CNC Machinist / Operator (Mills & Lathes 3/5 Axis)

About the Role Wild West Systems is building advanced defense weapons for the future warfighter in a fast-paced, high-output environment. We are looking for a mid-level CNC Machinist/Operator who can take ownership of machines, keep them running, and produce high-quality parts with minimal oversight. This is not a button-pushing role. You will be responsible for setups, offsets, inspection, and keeping production moving. What You'll Do Operate CNC mills and lathes (3-axis, 5-axis, and mill-turn) Perform machine setups, tool changes, and workholding setups Adjust and manage offsets to maintain part tolerances Run production and prototype parts (high-mix, low-volume + production runs) Inspect parts using: Calipers, micrometers, gauges Keyence optical inspection systems Sign off on part quality and take ownership of output Manage tooling, tool wear, and replacements Handle coolant systems and chip management Perform basic preventative maintenance on machines Identify issues and take action to reduce scrap and improve efficiency Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area (5S mindset) What We're Looking For (Must-Have) Experience operating CNC mills and lathes (Okuma, DMG, Mazak, etc.) Familiarity with controls: Okuma OSP, Fanuc, Siemens (or similar) Ability to: Read and interpret engineering drawings Hold tight tolerances consistently Set and adjust offsets independently Experience with 5-axis machining environments Comfortable running both mill and lathe work Strong inspection skills (hand tools required) High ownership mindset - you fix problems, not pass them on Ability to work with urgency and keep machines running Nice to Have Aerospace or defense machining experience Exposure to lean manufacturing principles Work Environment Day shift (primary) Occasional overtime, late nights, or weekends when needed to hit deadlines Fast-paced startup environment - priorities shift, speed matters What Success Looks Like Machines are running consistently with minimal downtime Parts are in tolerance without constant supervision Scrap is minimized and issues are proactively addressed Work area is clean, organized, and efficient You take ownership of your machines and output