Careers

Company: A&B Aerospace
Location: Azusa, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Reports To: Site Operations Director
Compensation: $29 – $38 per hour, depending on experience, technical expertise, and setup capabilities (subject to review).

Position Overview

A&B Aerospace is seeking an experienced Swiss CNC Setup Machinist / Operator to join our precision manufacturing team. This hands-on position is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining Swiss-style CNC machines to manufacture high-precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, customer specifications, and established quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience performing independent machine setups, making tooling and offset adjustments, troubleshooting machining issues, and conducting precision inspections. The position requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to maintain consistent production quality and efficiency.

This role plays an important part in supporting daily manufacturing operations, minimizing machine downtime, and meeting production and customer delivery requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Operation

• Perform complete setups and operate Swiss-style CNC machines, Star, and similar equipment.
• Prepare machines for production by installing and adjusting cutting tools, guide bushings, collets, bar feeders, and other required tooling and accessories.
• Load and verify existing CNC programs, make machine offset adjustments, and perform minor G-code edits as needed within established procedures.
• Set up machines according to engineering drawings, setup sheets, job travelers, and manufacturing specifications.
• Perform test runs and first-piece inspections to verify proper machine setup and part dimensions before beginning production.
• Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy, quality, and production efficiency.
• Perform tool changes, adjust cutting conditions, and replace worn or damaged tooling as required.
• Troubleshoot common machining issues, including dimensional variations, tooling problems, surface finish concerns, and machine alarms.
• Operate multiple machines when required and safely manageable.
• Perform routine machine cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventive maintenance in accordance with company procedures.

Quality Control & Inspection

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, job specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, pin gauges, microscopes, optical comparators, and other inspection equipment.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections as required to ensure manufactured components meet specifications.
• Monitor part dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes throughout production.
• Identify and report nonconforming parts, tooling issues, and potential quality concerns.
• Make appropriate machine adjustments to correct dimensional discrepancies and prevent scrap or rework.
• Accurately complete inspection records, job travelers, and production documentation in accordance with company quality procedures.

Production & Troubleshooting

• Follow established production schedules, work instructions, and job priorities to meet manufacturing deadlines.
• Monitor machining cycles, material usage, and tooling conditions to support efficient production.
• Identify machine malfunctions, setup issues, and production delays, communicating concerns promptly to supervision.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Engineering, and Production personnel to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Maintain accurate production records, including completed quantities, scrap, downtime, and other required information.
• Assist with machine changeovers and setup preparation to minimize downtime between production jobs.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and scrap reduction.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company policies and safety procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on experience setting up and operating Swiss-style CNC machines.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform Swiss CNC machine setups and operate equipment with minimal supervision.
• Experience with CNC machine controls, preferably Fanuc or comparable systems.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, guide bushings, collets, bar feeders, machine offsets, and Swiss machining processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments and performing dimensional inspections.
• Ability to perform tooling changes, machine adjustments, and basic troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with existing CNC programs and ability to make minor program edits as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience setting up and operating Star, Citizen, or similar Swiss-style CNC machines.
• Experience working with tight tolerances and complex precision-machined components.
• Familiarity with Fanuc, Siemens, or other CNC control systems.
• Experience machining aerospace-grade materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or other specialty alloys.
• Previous experience in aerospace, medical device, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with first article inspection requirements and established quality management systems, including AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Experience operating multiple Swiss CNC machines in a production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during assigned shifts.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate machinery, handle tooling, and perform precision inspections.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive movements associated with machine setup and operation.
• Ability to lift and move materials, tooling, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machine noise, lubricants, cutting fluids, and moving equipment while following required safety procedures.