CNC Machinist - Lathe

Karman; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a CNC Lathe Machinist in Santa Ana, CA. You will set up and operate CNC lathes to produce precision aerospace components, interpreting drawings and GD&T to ensure tight tolerances.

You will inspect parts with precision tools and edit CNC programs as needed, while maintaining records and adhering to aerospace quality standards and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years CNC lathe machining experience, preferably aerospace.
• Strong CNC lathe setup and operating skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Knowledge of cutting tools, inserts, feeds, speeds, and work holding.
• Ability to perform precision measurements and dimensional inspections.
• Basic understanding of CNC G-code and M-code.
• Strong mathematical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates CNC lathes and turning centers to manufacture precision aerospace components.
• Interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and process documentation.
• Sets up tooling, work holding, inserts, offsets, and cutting parameters.
• Loads, verifies, and makes minor edits to CNC programs.
• Adjusts tool offsets and monitors cutting conditions to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Machines components from aerospace materials including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel.
• Performs first-piece, in-process, and final inspections with precision tools.
• Maintains production, inspection, and traceability records.
• Follows aerospace quality standards and safety requirements.

Skills

CNC lathe

GD&T

Engineering drawings

G-code/M-code basics

Precision inspection

Math/problem-solving

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CNC controls (Mori Seiki)

Measuring instruments

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

CNC Machinist - Lathe

Full Time Manual Labor Santa Ana, CA, US

Salary Range: $18.00 To $25.00 Hourly

CNC Lathe Machinist

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, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a CNC Lathe Machinist, you will set up and operate CNC turning equipment to produce precision aerospace components that meet demanding dimensional and surface-finish requirements. You will contribute to high-quality manufacturing by interpreting engineering drawings, performing accurate inspections, and ensuring consistent machining performance throughout production. Your expertise will help maintain quality, productivity, and efficiency across critical hypersonic and missile-defense manufacturing operations.

Schedule

• First shift
• Second shift
• Second shift is eligible for shift differential

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates CNC lathes and turning centers to manufacture precision aerospace components.
• Interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and process documentation.
• Sets up tooling, work holding, inserts, offsets, and cutting parameters.
• Loads, verifies, and makes minor edits to CNC programs.
• Adjusts tool offsets and monitors cutting conditions to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Machines components from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other aerospace materials.
• Performs first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Uses micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, thread gauges, height gauges, and related inspection tools.
• Troubleshoots dimensional, tooling, surface-finish, and machining issues.
• Maintains accurate production, inspection and traceability records.
• Follows aerospace quality standards, company procedures, and safety requirements.
• Maintains machines, tooling, fixtures, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Collaborates with Quality and Manufacturing Supervisor to resolve production and quality issues.
• Participates in continuous improvement activities to enhance productivity, quality, and machining efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5 or more years of CNC lathe machining experience, preferably in aerospace or precision manufacturing.
• Strong CNC lathe setup and operating skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of cutting tools, inserts, feeds, speeds, and work holding.
• Ability to perform precision measurements and dimensional inspections.
• Basic understanding of computer numerical control (CNC) G-code and M-code.
• Strong mathematical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight tolerances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes or live-tool turning centers.
• Experience machining difficult aerospace materials such as titanium and Inconel.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality or traceability requirements.
• Experience with Mori Seki or similar CNC controls.
• Ability to make basic program edits and troubleshoot CNC programs.
• Formal CNC machining certification, apprenticeship, or vocational training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and handle tooling, fixtures, raw material, and finished components as required.
• Ability to perform repetitive machining and inspection tasks.
• Ability to work safely around machine tools, cutting fluids, chips, and manufacturing equipment.

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

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

Karman Space and 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, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.