CNC Setup Machinist

Ultimate Staffing; Murrieta (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultimate Staffing is seeking a CNC Setup Machinist in Murrieta, CA. You will set up CNC lathes and mills, interpret drawings with GD&T, and prepare controllers, fixtures, offsets, and tool registers to ensure precise part zero points.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of CNC machining/setup, read blueprints, and maintain tooling while troubleshooting issues to keep production on track. This full-time role reports to the CNC Supervisor and offers competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2–4 years CNC machining/setup experience; lathe preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Analyze machining work orders and drawings to determine requirements.
• Prepare CNC controllers with fixtures, zero points, offsets.
• Set up CNC lathes and mills with tooling and fixtures.
• Verify setups by measuring first articles.
• Maintain tools and perform basic troubleshooting.
• Follow quality and safety standards.
• Document production activities and communicate during shifts.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T knowledge

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Measuring skills

Math calculations

Team communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

FANUC controllers

MRP / job tracking software

Job description

Reports To: CNC Supervisor / CNC Manager

Pay Rate: $23.00 - $29.00 per hour (based on experience)

Travel Required: None

Position Details

Job Title: CNC Setup Machinist

Department: CNC Operations

Location: Murrieta, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: CNC Supervisor / CNC Manager

Pay Rate: $23.00 - $29.00 per hour (based on experience)

Travel Required: None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze machining work orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, materials, and specifications to determine machining requirements and perform necessary calculations.


• Interpret Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) specifications.


• Prepare CNC controllers by establishing fixture locations, part zero points, tool registers, offsets, compensation settings, and machine parameters.


• Calculate machining requirements using mathematical, geometric, and trigonometric principles.


• Set up CNC lathes and mills by installing and adjusting tooling, attachments, collets, bushings, vises, fixtures, indexers, and machine components.


• Verify machine setups by measuring first-article parts and sample workpieces to ensure compliance with quality standards.


• Maintain production specifications through milling, drilling, grooving, cutting, tapping, threading, and related machining operations.


• Monitor machining performance, identify malfunctions, troubleshoot issues, and make process adjustments as necessary.


• Sharpen, replace, and maintain tooling to ensure optimal machine performance.


• Follow all quality assurance procedures and manufacturing standards.


• Maintain safe operations by adhering to established safety policies, procedures, and regulations.


• Perform preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment and coordinate repairs when necessary.


• Document production activities, quality inspections, and operational issues accurately.


• Communicate effectively with team members during shift transitions to ensure continuity of operations.


• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to maintain technical knowledge.


• Support continuous improvement efforts and contribute to organizational goals.


• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and production quality.


• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.


• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Additionally, all employees are expected to:

• Meet established standards for quality, productivity, and performance.


• Complete all work in accordance with company policies, procedures, and workplace standards.


• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to safety.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 to 4 years of CNC machining and setup experience. Preferrably on the lathe

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient understanding of CNC machining principles and practices.


• Basic computer and electronics knowledge.


• Strong mechanical aptitude.


• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.


• Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.


• Strong critical thinking, logic, and reasoning abilities.


• Active listening and communication skills.


• Knowledge of process improvement concepts and quality standards.


• Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, geometry, and trigonometry.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods, up to 10 hours per shift.


• Frequent lifting and moving of materials weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Frequent use of hands and arms for reaching, handling, and operating equipment.


• Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.


• Requires close vision, distance vision, and strong hand-eye coordination.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment and machinery.


• Noise levels range from moderate to loud.


• Work is performed primarily indoors.

Equipment and Software

• CNC Mills (experience preferred but not required).


• CNC Lathes with Live Milling capabilities.


• FANUC Controllers.


• Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) and job tracking software.

Additional Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.


• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and work instructions consistently.


• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.


• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, maintenance instructions, and operating procedures.


• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.