CNC Mill Machinist - 1st Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense in Huntington Beach, CA is seeking a CNC Mill Machinist to set up, operate, and maintain CNC mill equipment for precision components used in defense systems. This role supports mission-critical hardware with emphasis on safety and quality.

You will review drawings, measure parts, adjust feeds and speeds, and participate in routine maintenance. The position runs Monday through Friday, 6am–2:30pm, with full benefits included.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience operating CNC mill machines.
• Excellent coordination and mechanical skills.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and safety.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in math.
• Basic computer skills.
• Understanding of GD&T.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains CNC mill machines to produce precision components.
• Reviews drawings, blueprints, sketches, instructions, and samples to ensure accurate part production.
• Performs precise measurements using calipers, micrometers, height gages, and inspection tools.
• Sets up machining jobs, selects tooling, and adjusts machine settings to meet specs.
• Monitors operations, adjusts feeds and speeds, and verifies results.
• Inspects finished parts for quality and documents defects.
• Performs routine machine maintenance and minor repairs.
• Maintains organized inventory and keeps the workstation clean and safe.
• Follows traveler steps, safety practices, and instructions.
• Works independently and supports team with related tasks.

Skills

Coordination

Mechanical skills

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Written & verbal communication

Math proficiency

GD&T understanding

English literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MasterCam experience

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, 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 Mill Machinist, you play a key role in producing precision-machined components that support mission-critical hardware. You will set up, operate, and maintain CNC mill equipment to ensure high-quality output that meets exact specifications. Your expertise contributes directly to reliable production flow, accurate part fabrication, and a safe, organized machining environment.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill machines to produce precision components.
• Reviews drawings, blueprints, sketches, instructions, and samples to ensure accurate part production.
• Performs precise measurements using standard tools such as calipers, micrometers (mics), height gages, and other inspection instruments.
• Sets up machining jobs, selects appropriate tooling, and adjusts machine settings to meet production specifications.
• Monitors machining operations, adjusts feeds and speeds as needed, and verifies results for accuracy.
• Inspects finished parts for quality assurance, documenting or discarding defects as required.
• Performs routine machine maintenance and minor repairs to maintain equipment performance.
• Maintains an organized inventory of completed products and keeps the workstation clean and safe.
• Follows traveler steps, safety practices, and work instructions to ensure consistent and compliant production.
• Works independently and contributes to overall team success by assisting with related tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Experience operating Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill machines.
• Excellent coordination and mechanical skills.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and safety.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in math.
• Basic computer skills.
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD\&T).
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Conventional machining experience.
• Machining training.
• Experience with HASS equipment.
• MasterCam experience.
• Machine setup and programming experience.

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.

M-F 6am-2:30pm