CNC Mill Machinist (Setup & Operator) 1st Shift

Job Title:1st shift CNC Mill Machinist (Setup & Operator) Aerospace & Defense manufacturing

Shift: 1st Shift (6:00am – 2:30pm, Mon-Fri)

Location: 1515 W. 17th St., Tempe, AZ

Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.

Position Summary

CMI Group – Systems 3 is seeking an experienced CNC Mill Machinist to set up and operate CNC mill centers to manufacture high-precision aerospace and defense components. This position plays a critical role in producing complex, close-tolerance parts while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and productivity.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated machinist who is comfortable performing complete machine setups, making program and tooling adjustments, verifying part quality, and troubleshooting machining issues in a fast-paced precision manufacturing environment. You take pride in producing quality work the first time. You're the type of machinist who doesn't simply load parts; you understand the machining process, think critically when problems arise, and continuously look for ways to improve setups, tooling, and cycle times.

You value teamwork, accountability, and craftsmanship, and you're motivated by producing precision components that support critical aerospace and defense applications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC milling machines to manufacture precision parts according to engineering specifications.
• Produce components that meet tight dimensional tolerances and aerospace quality requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, manufacturing routings, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Load, verify, and edit CNC programs as needed to ensure accurate part production.
• Set and adjust tooling, work offsets, and tool offsets to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Perform first-piece setup verification before releasing production.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Monitor machining processes and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and production efficiency.
• Operate multiple CNC machines when cycle times allow while maintaining quality and productivity expectations.
• Identify and troubleshoot machining issues and communicate with programmers, engineers, and quality personnel to resolve production concerns.
• Identify opportunities to improve setup reduction, cycle time, tooling performance, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area following 5S principles.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all company safety policies, quality standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality requirements and ITAR regulations where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of CNC mill setup and operation experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience machining close-tolerance components.
• Ability to independently perform complete machine setups.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience loading, verifying, and editing CNC programs.
• Strong understanding of tooling selection, work holding, offsets, feeds and speeds, and cutting parameters.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to maintain high quality while meeting production goals.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining aerospace or defense components.
• Experience with Haas, Mazak, Mori Seiki, DMG Mori, Okuma, Doosan, or similar CNC milling equipment.
• Familiarity with Fanuc and Siemens controls.
• Experience machining stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel, titanium, and other aerospace alloys.
• Experience working within an AS9100-certified and ITAR-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and electronic manufacturing documentation.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement…