Lead CNC Machinist

Trillium Staffing; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off, personal days, holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Trillium Staffing in San Jose, CA is seeking a self-motivated Lead CNC Technician to own a Star20RV2 machine and run a small local lab facility. You will be the primary operator, programming, setting up, and operating a Swiss-type CNC lathe, while collaborating with the engineering team to deliver samples and test results quickly.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, 5+ years of Swiss-type CNC experience, strong math and reading of complex drawings, and a proactive,

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience programming, setting up, and operating Swiss-type CNC equipment.
• High school diploma or equivalent; no college degree required.
• Strong computer proficiency and ability to read technical drawings/work instructions.
• Self-starter with initiative and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate a single Swiss Type Automatic CNC Lathe with minimal supervision.
• Perform standard and macro programming using Fanuc, TB DECO, Partmaker, or related software.
• Partner with engineering leadership to build out process flows, manage sample handling, and run lab instrumentation.
• Inspect parts using optical comparators, dial calipers, micrometers, thread gages, and plug gages.
• Prioritize and execute sample prep and testing requests to support local engineering, quality, and planning teams.
• Proactively resolve process bottlenecks, manage tooling via VMI systems, and safely operate general shop equipment.

Skills

CNC programming

Lathe setup

Quality inspection

Lab management

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Fanuc

TB DECO

Partmaker

Job description

We are seeking a self-motivated Lead CNC Technician to take full ownership of a Star20RV2 machine and manage a small, local lab facility in San Jose, CA.

Pay rate is $38.00 – $50.00 / hr. Schedule is 1st shift.

In this dual-role position, you will be the primary operator running the CNC equipment while collaborating closely with our engineering teamto deliver samples and test results quickly.

Because this is a new and evolving role, you will operate with a high degree of independence—proactively identifying process gaps, building out standard workflows, and executing lab testing without waiting for direct oversight. A high school diploma/GED is required (no college degree needed); a team-player mindset and strong initiative are essential.

What You Will Do

• Machine Operation: Program, set up, and operate a single Swiss Type Automatic CNC Lathe (with sliding headstock and automated magazine bar feeders) with minimal supervision.
• Programming & Setups: Perform standard and macro programming using Fanuc, TB DECO, Partmaker, or related software.
• Lab Management & Process Flow: Partner with engineering leadership to build out process flows, manage sample handling, track material/part movement, and run lab instrumentation.
• Quality & Inspection: Inspect parts using optical comparators, dial calipers, micrometers, thread gages, and plug gages to ensure full conformance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Prioritize and execute sample prep and testing requests to support local engineering, quality, and planning teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively resolve process bottlenecks, manage tooling via VMI systems, and safely operate general shop equipment (lathes, mills, grinders, saws).

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Personal Days, and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement & Parental Leave
• Inclusive, employee-centric company culture with opportunities for growth

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience programming, setting up, and operating Swiss-type CNC equipment.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent with solid math and trigonometry skills. No college degree required.
• Technical Skills: Strong computer proficiency (spreadsheets, email, CNC software) and ability to read complex technical drawings/work instructions.
• Mindset: Demonstrated self-starter comfortable with ambiguity, eager to learn new lab testing equipment, and skilled at working alongside early-career engineers.

Trillium has been recruiting and placing professionals for over 30 years. From Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, our philosophy remains the same: to achieve excellence by providing quality employees and an uncompromising level of service. We believe in honesty, integrity, and a simple philosophy of providing value to our customers and our employees. We strive to be unsurpassed in the recruitment and placement of quality and skilled professionals. Trillium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.