CNC Machinist

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

Who We Are:

Rock West Composites designs and manufactures advanced composite solutions for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial applications. From concept through production, we turn complex ideas into high-performance products.

As an employee-owned company, our people are our greatest strength. We value innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building products that matter.

Position Summary

The Senior CNC Machinist performs advanced setup and operation of 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling machines to manufacture precision parts and assemblies. This role interprets engineering drawings, establishes machining parameters, troubleshoots equipment and processes, and ensures finished products meet quality and customer specifications.

What You'll Own

• Advanced CNC machine setup and operation
  
• Machining programs, tooling, and process adjustments
  
• Precision machining and dimensional accuracy
  
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
  
• Production documentation, quality, and safety

Essential Functions

CNC Setup & Operations

• Set up and operate 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling machines, including loading programs, selecting tooling, establishing offsets, and preparing materials.
  
• Interpret engineering drawings, work orders, specifications, and GD&T requirements to plan machining operations.
  
• Set up mills and lathes using appropriate tooling, fixtures, chucks, collets, and attachments to meet production requirements.
  
• Verify and prove CNC programs, adjust machining parameters, and troubleshoot setup or programming issues.

Machining Quality & Equipment Maintenance

• Monitor machining operations, inspect first-run and production parts, and make adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and quality requirements.
  
• Perform drilling, milling, turning, facing, threading, and other machining operations as required.
  
• Identify and resolve machining defects, equipment malfunctions, and tooling issues, including replacing or sharpening worn tools.
  
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, maintain equipment readiness, and follow established safety and quality procedures.

Production Support & Documentation

• Maintain accurate production and quality records, including work completed, equipment issues, and shift handoff information.
  
• Communicate daily with Manufacturing Management and Program Management regarding production status, priorities, and technical issues.
  
• Support special assignments involving composite fabrication, metal fabrication, and assembly as needed.
  
• Maintain technical knowledge through training, industry resources, and continuous improvement activities.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
  
• 8+ years of experience setting up and operating CNC equipment, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling machines.
  
• Experience with CNC programming adjustments, machine setups, tooling, and precision machining.
  
• Experience working with composite materials and manufacturing processes strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of CNC milling operations, machine setups, tooling, offsets, and machining parameters.
  
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
  
• Experience with contact and noncontact inspection methods and precision measurement techniques.
  
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to assemble and disassemble parts and assemblies.
  
• Familiarity with composite fabrication processes, including wet layup, mold and fixture design, and resin infusion preferred.

Professional Skills

• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
  
• Self-motivated with excellent time management and organizational skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing production requirements.
  
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Range: $35-$42 hourly (based on experience and skillset)
• 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental
• Annual Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• Paid Holidays + Generous PTO 
• $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Accommodation Notice

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.