Job Description
Job Description
Title : CNC Programmer / Department Lead (5-Axis Mastercam)
(This jd describes two separate 5-axis Mastercam roles with AS9100 firms within minutes of one another.)
Locations : Santa Ana / Fountain Valley (two separate clients, 7 miles apart)
Employment Type : Direct Hire – Full Benefits – 1st Shift, Monday–Friday
Compensation : $85,000 – $120,000+ DOE
Overview
We have two precision machining clients—both within minutes of each other—seeking highly skilled CNC Programmers and Department Leads experienced with Mastercam and true 5-axis machining. These are direct-hire opportunities offering competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the chance to work in modern aerospace and defense manufacturing environments producing complex, tight-tolerance parts.
Whether you thrive as a hands-on Department Lead guiding a small team or prefer to focus on pure programming and process development, these openings cater to both career paths.
Responsibilities
Program and prove-out 3-, 4-, and true 5-axis CNC mills using Mastercam (Haas UMC, OKUMA M560-V, OKK, KITAMURA, or similar).
Develop and refine efficient machining processes for prototype and production runs.
Perform setups, select tooling, and optimize feeds / speeds to achieve top-tier surface finishes and dimensional accuracy.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to improve workflow and manufacturability.
Interpret complex engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and GD&T specifications.
Create setup sheets and standard work documentation for machinists and operators.
Mentor junior machinists (for the Lead role) and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and other regulated industry standards.
Required Skills & Experience
Mastercam proficiency (including advanced multiaxis toolpaths and post editing).
Minimum 5–10 years of CNC programming and machining experience.
Demonstrated experience with true 5-axis simultaneous machining (not just 3+2).
Hands-on setup experience with precision CNC mills (lathes a plus).
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot machining issues.
Experience in aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing preferred.
Must be a U.S. Person (due to ITAR regulations).
Compensation & Benefits
$85,000 – $120,000+ annual salary (depending on experience and position level).
Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid vacation, holidays, and 401(k) with employer match.
Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
Why Apply?
Both companies are expanding under new leadership and investing in top-tier technology—ideal for programmers who want to make an impact and take ownership of challenging, high-precision work. If you’re a Mastercam expert with 5-axis chops looking for a long-term home in Orange County, these are the best opportunities within a 10-mile radius.
Company Description
CalTek is a manufacturing, technical, engineering and IT consulting firm that has expanded its business operations from its headquarters in San Diego, throughout all of California and into Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Washington. CalTek has staffed positions with global companies such as Siemens, Parsons, and Illumina but also works with startups with 10+ employees.
Company Description
CalTek is a manufacturing, technical, engineering and IT consulting firm that has expanded its business operations from its headquarters in San Diego, throughout all of California and into Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Washington. CalTek has staffed positions with global companies such as Siemens, Parsons, and Illumina but also works with startups with 10+ employees.
Programmer • Santa Ana, CA, US