CNC Machinist

Knowles•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The CNC Machinist / Programmer produces precision-machined parts by programming, setting up, and operating CNC equipment. The role develops and edits CNC programs, interprets engineering drawings and GD&T requirements, verifies part quality, and follows established safety and production standards. The position works primarily in a manufacturing or machine-shop environment and may involve exposure to loud noise, moving machinery, machining fluids, metal chips, and other typical manufacturing hazards. Compliance with machine-guarding, PPE, and shop-safety procedures is required. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of hands-on machining experience.
At least 1 year of CNC programming experience.
Experience with Mastercam 2018 or newer; ability to create and edit programs is required.
Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to grasp, handle, and manipulate tools, parts, and measuring instruments.
Ability to coordinate movements and safely perform hands-on machine setup and operation.
Ability to stand for extended periods.
Compliance with applicable machine-guarding, PPE, and shop-safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, trade-school certificate, or equivalent technical training.
Experience with composite materials.

Responsibilities

Review work orders, engineering drawings, CAD models, material specifications, machining requirements, and GD&T callouts to plan machining operations.
Create CNC programs for new parts and modify existing programs to meet drawing revisions and production requirements using Mastercam; use SolidWorks and CAD files as needed.
Set up, prove out, and operate CNC milling machines and lathes; verify programs, tooling, offsets, and work holding before production.
Set up and operate Wire EDM equipment as required.
Set up and operate manual mills and drill presses as required.
Select appropriate tools, fixtures, and machining sequences; adjust machine settings and troubleshoot machining or cutting issues within established procedures.
Align, locate, and secure workpieces using appropriate fixtures and work holding methods.
Install and adjust cutting tools appropriate to the material, part geometry, and operation.
Apply approved manufacturing methods, setup documentation, tooling standards, and production procedures.
Determine and adjust feeds, speeds, and depth of cut to achieve required dimensions, surface finish, and tool life.
Deburr and finish precision-machined parts according to engineering drawings and route sheets, maintaining required edge breaks and chamfers.
Inspect in-process and completed parts using appropriate measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and comparators; document results as required.
Perform routine machine care and housekeeping to support equipment cleanliness, accuracy, and reliability; report equipment issues promptly.
Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, cycle time, and workflow; recommend and support process improvements and lean initiatives.
Follow company policies and procedures, including safety requirements, and maintain a clean and orderly work area.
Review CAD files and use Mastercam to interpret geometry and extract dimensions needed for programming and machining.
Ensure finished parts are burr-free and free of machining or handling defects, including chatter, gouges, scratches, poor surface finish, embedded chips, and missing edge breaks or chamfers.
Verify completed setups and parts against the applicable drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.