Journeyman Vertical Lathe Set-up Machinist- 1st Shift

Sanmina-SCI Systems de México; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Holidays & PTO

RSU awards

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Sanmina Corporation in Newark, CA seeks a skilled Journeyman Vertical Lathe Setup Machinist to independently program, set up and operate CNC VTLs, delivering precision components. You will interpret complex drawings, select tooling, and optimize processes for high quality and efficiency.

Ideal candidates have 5–7 years of hands-on CNC lathe experience, Journeyman certification, and strong GD&T knowledge. ITAR facility; US citizen or permanent resident required.

Qualifications

• Official Journeyman Machinist certification or equivalent on-the-job training.
• Experience reading blueprints and applying GD&T to tolerances.
• Proficient in G-code programming and machining math.
• Ability to operate CNC vertical lathes and interpret CNC programs.
• Knowledge of safety rules and rigid quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently set up and operate CNC vertical lathes for turning, boring, facing and threading.
• Read complex drawings and CAD data to plan operations and tolerances.
• Select fixtures and tools, set speeds, feeds, coolant, and offsets.
• Read, write and edit G-code/M-code; optimize for efficiency and tool life.
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections to GD&T standards.
• Troubleshoot tool, program, or machine issues; adjust offsets as needed.
• Conduct daily maintenance and keep the work area clean and safe.

Skills

G-code programming

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Shop math

Forklift operation

Education

Journeyman Machinist certification

Apprenticeship program

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Fanuc control

O-M LTD CNC Vertical Lathes

Mastercam

Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

Specializing in precision machining and metal fabrication, our Sanmina Newark, California facility has 16 years experience in both precision and large format solutions for industrial, semiconductor, clean technology and oil & gas markets. We provide comprehensive engineering and test capabilities: from in-house and hydrostatic leak-testing of medium and large format vacuum chambers to machining of precision stainless steel mechanisms. We have the capacity to machine components up to 3 meters. Our metal fabrication services include grinding, vacuum welding, heat treating, plating and anodizing. We can process many advanced materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, ferrous-non ferrous and other exotic alloys.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Journeyman Vertical Lathe Set-up Machinist to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the independent setup, programming edits, and operation of CNC Vertical Turning Lathes (VTLs) to produce precision, high-quality components. As a journeyman-level machinist, you are expected to handle complex setups, troubleshoot machining issues, mentor junior operators, and ensure all parts meet strict engineering specifications and tolerances.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Operation: Independently set up and operate O-M LTD CNC Vertical Lathes to perform complex turning, boring, facing, and threading operations on various materials.
• Blueprint & Specification Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, CAD files, sketches, and work orders to determine machining requirements, tolerances, and sequence of operations.
• Tooling & Workholding: Select, align, and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines. Calculate and set controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth of cut.
• Programming & Editing: Read, write, and edit G-code and M-code at the machine control Fanuc. Optimize programs for maximum efficiency and tool life.
• Quality & Inspection: Perform complex first-article and in-process inspections using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, etc.) to ensure adherence to strict Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve tooling, program, and machine issues as they arise during production. Adjust machine offsets as needed to maintain tolerance.
• Preventative Maintenance: Perform daily routine maintenance on machines, monitor coolant/lube levels, and keep the work area clean and organized following 5S principles.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere strictly to all OSHA and company safety guidelines, ensuring the safe operation of overhead cranes or hoists when loading heavy materials.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC Vertical Lathes in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Education/Certification: Official Journeyman Machinist certification, completed apprenticeship program, or equivalent extensive on-the-job experience. High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical Skills:
  • Advanced understanding of G&M code programming and editing.
  • Expert proficiency in reading complex blueprints and applying GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
  • Strong shop math skills (geometry and trigonometry).
• Materials Knowledge: Extensive experience machining a variety of metals, which may include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and various alloys or large castings.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, stoop, and regularly lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAM software Master-cam, is a strong plus.
• Previous experience in aerospace, defense, or heavy equipment manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Salary Range(annual): $65,000 - $85,000 . Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package. The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program.