setup, tooling, machine, programming, inspection, or other variables; coordinate resolution.
• Collaborate with engineering and CAM to resolve manufacturing issues and improve tooling, fixtures, programs, and processes.
• Serve as a technical resource for less-experienced machinists with hands-on guidance and documentation.

Skills

CNC machining

Setup experience

GD&T reading

Mentoring

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Zeiss CMM

Makino machines

Okuma lathes

Job description

ISSI Engineering & Machining is seeking a CNC Machinist II to join our precision machining team.

ISSI is a high-mix aerospace and precision machining job shop supporting a wide variety of work, from straightforward vise setups and established production jobs to expedited one-off parts and custom machining projects. Our machinists work closely with engineering, CAM programming, CMM programming, and quality to get jobs through the shop efficiently and correctly.

Why ISSI?

• Advanced CNC Technology: Work with Okuma dual-turret lathes, Makino 4 & 5 axis machining centers a DMG mill turn machine and other machine tools.
• Advanced Inspection Equipment: Access to a Zeiss CMM for complex inspection and verification.
• Growth & Innovation: Join a team that continues to invest in new equipment, technology, and capabilities.

What You’ll Do

• Set up, prove out, and operate Makino 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers on established production, expedited, and one-off work.
• Perform complex setups using precision fixtures, multiple work offsets, non-vise workholding, probing, and multi-sided machining.
• Safely prove out new and revised CAM-generated programs, verifying tooling, workholding, offsets, machine position, setup conditions, and clearances.
• Monitor and troubleshoot machining processes, including tooling, workholding, part movement, dimensional variation, surface finish, cutting conditions, setup repeatability, machine behavior, and program execution.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T, perform detailed manual inspection, and recognize dimensional trends and potential process issues.
• Operate established Zeiss CMM programs, interpret inspection results, and work with CMM programming and quality when further evaluation is needed.
• Diagnose whether machining or dimensional issues are related to the setup, tooling, machine, programming, inspection, or other process variables, and work with the appropriate team to resolve them.
• Work closely with engineering and CAM programming to resolve manufacturing issues and provide practical shop-floor feedback to improve tooling, fixtures, programs, and processes.
• Serve as a technical resource for less-experienced machinists by providing hands-on guidance with setups, tooling, prove-out, inspection, and troubleshooting, while maintaining accurate setup, production, and inspection documentation.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 4-5 years of CNC machining experience, including setup and operation of complex machining processes.
• Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Experience performing first-time setups, machine prove-outs, and troubleshooting machining processes.
• Experience working with complex fixtures, non-vise workholding, multiple work offsets, and multi-sided machining operations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience performing detailed inspections using precision measuring instruments and operating CMM equipment.
• Experience in aerospace, AS9100D, or similarly regulated quality-controlled manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to identify machining, tooling, setup, programming, or quality issues and work collaboratively with engineering, programming, and quality personnel to resolve them.
• Ability to mentor and support less-experienced machinists.
• Must provide basic personal precision inspection tools required for day-to-day inspection activities.
• Strong attention to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ISSI is an equal opportunity employer, along with all affiliated companies. Applicants will receive consideration for positions, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (except where sex is a bonafide occupational qualification), sexual orientation, marital status, disability, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.