CNC Senior Set-up Programmer/Machinist

A & R Engineering Co Inc; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A & R Engineering Co Inc in Carson, CA is seeking an experienced CNC Set-up Programmer/Machinist to join our aerospace and defense manufacturing team. The role focuses on multi-axis CNC setup, MasterCAM programming, and first article production to ensure on-time delivery of high-precision parts.

You will work on on-site operations, coordinate with Operations and Quality, and drive improvements in tooling, fixturing, and routing to meet AS9100 standards. Must reside within 20 miles of Carson.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of aerospace CNC machining experience with demonstrated expertise in CNC setup of mills, lathes and mill-turn machines.
• Proficiency with MasterCam (lathe, mill and multi-axis) is required.
• Deep understanding of G-code, GD&T, blueprint reading, and aerospace tolerancing.
• Experience in AS9100/AS9102-regulated environments.
• Familiarity with aerospace alloys (e.g., titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum).
• ITAR compliance and U.S. person status required.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC mill and lathe operations from customer blueprints and 3D models.
• Perform first article programming, setups, dry runs, and edits to validate programs.
• Conduct in-process inspections during first article production runs.
• Train operators on setups, fixturing, and safe operation of new programs.
• Identify optimal cutter selection and fixtures for efficiency and quality.
• Utilize MasterCAM to create G-code from models and blueprints; knowledge of other CAM tools is a plus.
• Develop/Update manufacturing router sequences and BOMs for new and existing product lines.
• Select tooling, fixturing, and machine allocation for 2- to 5-axis machining.
• Coordinate with Production and Quality teams to ensure DFM and AS9100 compliance.
• Organize the shop workflow to meet customer requirements.

Skills

CNC setup

MasterCAM

Multi-axis machining

G-code

Blueprint reading / GD&T

AS9100 compliance

ITAR knowledge

Aerospace materials

Tools

MasterCAM

Fanuc

HAAS

DMG

Job description

CNC Senior Set-up Programmer/Machinist

Reports to Operations Manager

Salary: DOE, $40-50/hr

Experience in a medium-to-large machine shop; high volume, complex small metal parts

Significant aerospace industry experience

Must live within 20 miles of the City of Carson, CA

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented CNC Set-up Programmer/Machinistto join theManufacturingteamof our aerospace and defense manufacturing facility. This role emphasizes the CNC Mill and Lathe machinist background but is also an opportunity for an individual to build their career as a high-value Senior Machinist assisting with improving company operations. This role is critical to the front-end acceptance of client requests and implementation of machined part production, router development and first article execution. Ideal candidates will bring experience in both precisionCNC Set-up and machiningprinciples. As well as proven proficiency in MasterCAM programming. This candidate will aid launching new parts into production efficiently and compliantly. Proficiency in set-up and operations of multi-axis (lathes, mills and mill-turn) CNC machines is required. This is a 100% on-site position.

Opportunity

A&R is a contract manufacturer experiencing strong demand growth which we expect to continue for several years. This position offers an awesome opportunity for career development and progressive earning power.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming & Setup

• Working largely with new customer requests, set-up CNC milland lathe operationsbased on customer blueprints and 3D models.
• Perform first article programming, setups, dry runs, and edits to validate program accuracy and efficiency.
• Conduct in-process inspections to verify dimensions during first article production runs.
• Capable of training machine operators on setup sheets, fixturing, and safe operation of new programs.
• Capable of identifying ideal cutter selection and fixtures
• Capable of utilizing MasterCAM to create G-code programs from model based definitions and blueprints for machining operations. Knowledge of other programs (e.g., hyperMILL) is a plus.

Senior Machinist

• Develop/Updatemanufacturing router sequences, Bill of Materials, and Work Centers for new and existing product lines, determining estimated setup and cycle times to aid in maintaining an accurate ERP system.
• Select tooling, fixturing, and machine allocation based on material and part geometry for the fabrication of machined parts using 2 to 4-axis lathes; 3 and 4 axis horizontal and vertical mills; as well as 5 axis mills and conventional machining equipment
• Collaborate Production and Quality teams to ensure DFM (Design for Manufacturability) ensures the most efficient manufacturing methods and techniques. AS9100 compliance.
• Organize the machine shop, priorities and workflow to meet customer requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in aerospace CNC machining, with demonstrated expertise in CNC setup of mills, lathes and mill-turn CNC machines.
• Proficiency with MasterCam (lathe, mill and multi-axis) is required.
• Deep understanding of G-code, GD&T, blueprint reading, and aerospace tolerancing.
• Experience working in AS9100/AS9102-regulated environments.
• Familiarity with various aerospace alloys (e.g., titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum).
• This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a “Make-to-Blueprint” job shop environment.
• Experience with Fanuc, HAAS and DMG controllers.
• Experience and Understanding of Master Routers (i.e. “Item Masters”, which require a Bill of Materials and Routing sequences for CNC operations) and/or the willingness/ability to learn.
• First article inspection (FAI) process experience per AS9102.
• Lean or Six Sigma training is a plus.
• Availability for 1st and OT when required.

Key Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude and machining knowledge
• Ownership mindset and initiative in problem-solving
• Ability to work cross-functionally with quality, operations, and sales teams
• Attention to detail in both planning and execution
• Clear, concise technical communication skills (verbal and written)

Why Join Us

• Be a strategic part of launching mission-critical aerospace components
• Hands-on environment with autonomy and impact
• Competitive compensation and benefits package (We Reward Talent)

Fast-paced, growth-oriented company with a strong industry reputation