5-Axis CNC Machining Lead, Aerospace Operations

Zenix Aerospace•San Diego, CA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Lead the Cut. Shape the Future. Zenix Aerospace is seeking a full-time machining leader to anchor our Jet Products team in Kearny Mesa. You’ll guide a high-performance cell on 1st shift (6:30am–3:00pm, Monday–Friday), keeping work flowing, people developing, and parts to spec. A day in the life You start with the Daily Management board, reviewing SQIDPP boards and metrics, then jump into a complex 5-axis setup. You mentor a teammate through a tooling change, verify dimensions with micrometers and bar gauges, and liaise with another department to clear a bottleneck. By afternoon, you’re backing up the Supervisor, aligning priorities so Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, and Utilization all hit target—while maintaining at least 50% direct labor utilization yourself. If customer schedules demand it, you flex occasional overtime to meet delivery commitments.

Requirements

Fluency in reading blueprints/drawings with dimensional, true position, and circularity callouts.
Shop math, GD&T, and feeds/speeds expertise.
Comfort with desktop publishing software; ability to analyze using computerized spreadsheets; familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
Hands-on knowledge of Fanuc or Mazak (models 1850/1060) controls and aerospace machining practices.
Fixture setup (clamping, centering, indicating) and cutting tool setup, including insert changes.
Proficient with calipers, micrometers, and bar gauges.
5+ years CNC setup and operation (or equivalent experience).

Nice To Haves

4+ years in aerospace manufacturing preferred.
Previous Lead/Leadman experience preferred.
High school diploma/GED preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience; vocational training a plus.

Responsibilities

Set up and run conventional machines and up to 5-axis CNC mills/lathes to complete work orders with minimal supervision.
Interpret blueprints and work instructions; define tooling, fixtures, NC sequences, and setup procedures.
Train, mentor, and demonstrate best practices; act as an inter-departmental liaison and backup for the Supervisor.
Hold tolerances and verify conformance using precision instruments, templates, and fixtures.
Troubleshoot production issues related to machine settings, tooling, or specifications; perform routine maintenance and monitor performance.
Ensure setup documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with production flow; coordinate status across departments and shifts.
Update visual presentations and performance measurements; maintain SQIDPP boards and metrics.
Participate in Daily Management board meetings; speak to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, and Utilization.
Lead and support Continuous Improvement and lean initiatives; uphold a safe, efficient 5S workspace, including cleaning machines, tooling, and surrounding areas.