CNC Machinist / Set-up

TeamQuest Staffing Services; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Team Quest Staffing Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Setup Machinist for a full-time role in Costa Mesa, CA. You will set up, program or edit programs, operate, and troubleshoot HAAS and Mazak lathes, and support rotary draw tube-bending as needed.

The ideal candidate works independently, completes multiple setups daily, and maintains quality and efficiency on the shop floor. You will read blueprints, verify dimensions, perform first-piece and in-process inspections, and adjust

Qualifications

• Experience setting up CNC lathes in a production environment.
• Ability to program, edit, and troubleshoot CNC lathes on the shop floor.
• Proficient in reading blueprints and performing first-piece inspections.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC lathe machines (HAAS and Mazak).
• Complete 2–5 machine setups per day based on production needs.
• Run first-article parts to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Make tool offsets, program edits, and adjustments to meet specs.
• Load tooling, install workholding, and verify machine operation.
• Read job travelers, blueprints, and routing sheets for production.
• Perform in-process and final inspections with precision gauges.

Skills

CNC Lathe Setup

Programming Mazak/HAAS

First-article inspection

Live tooling & Y-axis

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Tools

HAAS CNC

Mazak CNC

Job description

CNC Lathe Setup Machinist

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on CNC Lathe Setup Machinist for a full-time position in Costa Mesa. This role is responsible for setting up, programming or editing programs, operating, and troubleshooting CNC lathes, including HAAS and Mazak equipment, as well as supporting rotary draw tube-bending operations as needed. The ideal candidate is a self-directed setup machinist with production-shop experience who can complete multiple setups per day, run first-article parts, inspect work to specification, and keep machines operating efficiently.

Position Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC lathe machines, including HAAS and Mazak lathes.
• Complete approximately 2–5 machine setups per day based on production requirements.
• Set up and run first-article parts to verify dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, and conformance to blueprints and job requirements.
• Make machine adjustments, tool offsets, and program edits as needed to ensure parts meet quality specifications.
• Operate CNC machines for production after setups are completed.
• Load tooling, install workholding, set tools and offsets, change inserts, and verify proper machine operation.
• Work with live tooling and Y-axis CNC lathes.
• Support production using automated bar feeders, bar loaders, and related machine-loading equipment.
• Review and follow job travelers, work orders, setup instructions, blueprints, routing sheets, and other production documentation.
• Read and interpret part drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and inspection requirements.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, pin gauges, height gauges, and go/no-go gauges.
• Program, edit, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs at the machine control as needed.
• Identify and correct setup, tooling, program, material, or machine issues to minimize downtime, scrap, and rework.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot rotary draw tube-bending equipment as production needs require.
• Select, install, and adjust applicable tube-bending tooling, including dies, mandrels, clamps, and fixtures.
• Maintain accurate setup, inspection, production, and downtime documentation.
• Perform routine machine care, including cleaning, lubrication, tool changes, chip removal, and reporting maintenance needs.
• Follow all safety policies, machine-safety procedures, PPE requirements, and housekeeping standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Work independently while communicating effectively with supervisors, quality personnel, engineering, and production team members.