Senior CNC Mill Set Up Machinist

Total Aviation Staffing, LLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 85,962,000 - 114,616,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Advanced CNC technologies

Growth opportunities

Aerospace/defense projects

Job summary

Total Aviation Staffing, LLC is seeking a Senior CNC Mill Set Up Machinist in San Jose, CA. The role focuses on setting up and running CNC mills, editing G-code, and ensuring GD&T-compliant parts in a fast-paced aerospace/defense environment.

The candidate will work closely with programming teams, optimize tooling and cycles, mentor others, and uphold safety and quality standards in a modern, high-tech shop. Competitive pay and growth opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Understand geometry, trigonometry, fractions and proportions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication with leadership and team.
• Set up and operate CNC mills with advanced G-code and macros.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC mills independently to produce high quality parts.
• Machine complex parts using various materials with optimized speeds and tooling.
• Collaborate with programming teams to validate new CNC programs.
• Edit G-code and macro functions per standards.
• Apply fixture/workholding design and proper cutting-tool selection.
• Inspect parts to print tolerances per GD&T.
• Troubleshoot machine and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Estimate job durations and track labor and cycles.
• Maintain clean, safe work area and participate in improvements.
• Mentor less-experienced teammates.

Skills

CNC Machining

G-code programming

Setup & operation

Quality control

GD&T knowledge

Fixture design

Reading drawings

Mathematical proficiency

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED or equivalent experience

Tools

CNC milling machines

G-code editors/macros

Inspection tools (GD&T)

Job description

About the Opportunity:

Our client, a leading precision machining company based in San Jose, CA, is seeking a talented Senior CNC Mill Set Up Machinist to join their dynamic team. Specializing in serving the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors, our client is renowned for machining both conventional and exotic materials while emphasizing quality, safety, and advanced CNC capabilities. This role promises an exciting opportunity for the ideal candidate to further hone their expertise in a cutting‑edge environment and make significant contributions to innovative manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities & Requirements

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC mills independently to produce high-quality, defect‑free parts within required timelines.
• Machine complex parts using various materials while optimizing speeds, feeds, and tooling.
• Work closely with programming teams to set up and validate new CNC programs.
• Operate advanced CNC controls, including macro functions, and edit G‑code according to company standards.
• Apply expertise in fixture and workholding design, cutting‑tool selection, MDI, and manual machining.
• Inspect completed parts to print tolerances and ensure compliance with GD&T requirements.
• Troubleshoot machine and processing issues to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Estimate job durations and accurately track labor, cycle times, and part counts.
• Follow all safety, quality, defect‑reporting, confidentiality, and standardized tooling requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area while actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and support less‑experienced team members by sharing technical knowledge.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with 3–5 years of relevant CNC machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, safety procedures, operating manuals, and work instructions.
• Strong knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, fractions, and mathematical proportions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a dependable, quality‑focused, and leadership‑oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate CNC mills independently, including advanced G‑code, macro programming, and cutting‑tool selection.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with a commitment to safety, quality, and production standards.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds and work effectively in a physically demanding manufacturing environment.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay of $30–$40 per hour.
• Supportive and innovative work environment.
• Opportunity to work with advanced CNC technologies.
• Direct impact on aerospace, defense, and technology manufacturing.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Work-life balance in a disciplined and quality‑driven manufacturing environment.