What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Lathe Machinist — Experienced or Apprentice position at Burnet Machining Inc?
Company: Burnet Machining, Inc. — Goleta, CA Job type: Full-time Schedule: 4-day work week — Monday–Thursday, 10-hour days (every weekend is a 3-day weekend!). Optional Friday overtime when available. Pay: Competitive, based on experience — discussed at interview.
Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented CNC Lathe Machinist — either experienced or apprentice level — to join our small, close-knit machine shop. In this role, you will operate, set up, and program CNC lathes to produce precision components that meet strict quality standards. Your machining, blueprint reading, and mechanical skills will contribute to efficient, high-quality production. Whether you're an experienced machinist or eager to learn and grow, this position offers a real opportunity to develop your skills and make a tangible impact on our operations.
Why you'll like working here
- 4-day work week (Mon–Thu) — every weekend is a 3-day weekend
- A small, family-owned shop with 40 years in the trade — you're a name, not a number
- Genuine room to grow as the company grows
- Steady, varied work on precision parts
About us Burnet Machining is a family-oriented CNC machine shop that's been serving the Santa Barbara area for over 40 years. We're an ISO 9001–certified, ITAR-registered shop running CNC mills and lathes to produce tight-tolerance parts from prototype through production. With a close-knit team of just six, every person matters here — and we're looking to grow.
Duties
- Operate CNC lathe machines, including Mazatrol-controlled equipment, ensuring accurate production of parts according to specifications.
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to set up machining operations precisely.
- Program CNC lathes using CAM programming software — or learn to, with training — and make adjustments for optimal performance.
- Use precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and other tools to verify part dimensions and quality.
- Perform routine maintenance on CNC machinery and troubleshoot issues related to tooling.
- Select appropriate tooling and fixtures; set up tooling on CNC lathes for various manufacturing tasks.
- Follow lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance safety standards within the shop.
- Maintain documentation of machining processes, inspections, and quality control records for traceability.
What we're looking for
- A reliable, detail-oriented team player with a strong work ethic
- Experienced applicants: hands-on CNC turning and/or milling experience, comfortable with setups, blueprint reading, and precision measurement
- Apprentice applicants: mechanical aptitude, willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in machining — we'll train the right person
- Able to work on-site in Goleta, CA
- Authorized to work in the U.S. (ITAR-registered facility)
Nice to have
- Lathe/turning experience specifically
- Experience with Mazatrol controls
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM or G-code editing
- Manual machining background
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Retirement plan with 3% company match
- Paid vacation
- California paid sick leave
- 4-day work week with optional Friday overtime
Pay: $18.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $30