Machine Operator- 3 and 4 axis Mills/Grinding

Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Inc.; Auburn, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off (15 days) and holidays

Sign-on bonus up to $5,000

Additional $1,000 sign-on bonus fornew

Job summary

Crane Aerospace & Electronics in Auburn, CA is seeking a Machine Operator to set up and run 3-4 axis CNC mills and grinders, ensuring high‑quality aerospace parts are produced to exact specifications. The role requires 2+ years in a machine shop with a strong ability to read blueprints and follow process controls.

We offer competitive pay ($26.00–$44.12/hour), comprehensive benefits, and relocation assistance for candidates outside the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a machine shop.
• Experience with a 3-4 axis CNC mill is required; grinding experience is highly preferred.
• Able to interpret specifications and understand machine operation.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust and operate 3-4 axis CNC mill and grinders.
• Make manual adjustments to controls to optimize performance and ensure conformance.
• Support lean initiatives including 5S, KPI tracking, standard work and problem solving.
• Meet lead times to support customer needs and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Manage consumables and follow safety policies per OSHA and Crane policy.

Skills

CNC milling

Grinding

Reading blueprints

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

3-4 axis CNC mill

Job description

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Machine Operator at our Auburn, CA/Vian Enterprises location. Hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm. We will help anyone outside of the Bay area relocate with a sign‑on bonus up to $5000 and a separate $1000 sign‑on bonus for new hires

About Crane: Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Founded in 1968, Crane Aerospace & Electronics’ Auburn, Calif., facility, owns a rich history of excellence in the design and manufacturing of multi‑stage lubrication and gerotor pumps for aerospace and defense applications. Throughout the years, our Auburn team has developed a reputation for providing industry‑leading complex, highly engineered flow control products for mission‑critical engine/APU systems. Located in the Northern California foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range at a new, state‑of‑the‑art 65,000 sq. ft. facility, start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics.

Job Summary

The Machine Operator works with computer‑controlled (3 axis CNC mill with 4th axis and grinder attachments) equipment or more mechanically based machines to ensure they are set‑up properly, working well, and producing high‑quality products. The Machine Operator performs recurring assignments proficiently and independently and normally works under minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures and practices.

Essential Functions

• Setup, adjust and operate any or all of the following machines/equipment used in aerospace manufacturing; 3 and 4 axis CNC Mill, grinders, calipers, micrometers, etc.
• Make manual adjustments to the machine interface and controls, as required, to optimize performance, ensure proper operation, and validate product compliance
• Support Crane Business System (CBS) initiatives including 5S, KPI’s, Standard Work, Problem Solving, and other initiatives as they arise
• Meet and establish lead times to support customers’ needs
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment in respective area of responsibility
• Manage consumables in the respective machines
• Practice safe work habits as established by OSHA and Crane policy
• Any other task assigned by supervisor or management

Non‑Essential Functions

• Generates Non‑Conformance Reports (NCR) for quality related issues as required
• Create a status report for coworkers on following shift
• Use company intranet and Learning Management System as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 2+ years of experience in a machine shop. Experience with a 3 or 4 axis CNC mill required and grinding experience highly preferred.

Knowledge: Competent in interpreting applicable specifications and understand operating principles of the machinery; Understand general shop computations.

Skills/Abilities: Problem solving, troubleshooting, and simple machine maintenance skills; Ability to understand oral and written instructions pertaining to work related matter, and to maintain routine records; Accurate color vision and depth perception (other vision capability may be required by area of assignment); Ability to work satisfactorily on a sustained basis within any physical and environmental requirements applicable to area of assignment, e.g., highly repetitive work, hot tools or materials, epoxy or other chemical agents, fumes, noise, oily or similar conditions; Ability to flex work schedule to maintain processes and work flow as needed; Ability to read and understand production or engineering prints, production planning information and assembly aids, such as illustrations.

Education/Certification: High School diploma or equivalent.

Eligibility Requirement: This position may require access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US Persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance; knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
• Aerospace experience or manufacturing experience in regulated field

Working Conditions

Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment. Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes Flexible and willing to work overtime if necessary.

Standing: 75% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task

Sitting: 25% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task

Lifting (in pounds): up to 25 pounds

Pushing (in pounds): up to 25 pounds

Mental/Visual: use of computer

Workspace: workstation

Top Benefits

• Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month
• Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
• 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match
• Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment

You can see a list of our benefits at https://www.craneae.com/company/careers or visit our website at www.CraneAE.com for more information on our company and great opportunities. We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value. In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug‑free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.

Pay Range: $26.00 - $44.12. Several factors contribute to actual salary, including experience in a similar role or performing comparable job responsibilities, skills, training, and other qualifications. Some roles may be eligible for participation in performance‑based bonus programs.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

At Crane, we believe that attracting and retaining the highest quality people is the best insurance of success. Our goal is to recruit talented people and train them within a culture that calls for performance with trust and respect. Join us. The unique backgrounds and differences of our associates make us stronger, more capable, and more successful. Beyond an associate’s base compensation, we reward and reinforce wellbeing with a compelling package of both cash and non‑cash benefits, including comprehensive health, wellness incentives, assistance with retirement savings, paid time off, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement — as well as performance‑based bonus programs for certain positions. Crane prioritizes career development for our associates. All associates receive an annual development plan that includes a mixture of on‑the‑job coaching and formal training experiences to support individual development needs. We firmly believe in associate growth that supports career progression and we will proactively support your ongoing career development.