Cnc programmer Jobs in Orange, CA

CNC Lathe Setup Machinist

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on CNC Lathe Setup Machinist for a full-time position in Costa Mesa. This role is responsible for setting up, programming or editing programs, operating, and troubleshooting CNC lathes, including HAAS and Mazak equipment, as well as supporting rotary draw tube-bending operations as needed.

The ideal candidate is a self-directed setup machinist with production-shop experience who can complete multiple setups per day, run first-article parts, inspect work to specification, and keep machines operating efficiently.

Position Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC lathe machines, including HAAS and Mazak lathes.

• Complete approximately 2–5 machine setups per day based on production requirements.

• Set up and run first-article parts to verify dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, and conformance to blueprints and job requirements.

• Make machine adjustments, tool offsets, and program edits as needed to ensure parts meet quality specifications.

• Operate CNC machines for production after setups are completed.

• Load tooling, install workholding, set tools and offsets, change inserts, and verify proper machine operation.

• Work with live tooling and Y-axis CNC lathes.

• Support production using automated bar feeders, bar loaders, and related machine-loading equipment.

• Review and follow job travelers, work orders, setup instructions, blueprints, routing sheets, and other production documentation.

• Read and interpret part drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and inspection requirements.

• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, pin gauges, height gauges, and go/no-go gauges.

• Program, edit, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs at the machine control as needed.

• Identify and correct setup, tooling, program, material, or machine issues to minimize downtime, scrap, and rework.

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot rotary draw tube-bending equipment as production needs require.

• Select, install, and adjust applicable tube-bending tooling, including dies, mandrels, clamps, and fixtures.

• Maintain accurate setup, inspection, production, and downtime documentation.

• Perform routine machine care, including cleaning, lubrication, tool changes, chip removal, and reporting maintenance needs.

• Follow all safety policies, machine-safety procedures, PPE requirements, and housekeeping standards.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Work independently while communicating effectively with supervisors, quality personnel, engineering, and production team members.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience setting up and operating CNC lathes in a production machine-shop environment.

• Hands-on experience with HAAS and/or Mazak CNC lathe machines.

• Experience setting up multiple machines per day and operating production equipment after setup approval.

• Experience with live tooling, Y-axis machining, and multi-axis CNC turning operations.

• Ability to complete and verify first-article parts.

• Ability to make basic CNC program edits, tool-offset adjustments, and setup corrections at the machine.

• Ability to read and follow blueprints, job travelers, work instructions, and production documentation.

• Experience using precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and inspection equipment.

• Familiarity with auto bar feeders, loaders, or automated production-support equipment.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, attention to detail, and quality focus.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple setups, and meet production schedules.

• Reliable attendance, strong work ethic, and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming CNC lathes using G-code, conversational programming, Mazatrol, or similar machine-control systems.

• Experience with rotary draw tube benders or CNC tube-bending equipment.

• Experience machining stainless steel, brass, aluminum, steel, or other metal materials.

• Familiarity with first-article inspection, in-process inspection, and quality documentation.

• Knowledge of tooling selection, feeds and speeds, cutting parameters, and efficient setup practices.

• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume or fast-paced production machine-shop environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift.

• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, grip, and perform repetitive hand movements.

• Ability to safely lift, move, push, or pull materials, parts, tooling, and fixtures as required.

• Ability to work safely around moving machinery, cutting fluids, metal chips, noise, and other machine-shop conditions.

• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toe footwear as required.

Work Environment

This role works in a CNC machine-shop and manufacturing environment with HAAS and Mazak lathes, live-tooling and Y-axis machines, automated bar feeders/loaders, tube-bending equipment, precision measuring tools, and metal materials.