Lead Five-Axis CNC Machinist

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced five-axis CNC machinist to build and own a new machining cell from equipment commissioning through lights-out production.

You will commission the machine, write the initial programs, develop the fixturing and workholding strategy, and establish the processes future machinists will follow. This is a hands-on technical leadership role with significant authority over machining methods, tooling, quality, and production readiness.

Compensation and Benefits

• $170,000+ base salary, based on demonstrated experience and capability

• Performance bonus following 12 months of employment

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Paid time off and paid holidays

What You’ll Do

• Lead machine commissioning, including geometry verification, runoff, and acceptance testing

• Program complex five-axis geometry from CAD models and formal GD&T drawings

• Perform full collision simulation before programs reach the machine

• Design fixturing and workholding strategies for multi-pallet, probe-verified production

• Establish feeds, speeds, tooling, and tool-life strategies

• Document machining processes and technical knowledge for future production teams

• Prove programs to the point where they can run unattended overnight using spindle-load monitoring and in-process probing

• Help develop a quality management system aligned with AS9100D requirements

• Evaluate and qualify tooling, workholding, probing, and related manufacturing technologies

• Support purchasing decisions as machining operations expand

• Establish machining standards and mentor future machinists

• Own manufacturing projects from initial planning through first-article acceptance and production release

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of CNC machining experience

• Hands-on five-axis programming and setup experience—not operation alone

• Experience with high-end five-axis platforms such as Matsuura, Makino, GROB, DMG MORI, Hermle, or comparable equipment

• Demonstrated experience taking parts from print through first-article acceptance

• Strong CAM programming experience with collision simulation using Mastercam, hyperMILL, ESPRIT, Fusion 360, NX, or similar software

• Exper

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Installation
• G-Code
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• M-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Machine Geometry & Alignment
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• CAM Software (Mastercam, Esprit, Autodesk Fusion 360, Siemens NX)
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) (Matsuura, Dmg Mori Seiki, Fanuc, Okuma, Mazak, Mikron)
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis)