CNC Machinist – Mills & Lathes (First Shift, Brea CA)

Compensation

• $25 – $32 per hour base

• Daily & weekly overtime premiums (time-and-a-half, double-time per CA law)

Current Schedule & Overtime

Right now the shop is tackling a large production backlog, so the core shift starts at 4:00 AM and runs until 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This is temporary for the backlog. Saturday shifts, 4:00 AM–12:30 PM, are mandatory while the backlog lasts, and many employees choose to work the same 4:00 AM–12:30 PM block on Sunday for extra overtime, though Sunday is voluntary. In practical terms, you can expect to log 55–60 or more paid hours each week for the next few months.

As soon as the backlog eases—and summer heat arrives—the company will shorten the weekday schedule to 4:00 AM–12:30 PM if overtime is no longer needed. Once both the backlog is cleared and new shop A/C is fully installed, operations revert to the normal 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with Saturday overtime offered only when workload demands it.

Bottom line: you must be genuinely comfortable with an early 4:00 AM start and heavy overtime during the backlog phase, knowing that the role will settle into a standard first-shift, 40-hour week once demand levels out.

Openings

5–6 machinists needed immediately, with growth to a 2nd-shift crew later this year (separate supervisor search coming).

What You’ll Do

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot vertical/horizontal CNC mills or lathes running Fanuc controls

• Read blueprints, travelers, and G-code; perform minor edits (no full program writing)

• Machine primarily aluminum castings and steel components to ±0.001 in.

• Manage the full cycle—set-up, run, in-process inspection, documentation, tear-down

• Run 1–2 machines at a time (more if you excel) while maintaining safety and quality

Must-Have Skills

• 3+ yrs recent experience on CNC mills or lathes (Fanuc strongly preferred)

• Proven ability to read prints, use micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and edit G-code

• Physically able to lift 40 lbs, stand 10–11 hrs, and work mandatory Saturday OT

• Stable work history with strong attendance and safety habits

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience machining motor, pump, or aerospace castings

• Probing cycles or conversational programming familiarity

• Bilingual English/Spanish

Benefits & Growth Path

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (effective 1st of the month after hire)

• 401(k) match and profit-sharing eligibility

• Paid holidays and PTO that increase with tenure

• Clear advancement to Lead, Programmer, or upcoming 2nd-Shift Supervisor roles

Shop Environment

• Clean, well-lit facility; brand-new A/C being installed this summer

• In-house maintenance and tool crib minimize downtime

• Strict safety culture with PPE provide