Job Description: We are looking for a skilled CNC Programmer & Machinist to join Senseeker Machining Company (SMC) and support the continued growth of our precision machining operations. SMC is a new company built from the acquisition of Axis Machine by Senseeker, a designer and manufacturer of infrared imaging sensing equipment. Axis Machine has a strong history of producing high-quality precision machined parts across a diverse customer base, and SMC continues to support Axis customers while expanding capabilities for future growth. The CNC Programmer & Machinist will be responsible for programming, setup, machining, inspection, and troubleshooting of precision components. In this role, you will support existing CNC programs as well as develop your own as new product orders come in. You will help keep the shop machinists busy by completing planning and programming in a timely manner and you will pitch in and help with machining as needed. As we grow, this position will be a keystone position for future setup planning and programming. You will learn to work with new and exotic materials and help bring up new machines and processes. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on machining and problem solving in a growing small shop environment. This position reports directly to SMC’s Machine Shop Manager.
Required Education: Trade school certification, technical machining education, or equivalent hands-on experience
Required Experience:
· 5+ years of CNC programming experience
· 5+ years of hands-on machining experience with mills and lathes
Job Responsibilities:
· Program, set up, and operate CNC machining equipment for precision part production.
· Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
· Develop and optimize machining processes, tooling selections, fixtures, and cutting parameters.
· Perform first article inspections and in-process quality checks to ensure compliance with specifications.
· Utilize Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and other precision inspection equipment to validate part quality.
· Work directly with customers as needed to ensure customer satisfaction and specification compliance.
· Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and programming issues to improve efficiency and reduce scrap.
· Work closely with the Machine Shop Manager and shop team to support production schedules and evolving shop priorities.
· Collaborate with engineering and management to improve manufacturability and support new projects.
· Help maintain organized setup documentation, tooling libraries, and machining programs.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives where new technologies and processes are used to improve efficiency and reduce manual work.
· Ensure the shop floor remains safe, clean, organized, and highly productive.
· Assist with onboarding or mentoring less experienced machinists as the team grows.
Desired Attributes:
· Strong understanding of CNC machining, tooling, CAD/CAM programming, and high-precision work.
· Manual Machining experience on Lathes & Mills.
· Ability to program and use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs).
· Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in a production environment.
· A positive and professional attitude with the ability to work collaboratively with the rest of the team.
· High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
· A practical mindset focused on organization, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
· Professional communication skills and a strong respect for craftsmanship and the people who do it.
· Able to leave your ego out of your business interactions – must always be a professional
Job Type and Location: Full-time in Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Base Compensation Range: $32 - $50 per hour, based on experience
Benefits: Paid time off, 401k with company match, Health/Dental/Vision, HSA contributions.
Submit your resume at www.senseeker.com or email it to careers@senseeker.com
Senseeker Machining Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applications for employment without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.
Pay: $32.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
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