Careers

Company: A&B Aerospace, Inc.
Location: Azusa, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Hourly Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 5 AM – 3:30 PM
Reports To: Interim Site Director, Quality & Operations
Compensation: $35.00 – $45.00 per hour, depending on experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated programming capabilities.

Position Summary

A&B Aerospace is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer / Setup Machinist to support our growing operations. This role is critical to removing production bottlenecks and improving throughput across a variety of machining equipment and manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate will be capable of programming, setting up, and operating CNC equipment independently from prints and engineering drawings with minimal supervision. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical capability, ownership, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming, Setup & Operations

• Program, set up, and operate Swiss CNC machines, CNC mills, lathes, and other precision machining equipment, including Tornos Deco, Citizen, and similar machines.
• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam, GibbsCAM, or equivalent CAM software to meet engineering drawings, CAD models, and customer specifications.
• Edit G & M code at the machine and make necessary programming adjustments to improve machining performance.
• Perform complete machine setups, including tooling selection, fixture preparation, machine offsets, and process validation.
• Optimize machining processes, including feeds, speeds, tooling, and cycle times, to improve efficiency, productivity, and part quality.
• Conduct first article inspections and verify machine setups before releasing parts for production.
• Monitor production runs, adjust machine offsets, and replace worn or damaged tooling as necessary.
• Troubleshoot programming, machining, tooling, setup, and equipment issues, implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and production delays.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and preventive maintenance activities to ensure equipment reliability.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements.
• Utilize precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, pin gauges, microscopes, optical comparators, and other inspection equipment.
• Perform first article, in-process, visual, and final inspections to ensure compliance with customer specifications and quality standards.
• Identify machining defects, dimensional discrepancies, and quality concerns, implementing appropriate adjustments or corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate setup sheets, job travelers, tooling documentation, CNC program records, inspection results, and production documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Operations teams to resolve production issues and ensure consistent product quality.

Production Support & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate machining activities to meet production schedules, customer requirements, and on-time delivery commitments.
• Support production across multiple machining departments, including Swiss CNC, milling, turning, and general machining operations, as business needs require.
• Train and mentor machinists and machine operators on programming, setups, machine operation, tooling, and quality requirements.
• Communicate production challenges, equipment concerns, quality issues, and improvement opportunities to management.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on machining efficiency, cycle-time reduction, scrap reduction, cost control, safety, and productivity.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to improve manufacturing processes and support customer commitments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company policies and established safety procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support operational and production needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience across general machining environments
• 3+ years of CNC programming experience (Mastercam preferred)
• Strong setup and troubleshooting experience with CNC mills, lathes, and related equipment
• Ability to independently program and set up parts from print with minimal supervision
• Strong understanding of GD&T and tight tolerance machining
• Experience machining complex precision components
• Proficient with inspection tools including micrometers, calipers, gauges, and indicators
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

Preferred Experience

• Experience in AS9100 or ISO 9001 manufacturing environments
• Experience in low-to-medium volume, fast-paced production settings
• Familiarity with multi-axis machining and complex setups
• Experience machining materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and plastics
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Shopkeeper, Epicor, or similar systems