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AppleOne
Lead Machinist
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Machinist builds and repairs precisely detailed and sized metal parts used in a variety of tools and appliances. Builds parts following a blueprint or creates original designs.
$55,485 / year median in California
+4% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary A direct hire opportunity is available for an experienced Lead Machinist in Santa Ana, CA, supporting high-precision aerospace and defense manufacturing. This management-level shop floor leadership role is ideal for a hands-on machining expert who enjoys complex work, tight tolerances, mentoring others, and helping improve production performance. The Lead Machinist will serve as a technical resource and working leader, setting up and operating manual and CNC equipment while helping ensure aerospace-quality standards are consistently met. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to critical precision components and tooling in a team-oriented manufacturing environment with strong collaboration between machining, engineering, production, and quality teams. This is a strong fit for a machinist who values stability, technical challenge, supportive leadership, and the opportunity to help develop junior machinists while remaining actively involved in hands-on production. Key Responsibilities
- Set up, program when required, and operate manual and CNC mills, lathes, routers, grinders, and related equipment for composite tooling and hardware components.
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, work instructions, blueprints, and GD&T requirements to machine complex parts to tight aerospace tolerances.
- Monitor machining processes, inspect finished and in-process parts with precision measuring tools, and make adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy.
- Train, mentor, and guide apprentice and junior machinists on machining best practices, safety, equipment use, and quality expectations.
- Troubleshoot machining issues and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve tool paths, fixturing, workholding, and process efficiency.
- Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient machine shop environment using 5S, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement principles. Compensation and Benefits
- Direct hire opportunity.
- Salary range: $125,000 to $140,000 per year.
Location:
Santa Ana, CA. Required Qualifications and Skills- Lead hands-on machining operations for high-precision aerospace components and tooling.
- Support setup, operation, troubleshooting, and process optimization for manual and CNC equipment.
- Mentor junior machinists and help maintain quality, safety, and production standards.
- Partner with production, engineering, and operations teams to resolve workflow, tooling, and machining challenges.
- Must meet ITAR compliance requirements.
- Aerospace manufacturing experience is required.
- 5 to 10 years of machining experience in a similar high-precision manufacturing role.
- Strong proficiency with manual and CNC machinery, including mills, lathes, routers, and grinders.
- Experience with HAAS, Fadal, or similar CNC controls is preferred for required role success.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, work instructions, and GD&T.
- Skilled in using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and height gauges.
- Strong knowledge of machining practices, materials, CNC operations, and tight-tolerance production requirements.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Technical training or certifications in machining or CNC operations preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and leadership presence on the shop floor.
- Ability to work in a machine shop environment with exposure to noise, lubricants, and composite dust while using required PPE. Preferred Qualifications
- Composite tooling or composite manufacturing experience.
- Aerospace and defense industry experience with high-precision components or tooling.
- Experience machining aluminum, steel, and composite tooling board.
- Prior experience assisting with fixture and tooling development for custom molds or production hardware.
- Lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement experience.