CNC Programmer / Setup Machinist

Datum Dynamics; Placentia (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Datum Dynamics is a growing aerospace precision machine shop located in Placentia, CA. We seek a motivated CNC programmer with 3‑axis foundations who wants to advance to multi‑axis machining and take on increasingly complex jobs.

You’ll program, set up, and optimize parts using Mastercam, working closely with ownership. The role emphasizes learning, ownership, and continuous improvement in a clean, quality‑focused shop.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of CNC programming experience.
• Experience with Mastercam.
• Strong understanding of CNC milling and machining fundamentals.
• Ability to independently set up and run CNC machining centers.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T.
• Experience selecting tooling and workholding.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Self-motivated with a desire to continuously improve.
• Aerospace machining experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC mills using Mastercam.
• Set up and prove out new jobs.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Select tooling, workholding, and machining strategies.
• Optimize programs for cycle time, quality, and tool life.
• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues.
• Maintain organized setup documentation and program revisions.
• Collaborate with the production team to meet quality and delivery expectations.
• Continue developing programming skills with opportunities to learn advanced 5‑axis machining.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Self-motivated

Willingness to learn

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

Pay: $27.00–$40.00 per hour, depending on experience

About Datum Dynamics

Datum Dynamics is a growing aerospace precision machine shop specializing in complex, tight-tolerance CNC machining. We focus on low-volume, high-mix work where quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement matter.

We’re building a team of people who enjoy solving machining challenges, take pride in their work, and want to grow alongside the company.

Location and Job Type

Location: Placentia, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $27.00–$40.00 per hour, depending on experience

About the Role

We’re looking for a motivated CNC programmer who already has a strong foundation in CNC machining and Mastercam and wants to continue developing their skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with solid 3‑axis programming experience who wants to learn advanced multi‑axis machining. You’ll work directly with ownership and gain hands‑on experience programming, setting up, and optimizing increasingly complex jobs.

We value attitude, work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to learn just as much as experience.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC mills using Mastercam.
• Set up and prove out new jobs.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Select tooling, workholding, and machining strategies.
• Optimize programs for cycle time, quality, and tool life.
• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues.
• Maintain organized setup documentation and program revisions.
• Collaborate with the production team to meet quality and delivery expectations.
• Continue developing programming skills with opportunities to learn advanced 5‑axis machining.
  

Qualifications

• 2+ years of CNC programming experience.
• Experience with Mastercam.
• Strong understanding of CNC milling and machining fundamentals.
• Ability to independently set up and run CNC machining centers.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T.Experience selecting tooling and workholding.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑motivated with a desire to continuously improve.
• Aerospace machining experience is a plus but not required.
  

What You’ll Be Working With

• Haas UMC‑500 SS 5‑Axis Machining Center
• Haas VF‑2SS Vertical Machining Center
• Precision aerospace and prototype components
• Low‑volume, high‑mix production
• Modern tooling and workholding
  

What We’re Looking For

The right person doesn’t need to know everything on day one.

We’re looking for someone with a solid machining foundation who’s eager to learn, takes ownership of their work, asks questions, and genuinely enjoys becoming better at their craft. If you’re motivated, dependable, and passionate about machining, we’ll invest in your growth and help you develop into a highly capable multi‑axis programmer.

Why Join Datum Dynamics

• Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement.
• Direct mentorship and hands‑on training in advanced CNC programming.
• Work on challenging aerospace components instead of repetitive production.
• Clean, organized, quality‑focused shop.
• Opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding company and play an important role in its future.

If you’re looking for a place where you can continue building your skills, takeon meaningful work, and grow into an advanced CNC programmer, we’d love to hear from you.