Fabrication & Test Technician II - Composite Machining

Cambium; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

401(k) matching plan

Professional development reimbursement

Opportunity for equity

Job summary

A leading technology company in Los Angeles is seeking a Fabrication & Test Technician 2 to work on composite machining. The role involves programming and operating 5-axis CNC milling machines, developing CAM programs, and collaborating closely with engineers. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of CNC machining experience, strong attention to detail, and a passion for working in a fast-paced R&D environment. Cambium offers competitive benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) matching plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience.
• Strong CAM programming experience.
• Ability to inspect parts using metrology tools.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC milling machines.
• Develop and optimize CAM programs.
• Perform routine machine maintenance.

Skills

CNC machining experience

CAM programming

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Technical training or machining certification

Tools

5-axis CNC milling machines

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature of our work.

Fabrication & Test Technician 2 – Composite Machining

The successful candidate will be a hands‑on builder and programmer with strong machining fundamentals, experience with 5‑axis milling, and a desire to help develop and scale parts for tooling, prototypes, and material demonstrations. This role will work closely with engineers to program, set up, machine, trim, and inspect prototype composite components. Ideal candidates have experience with composite materials and are comfortable working in a fast‑paced R&D environment. This is a highly hands‑on position with significant opportunity to shape fixtures, process standards, and best practices for machining composite structures and assemblies. As Cambium experiences rapid growth, the responsibilities of this role are expected to evolve.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 5‑axis CNC milling machines to machine, trim, drill, and finish composite components and tooling.
• Develop and optimize CAM programs, toolpaths, feeds/speeds, and workholding strategies for composite materials and associated tooling materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, work instructions, and process specifications to produce parts to print.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, vacuum fixtures, and consumables appropriate for composite machining while minimizing delamination, fraying, pull‑out, and dimensional variation.
• Perform first article prove‑outs, in‑process checks, and final dimensional verification using standard inspection equipment.
• Support prototype development, process development, and material qualification builds in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Troubleshoot machining, setup, tool wear, machine, and fixturing issues; implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate program revisions, setup sheets, tooling data, and process documentation.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, keep equipment in safe working order, and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Follow all safety protocols, including PPE, dust collection, and safe handling practices for composites, adhesives, and shop equipment.
• Contribute to a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical rigor consistent with Cambium’s mission and values.

Key Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate; technical training, trade school, or machining certification is a plus.
• 5+ years of hands‑on CNC machining experience, including setup and operation of multi‑axis machining centers.
• Demonstrated experience programming and operating 5‑axis milling equipment in a production, prototype, or toolroom environment.
• Strong CAM programming experience and ability to read and work from 3D CAD models and 2D drawings.
• Experience performing machine setups, selecting tooling, establishing work offsets, and proving out new programs safely and efficiently.
• Understanding of machining fundamentals such as feeds/speeds, chip load, cutter engagement, fixturing, tolerance control, and surface finish.
• Ability to inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, height gauges, bore gauges, and related metrology tools.
• Strong attention to detail, ownership of work, and ability to complete complex tasks on time with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and a team‑oriented mindset, with the ability to work closely with engineers and technicians.
• Comfortable operating shop equipment and working in a physically active, hands‑on role. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Due to the nature of the work, you must have U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience machining, trimming, drilling, or finishing composite parts such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, carbon‑carbon or graphite structures.
• Experience with aerospace, defense, motorsport, or other high‑performance machined components.
• Familiarity with common issues in composite machining, including delamination control, burr minimization, dust mitigation, and edge quality requirements.
• Experience designing or improving fixtures, soft jaws, vacuum fixtures, and other workholding solutions for thin‑wall or complex parts.
• Working knowledge of NC code/G‑code, post‑processors, and machine controller troubleshooting.
• Forklift, hoist, or rigging experience, where applicable.
• Associate degree or equivalent technical education in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field.

Benefits

Cambium offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits plan. This includes excellent medical/dental/vision benefits, a matching 401(k) plan, professional development reimbursement, and an opportunity for equity for most full‑time positions.