Job Information
Aerotek CNC Mill Machinist in Oceanside, California
Job Title: CNC Mill Set-Up Machinist
Job Description
This role focuses on setting up CNC vertical mills for short-run and changeover work in a job shop environment. You will program and edit G & M code, perform complete set-ups, change tooling, and ensure that first-article parts meet quality requirements before turning the machines over to operators. The position works primarily with aluminum and stainless steel, supporting frequent job turnovers and aerospace part production.
Responsibilities
Set up CNC vertical mills to meet daily and weekly production schedules.
Program and edit G & M code directly at the machine or through approved editors to support short-run and changeover work.
Perform complete set-ups, including loading and changing tooling, setting work offsets, and verifying programs.
Produce and verify acceptable first-article parts to ensure the set-up can meet quality requirements before releasing the job to operators.
Create fixtures and workholding solutions to support efficient and repeatable machining.
Optimize and speed up jobs by making adjustments to programs, feeds, and speeds as needed.
Make unassisted machine adjustments and offsets to maintain part quality and dimensional accuracy.
Operate CNC mills as needed to support production and verify process stability.
Assist with machine breakdowns and repairs by troubleshooting issues and coordinating solutions.
Follow through on repair needs to completion, arranging for new parts or outside repair when issues cannot be resolved in-house.
Monitor the use of new tooling to ensure proper speeds and feeds are applied and adjust as necessary.
Communicate proactively with production and scheduling teams to support planning and job turnover timing.
Assist with quality control tasks, including creating and maintaining check sheets for in-process and final inspections.
Support and mentor new set-up personnel by allowing them to shadow, providing suggestions, and helping improve their techniques.
Run special tasks and projects as assigned to support production and continuous improvement.
Essential Skills
At least 3 years of CNC mill set-up experience in a job shop environment.
Proficiency setting up and running CNC vertical mills for short runs and frequent changeovers.
Ability to program and edit G & M code at the machine or through approved software tools.
Hands-on experience working with aluminum and stainless steel materials.
Demonstrated ability to produce acceptable first-article parts that meet quality standards.
Ability to make independent machine adjustments and offsets to maintain part quality.
Experience creating fixtures and workholding solutions for CNC milling operations.
Capability to troubleshoot machine issues and assist with breakdowns and basic repairs.
Strong communication skills to coordinate with production and scheduling teams.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds to handle tooling, fixtures, and materials safely.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Formal education or trade school training in machining or a related field is desirable, with the option to substitute equivalent job shop experience.
Experience working in a job shop environment with frequent job turnovers every 2–3 days.
Familiarity with Fanuc controls for CNC mills.
Experience with Celos control systems.
Proficiency using Mastercam for programming and program edits.
Comfort editing programs using common code editors such as Notepad++ or VS Code, or similar tools.
working on aerospace parts or other precision components is beneficial.
Experience assisting with quality control documentation, including creating check sheets.
Ability and willingness to mentor and support less-experienced set-up personnel.
Why Work Here?
You will join a dynamic job shop environment where no two days are the same, with frequent new projects and opportunities to apply and grow your technical skills. The organization values hands-on problem solving, encourages continuous improvement, and supports employees who take ownership of their work from set-up through resolution of issues. You can expect a collaborative atmosphere where communication across production, scheduling, and quality is appreciated, and where experienced machinists have the opportunity to influence processes and support the development of newer team members.
Work Environment
This position operates in a CNC machining job shop environment focused on short-run work and frequent job turnovers, often every 2–3 days. You will work primarily on CNC vertical mills equipped with controls such as Fanuc and Celos, using Mastercam and code editors like Notepad++ or VS Code to program and edit G & M code. The work involves machining aluminum and stainless steel, handling tooling, fixtures, and materials up to 25 pounds, and occasionally assisting with machine breakdowns and repairs. You will collaborate closely with production, scheduling, and quality personnel in a hands-on, shop-floor setting where safety practices and appropriate industrial attire are expected.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.