5‑Axis CNC Machining Lead, Aerospace Components
About The Position
At 6:30am sharp in Kearny Mesa, you open the cell and review the SQIDPP boards and metrics. You align the team on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, and Utilization, then jump onto a complex 5-axis setup yourself—keeping at least 50% of your time on direct labor while coordinating longer-term projects. You’re the interdepartmental go-between, the Supervisor’s right hand (and backup), and the go-to mentor when a tricky toolpath, fixture, or tolerance is on the line. This full-time, first-shift role (Monday–Friday, 6:30am–3:00pm) is based at our Jet Products facility. You’ll balance hands-on machining, coaching, and continuous improvement—all in service of on-time delivery and uncompromising aerospace quality.
Requirements
- Ability to read and apply blueprints/drawings with dimensional, true position, and circularity callouts.
- Strong shop math; GD&T; feeds and speeds; equipment monitoring and control.
- Fixture setup: clamping, centering, and indicating; cutting tool setup and insert changes.
- Proficiency with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, bar gauges).
- High school diploma/GED preferred; vocational training a plus.
- 5 years of CNC setup and operation (or equivalent); 4 years in aerospace manufacturing preferred.
- Previous experience as a Leadman/lead preferred.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate conventional and up to 5-axis CNC mills and lathes to complete jobs from printed work orders with minimal oversight.
- Interpret blueprints to determine tooling, setup, machining sequences, and workpiece dimensions; apply shop math, GD&T, feeds and speeds.
- Train and mentor teammates; demonstrate procedures, techniques, and best practices.
- Verify in-process and final dimensions using precision tools (calipers, micrometers, bar gauges, templates, fixtures) to ensure conformance.
- Diagnose machine issues, perform adjustments, and conduct routine maintenance; escalate repairs as needed.
- Prepare and manage setup documentation; ensure setups flow with production needs.
- Troubleshoot problems related to machine settings, tooling, and specifications.
- Coordinate status across departments/shifts; communicate special tooling needs and exceptions.
- Support daily/weekly/monthly output targets; maintain a safe, efficient, 5S-compliant work area (including cleaning of machines, tooling, and surrounding areas).
- Lead and contribute to visual performance updates, Daily Management board meetings, and continuous improvement activities focused on lean, quality, cost, and delivery.
- Model reliability, teamwork, and adherence to company policies; accept feedback and show initiative.
Benefits
- Enjoy a market-led base salary, comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, employee recognition, a matching 401(k), paid vacation, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for community involvement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
