CNC Lathe Machinist/ Programmer

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For a Best-in-Class experience, partner with FLAG and allow us to demonstrate how we’re changing the industry — and how we can do the same for you.

We are looking to hire a Prototype CNC Machinist in Pasadena, CA 91109. This is a Contract-to-Hire opportunity to join our FLAG Team!

Prototype CNC Machinist – 5-Axis / Mastercam

Location: Pasadena, CA 91109
Shift: 1st Shift | 9/80 Schedule
Pay Rate: $30.50 – $57.25/hour DOE
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Prototype CNC Machinist to manufacture complex, one-of-a-kind precision components and flight hardware for advanced aerospace and space applications. This position is responsible for CAD/CAM programming, setup, and operation of 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining centers, taking complex engineering designs from concept through finished hardware.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced machinist who thrives in a prototype, R&D, precision toolroom, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment rather than repetitive production machining.

The ideal candidate will have advanced 5-axis CNC milling, Mastercam programming, Vericut simulation, GD&T, blueprint reading, DFM, and precision inspection experience, along with the ability to independently develop machining strategies for highly complex components.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, setup, and operate advanced 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers
• Manufacture complex prototype and flight components from metallic and non-metallic materials
• Program and operate equipment including:
• • Makino
  • Matsuura
  • Mitsui Seiki
  • DMG Mori
  • Haas
• Develop CNC programs using Mastercam CAD/CAM
• Utilize Vericut for CNC simulation, collision detection, toolpath verification, and process validation
• Develop machining strategies, tooling selections, workholding methods, feeds, speeds, and process sequences
• Manufacture highly complex components to exceptionally tight tolerances
• Read and interpret:
• • Complex Engineering Blueprints
  • GD&T / Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
  • Manufacturing Drawings
  • Technical Specifications
  • Engineering Requirements
• Perform self-inspection using precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Collaborate directly with:
• • Manufacturing Engineers
  • Cognizant Engineers
  • Shop Leads
  • Engineering Teams
• Participate in engineering and manufacturing design reviews
• Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) recommendations
• Develop manufacturing process plans and machining estimates
• Optimize CNC programs to reduce cycle times and maximize machine utilization
• Setup and execute lights-out / unattended machining operations
• Manage multiple machining resources and production activities simultaneously
• Troubleshoot complex machining, programming, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and scheduled Preventive Maintenance (PM)
• Train, mentor, and coach other machinists on advanced machining techniques
• Maintain strict adherence to shop safety and equipment operating procedures
• Follow Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protocols when working around sensitive flight electronic hardware
• Support continuous improvement, process optimization, and advanced manufacturing initiatives

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma plus 10+ years of related machining experience, OR
• Associate's Degree plus 6+ years of related experience, OR
• Bachelor's Degree plus 3+ years of related experience
• Completed technical or machining training
• Extensive hands-on experience with 5-axis CNC milling
• Advanced CNC programming, setup, and machining capabilities
• Minimum 5 years of active Mastercam programming experience
• Experience with Vericut CNC simulation software
• Advanced knowledge of:
• • Mastercam
  • 5-Axis Machining
  • Multi-Axis CNC Programming
  • Toolpath Development
  • GD&T
  • Precision Machining
  • Tight-Tolerance Manufacturing
• Ability to independently program and manufacture complex components from engineering drawings
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Ability to self-inspect completed parts
• Strong knowledge of feeds, speeds, cutting tools, workholding, and advanced machining strategies
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate directly with engineering and manufacturing teams
• Understanding of ESD protective protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years of aerospace or space industry machining experience
• Prototype, R&D, spacecraft, satellite, or flight hardware manufacturing experience
• Experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC lathes including:
• • Okuma
  • Mori Seiki
  • Monarch
• Experience with:
• • EDM / Electrical Discharge Machining
  • Conventional Machining
  • Manual Mills
  • Manual Lathes
  • Precision Toolroom Operations
• Previous Lead Machinist or machining team leadership experience
• Experience manufacturing one-off and low-volume prototype components
• Strong understanding of:
• • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • Lights-Out Machining
  • Unattended Machining
  • High-Speed Machining
  • Complex Workholding
  • Process Optimization
  • Cycle-Time Reduction
  • Preventive Maintenance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work around CNC equipment for extended periods
• Frequent use of hands for tooling, setup, inspection, and machine operation
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, and maneuver tooling, fixtures, and components
• Excellent visual acuity and manual dexterity for precision machining and inspection
• Ability to safely work around automated and multi-axis CNC equipment

Work Environment

This position operates in an advanced aerospace/space precision machining and prototype fabrication environment supporting the manufacture of developmental and flight hardware.

The environment includes:

• 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machining centers
• Prototype and low-volume manufacturing
• Precision inspection equipment
• Advanced CAD/CAM programming
• Flight hardware and sensitive components
• Conventional and advanced manufacturing equipment

Proper PPE, ESD controls where applicable, and strict adherence to all shop and equipment safety procedures are required.

Candidates with strong 5-axis CNC machining, Mastercam programming, Vericut, GD&T, prototype machining, and aerospace/space flight hardware experience are strongly encouraged to apply.