Setup Machinist – Aerospace (Weekend Shift) | Small Shop Environment
Location: Mead, CO
Pay: $35–40/hr (DOE)
Schedule: Friday–Sunday, 5:30am–6:00pm (36 hours paid as 40)
Type: Temp-to-Hire
Overview:
This is a hands-on Setup Machinist role in a smaller, tight-knit aerospace machine shop where you’ll own setups from print to first article and help keep production moving through a weekend shift. You’ll work closely with programming and the floor to dial in jobs, troubleshoot issues in real time, and maintain the precision and quality standards aerospace work demands. It’s a solid fit for someone who likes variety, autonomy, and being a go-to resource in the shop.
What You’ll Do:
Set up CNC mills and/or lathes (3–5 axis preferred) for tight-tolerance aerospace parts. Prepare jobs by building tooling and fixturing, prepping materials, and setting work/tool offsets per program specs. Interpret blueprints and GD&T to ensure accurate, repeatable setups. Run and validate first articles, making adjustments before releasing jobs to production. Collaborate with CNC programmers on job progress and process improvements. Troubleshoot machining and setup issues quickly to minimize downtime. Load and unload parts and support production flow during the weekend shift. Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment and log part data. Maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, and basic process documentation. Complete routine preventive maintenance on machines and equipment. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
What You Bring:
2–8+ years of CNC machining/setup experience, ideally in aerospace. Strong blueprint reading skills with a working knowledge of GD&T. Experience with CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, or similar. Ability to set up complex parts and hold tight tolerances. Comfortable working with a variety of materials, including aerospace alloys. Solid troubleshooting ability and mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with precision inspection tools and quality standards. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, smaller shop environment and willingness to work a consistent weekend schedule.
Nice to Have:
5-axis setup experience, light program editing or CAM exposure, experience supporting FAI/AS9100 environments, and a track record of contributing to process improvements on the shop floor.
What You Can Expect:
Consistent 36-hour weekend schedule paid as a full 40 hours. Smaller team environment where your input matters and you’ll have real ownership. Strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Opportunities to expand technical skills and grow into more advanced machining or programming work. Benefits available after the waiting period (medical, dental, 401k, etc.).