Precision CNC Lathe Machinist - 1st Shift, Tight Tolerances

Surface Engineering; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 48,216 - 68,880; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Profit sharing

Weekly pay

Paid time off

Job summary

Surface Engineering in Sunnyvale, CA, is looking for a skilled machinist to set up and operate CNC lathes, maintaining tight tolerances while ensuring high precision. Candidates should have at least 3 years of relevant experience and must be comfortable with in-process inspections.

The job offers a competitive pay rate between $35 and $50 per hour, along with benefits such as medical insurance, 401(k) with company match, and profit sharing. This position involves working in a stable environment with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC lathe experience.
• Experience with setup and operation responsibilities.
• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and process-driven.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 2-axis CNC lathes.
• Perform first-article and in-process inspection.
• Troubleshoot dimensional issues.
• Work closely with quality and engineering teams.

Skills

CNC lathe experience

Blueprint reading

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork skills

Tools

Siemens 840D

Fanuc controls

Robot programming

Job description

🔎At a Glance

Company: Surface Engineering
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $35–$50 per hour (DOE)
Shift: 1st Shift | Monday–Friday | 7:00am–4:00pm (schedule flexibility available)
Overtime: Yes
Experience Level: Mid–Senior | 3+ years preferred
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Apply Link: Apply directly through hireCNC

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Why This Role Exists

Surface Engineering supports some of the most demanding precision manufacturing applications in the semiconductor industry. While the company has expanded into more advanced milling and multi-axis machining, turning remains a critical part of production and overall workflow.

This role exists because Surface Engineering continues to grow and needs a disciplined machinist capable of setting up and operating precision turning equipment while maintaining extremely tight tolerances.

This is not repetitive commodity work. Surface Engineering machines highly complex precision components where process consistency and attention to detail matter every day. Their team routinely adjusts parts within tenths and works with advanced inspection equipment and highly refined manufacturing processes.

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The Work You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Set up and operate 2-axis CNC lathes
• Load and run existing programs
• Adjust tooling, offsets, and machine settings as needed
• Perform first-article and in-process inspection
• Hold extremely tight tolerances on precision components
• Troubleshoot dimensional issues and make process adjustments
• Work closely with quality and engineering teams
• Follow established manufacturing processes and procedures

Success in this role requires discipline, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn highly refined machining methods from an experienced team.

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Machines, Controls & Software

You'll work with equipment such as:

Machines:

• Precision CNC turning centers
• Diamond turning equipment
• Multi-axis turning equipment throughout the facility

Controls:

• Siemens 840D preferred
• Fanuc backgrounds welcomed and easily transferable

Additional Experience Helpful:

• Robot programming exposure
• Automation experience

Inspection Equipment:

• Advanced metrology systems
• Strong quality department support

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Materials You'll Work With

• Aluminum (~75%)
• Titanium
• Stainless steel

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What We're Looking For

Required:

• 3+ years of CNC lathe experience
• Experience with setup and operation responsibilities
• Ability to read blueprints and understand GD&T
• Strong understanding of tooling and offsets
• Comfortable performing in-process inspections
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and process-driven
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred (Not Required):

• Siemens 840D experience
• Fanuc control experience
• Robot programming exposure
• Experience working with precision components and extremely tight tolerances
• Semiconductor, medical, aerospace, or precision manufacturing background

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Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Surface Engineering because:

• Average employee tenure is approximately 7 years, with some employees staying over 30 years
• Temperature-controlled facility
• Stable repeat-production environment—not a traditional job shop
• Strong quality department and support team
• Weekly pay
• Profit sharing and bonus opportunities
• Challenging technical work and opportunities to grow

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Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay Range: $35–$50/hr DOE

Bonus Structure:

• Up to 10% annual bonus opportunity
• Paid as two bonuses of up to 5% each year

Benefits:

• Medical insurance (85% employee premium covered)
• Dependent coverage assistance
• 401(k) with company match up to 3%
• Profit sharing
• Weekly pay
• PTO
• 10 vacation days
• 5 sick days
• 10 paid holidays

Schedule:

Monday–Friday
7:00am–4:00pm
Overtime available

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Apply

Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.

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