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Sr. CNC Machinist (Set-up)

Rock West Composites
Rock West Composites Salary
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/21/2026

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a CNC Machinist.  We have openings on 1st and 2nd shift. 


Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. This position is located in our San Diego, CA 92154 location and reports to the Director of Manufacturing.


Position Summary:
Produces machined parts by setting up and operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine; maintaining quality and safety standards; keeping records; maintaining equipment and supplies.


Essential Responsibilities:

  • Highly skilled in advanced setup and operation of 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC Mill Machines
  • Loads the program into the CNC machine, selects and sets up tools, loads stock, and runs the program.
  • Plans machining by reading work orders, blueprints, engineering plans, materials, specifications, drawings, reference plans, locations of surfaces, and machining parameters; interpreting geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T).
  • Uploads programs (mills and lathes) by entering instructions, including zero and reference points; setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry; proving part programs.
  • Sets-up mills and lathes by installing and adjusting three- and four-jaw chucks, tools, attachments, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers; indicating vices; Loads feed mechanism by lifting stock into position.
  • Verifies settings by measuring positions, first-run part, and sample work pieces
  • Maintains specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning, facing, knurling and thread chasing operations; taking measurements; detecting malfunctions; troubleshooting processes; adjusting and reprogramming controls; sharpening and replacing worn tools; adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.
  • Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
  • Maintains equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
  • Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
  • Documents actions by completing production and quality logs.
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications.
  • Special Assignments may include hands on composite, metal fabrication and assembly
  • Daily interface with Manufacturing Managers and Program Manager to establish clear lines of communication and provide task status


Basic Qualifications & Education:

  • Minimum of 8 years experience setting up and operating CNC machines; 3, 4 and 5 axis mill machines.  
  • Mechanically able to assemble and disassemble parts and assemblies
  • Excellent working knowledge of composites a huge PLUS
  • Self-starter with excellent time management skills and ability to establish objectives and specify the strategies and actions to achieve these objectives
  • Experience with contact and non-contact inspection methods
  • Organized, self-motivated, strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
  • Ability to manage multiple duties, set priorities and follow tasks through completion
  • Capable of working in an environment in which demands and priorities change
  • Processing techniques such as wet lay-up, mold and fixture design, inspection methods, and infusion preferred
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • US. Person under 22 CFR 120 (due to ITAR Restrictions)


Perks and Benefits: 

  • 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental 
  • Annual Bonus
  • 401K - 5% match
  • Employee Stocks Option Program 
  • 9/80 work schedule
  • 8- paid Holidays 
  • PTO: Maximum 4-weeks after 5 years of employment 
  • $2,500 tuition reimbursement 


Compensation:

The hourly range for this position falls within $30-$42. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset,  and other factors permitted by law.


Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment! 


Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. Certain positions require meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.


ITAR Requirement:

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) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. Rock West Composites will not seek an export authorization for this role. Rock West Composites maintains a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to complete a drug screening. Rock West Composites may also conduct drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or for safety-sensitive positions as permitted by law.


If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.

Salary : $30 - $42

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