CNC Mill Machinist (Setup & Operator) 1st Shift

Job Title:1st shift CNC Mill Machinist (Setup & Operator)  Aerospace & Defense manufacturing

Shift: 1st Shift (6:00am – 2:30pm, Mon-Fri)

Location: 1515 W. 17th St., Tempe, AZ

Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.

Position Summary

CMI Group – Systems 3 is seeking an experienced CNC Mill Machinist to set up and operate CNC mill centers to manufacture high-precision aerospace and defense components. This position plays a critical role in producing complex, close-tolerance parts while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and productivity.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated machinist who is comfortable performing complete machine setups, making program and tooling adjustments, verifying part quality, and troubleshooting machining issues in a fast-paced precision manufacturing environment. You take pride in producing quality work the first time. You're the type of machinist who doesn't simply load parts; you understand the machining process, think critically when problems arise, and continuously look for ways to improve setups, tooling, and cycle times. You value teamwork, accountability, and craftsmanship, and you're motivated by producing precision components that support critical aerospace and defense applications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC milling machines to manufacture precision parts according to engineering specifications.
• Produce components that meet tight dimensional tolerances and aerospace quality requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, manufacturing routings, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Load, verify, and edit CNC programs as needed to ensure accurate part production.
• Set and adjust tooling, work offsets, and tool offsets to maintain dimensional accuracy.
• Perform first-piece setup verification before releasing production.
• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Monitor machining processes and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality and production efficiency.
• Operate multiple CNC machines when cycle times allow while maintaining quality and productivity expectations.
• Identify and troubleshoot machining issues and communicate with programmers, engineers, and quality personnel to resolve production concerns.
• Identify opportunities to improve setup reduction, cycle time, tooling performance, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area following 5S principles.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all company safety policies, quality standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality requirements and ITAR regulations where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of CNC mill setup and operation experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience machining close-tolerance components.
• Ability to independently perform complete machine setups.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience loading, verifying, and editing CNC programs.
• Strong understanding of tooling selection, workholding, offsets, feeds and speeds, and cutting parameters.
• Proficient with precision measuring instruments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to maintain high quality while meeting production goals.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining aerospace or defense components.
• Experience with Haas, Mazak, Mori Seiki, DMG Mori, Okuma, Doosan, or similar CNC milling equipment.
• Familiarity with Fanuc and Siemens controls.
• Experience machining stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel, titanium, and other aerospace alloys.
• Experience working within an AS9100-certified and ITAR-controlled manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and electronic manufacturing documentation.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must be able to stand majority of the shift

About CMI Group – Systems 3 Division

CMI Group is a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components, complex assemblies, and advanced manufacturing solutions for some of the world's most demanding aerospace and defense applications. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, CMI serves major OEMs across commercial aerospace, military aviation, space, and defense markets through its vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and commitment to operational excellence.

Systems 3, a division of CMI Group, is a recognized manufacturer of complex flight-critical and safety-critical components supporting leading defense and rotary-wing aerospace platforms. The division has built a reputation for manufacturing precision components that require the highest levels of quality, reliability, and technical expertise. Systems 3 serves major aerospace and defense customers and plays a critical role in supporting mission-critical applications where performance and dependability are essential.

At CMI Group, we believe our success starts with our people. We foster a team-oriented culture built on accountability, continuous improvement, safety, customer focus, and long-term partnerships. Our employees have the opportunity to contribute directly to products that support national defense, aviation safety, and aerospace innovation while helping shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.

As we continue investing in our people, technology, and operational capabilities, we are seeking skilled CNC Mill Machinists who take pride in producing world-class precision components while helping us deliver exceptional quality and on-time performance to our customers.

Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.

CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match.

CMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification. VEVRAA federal subcontractor. This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)
• The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq