CNC Machinist

CNC Machinist / Setup – 3rd Shift | $28/hr

Location: Santa Ana, CA 92705
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Shift: 3rd Shift
Job Type: Full-time

Job Overview

Talent Undiscovered is recruiting an experienced CNC Machinist / Setup – 3rd Shift on behalf of an established manufacturing client in Santa Ana, CA.

This is a hands-on machining position responsible for setting up and operating CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual machines in a production-paced environment. We are looking for someone with strong CNC setup experience who can work from blueprints, maintain close tolerances, inspect finished parts, make tooling adjustments, and troubleshoot setup issues.

This role is a strong fit for an experienced machinist who is comfortable independently setting up CNC equipment and can also help train and mentor less-experienced machinists.

What You'll Do

• Set up and operate CNC lathes, CNC mills, manual machines, and inspection equipment for production jobs.
• Perform machine setups efficiently to support production schedules and minimize downtime.
• Maintain and update setup procedures for critical machining processes.
• Work from blueprints, job routings, specifications, and tooling instructions to maintain close tolerances.
• Transfer programs to a variety of CNC machines using computer-based systems.
• Change tools and make necessary tool-height and compensation adjustments.
• Inspect machined parts against prints for dimensional and visual requirements.
• Use hand-measuring tools and inspection equipment to verify parts meet specifications.
• Complete required production documentation, including part measurements and shop-floor paperwork.
• Operate more than one machine when cycle times permit.
• Train and mentor less-experienced machinists, particularly on machine setup.
• Follow established quality, production, and workplace safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience setting up CNC mills and CNC lathes is required.
• Thorough knowledge of machine-shop and tool-room practices.
• Understanding of the machining properties of various metals.
• Knowledge of the proper application and operation of CNC equipment.
• Ability to change tools and adjust tool heights and compensations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
• Proficiency with hand-measuring tools and inspection equipment.
• Strong math and problem-solving skills.
• Computer skills necessary to transfer programs to CNC machines.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently in a production-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Brother, Haas, and/or Mazak controls.
• Experience writing or editing CNC machine programs.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This is an active machine-shop position requiring frequent walking and standing, repetitive hand use for grasping and fine manipulation, and occasional bending, squatting, climbing, twisting, pushing, pulling, and reaching.

Candidates must be able to frequently lift up to 35 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance. Required PPE must be worn while working on the plant floor.

The position operates in a manufacturing and machine-shop environment with frequent exposure to machinery, noise, dust, fumes, and varying temperatures.

About Talent Undiscovered

Talent Undiscovered is a talent acquisition and recruiting partner representing our client in this search. This position is a direct opportunity with our client, an established manufacturing organization in Santa Ana, California. Additional information about the company will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruiting process.

Talent Undiscovered is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.