Demo

CNC Lathe Operator

Karman Space & Defense
Santa Ana, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/22/2026
Summary

The CNC Operator must be able to set-up and operate computer programmed machines. Along with being able to operate the machinery, it is required to also measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure it reaches required specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.

About Us

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement*

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Light machine maintenance including wiping machine down on the outside and cleanup of chips and dust on the inside. Adds oil and other fluids regularly
  • Measures dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  • Reports any machining defects or dimensional nonconformance to department lead immediately.

Education & Experience

  • Minimum of 1 year experience as an operator or technician
  • Ability to read, speak and write in English

Itar Requirements

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.
  • 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
  • 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No travel required for this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: As a federal contractor, Karman Space & Defense is committed to compliance with all federal employment eligibility requirements. We participate in E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. As an E-Verify employer, federal compliance mandates that we require documentation to verify your identity and employment authorization upon hire.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employme

2nd Shift | 4:00 PM to 12:45 AM

Salary : $20 - $25

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a CNC Lathe Operator?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the CNC Lathe Operator career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$59,875 - $77,824
Income Estimation: 
$83,358 - $103,871
Income Estimation: 
$71,548 - $88,918
Income Estimation: 
$63,993 - $81,891
Income Estimation: 
$76,263 - $101,711
Income Estimation: 
$47,942 - $60,755
Income Estimation: 
$53,120 - $69,174
Income Estimation: 
$50,113 - $64,377
Income Estimation: 
$61,656 - $78,069
Income Estimation: 
$59,875 - $77,824
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Karman Space & Defense

  • Karman Space & Defense Cedar, UT
  • Summary The Energetics Operations Technician I supports production line operations by manufacturing propellant in accordance with established procedures an... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Karman Space & Defense Wilsonville, OR
  • Summary The primary role of the Production Planner is to handle the day to day administrative duties needed to support the Production team. The Production ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Karman Space & Defense Mukilteo, WA
  • Summary The Production Controller supports program execution by maintaining production visibility, tracking schedules, and ensuring accurate updates to sha... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Karman Space & Defense Mukilteo, WA
  • Summary The Machine Shop Programmer programs and operates machines to cut parts to customer specifications, performs quality control, and troubleshoots pro... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other CNC Lathe Operator jobs in the Santa Ana, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Amro Fabricating Corporation Santa Ana, CA
  • SUMMARY: The CNC Operator must be able to set-up and operate computer programmed machines. Along with being able to operate the machinery, it is required t... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Robinson Pharma Santa Ana, CA
  • We are seeking a CNC Machinist to join our team! Operate CNC machines and Conventional machines. The CNC machine operator is responsible for maintaining th... more
  • 12 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!