Machinist-Expert (Swing)

Kavaliro
Santa Rosa, CA

Kavaliro is seeking a Machinist- Expert (Swing) to support a client in California.

About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Career Machinist to join a precision manufacturing team supporting advanced mechanical components and assemblies used in cutting-edge electronic and microwave applications.

This role operates at the intersection of machining excellence and engineering collaboration. You will develop, optimize, and sustain machining processes using advanced equipment including Swiss-style lathes, single and multi-turret lathes, and 3- to 5-axis CNC milling centers. Working closely with engineering teams, you will influence component design for manufacturability, support new product introduction (NPI), and ensure stable, repeatable production processes.

This is not a production-only operator role. We are looking for a machinist who takes ownership of process performance, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, refine, and sustain precision machining processes for complex components
  • Operate and set up Swiss-style lathes, mill/turn centers, and 3- to 5-axis milling machines
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to improve design for manufacturability (DFM)
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transition
  • Ensure process stability, repeatability, and yield performance
  • Utilize advanced metrology tools to verify conformance to tight tolerances
  • Interpret and apply engineering drawings including GD&T
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in tooling, fixturing, and cycle time optimization
  • Maintain thorough documentation of setups, tooling strategies, and process changes

Qualifications
We are seeking a motivated machinist with strong technical capability and a passion for precision.

Required:

  • Career-level machining experience in high-precision environments
  • Strong understanding of machining fundamentals and tight tolerance work
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn

Highly Desired Experience:

  • 3- to 5-axis CNC milling
  • Swiss-style lathes
  • Mill/Turn machine centers
  • Advanced metrology (CMM, optical systems, precision inspection tools)
  • CNC/CAM programming
  • CAD/Solid Modeling software
  • Tool grinding and custom tool development

What We Value

  • Ownership mindset and accountability
  • Detail orientation and process discipline
  • Collaboration across engineering, maintenance, and production teams
  • Continuous improvement thinking
  • Adaptability in a dynamic NPI and production environment

If you are passionate about precision machining and want to contribute to high-performance mechanical solutions, we encourage you to apply.

 Required Skills

  • Career-level CNC machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment
  • Strong blueprint reading skills and ability to interpret GD&T
  • Independent machine setup and operation capability
  • Experience holding tight tolerances in complex components
  • Solid understanding of tooling selection and cutting parameters
  • Ability to troubleshoot machining issues (surface finish, chatter, dimensional variation, tool wear)
  • Proficiency with precision measurement tools (micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height gauges)
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to work collaboratively with engineering and cross-functional teams
  • Positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to learn

Preferred Skills

  • 3–5 axis CNC milling experience
  • Swiss-style lathe experience
  • Mill/Turn machine center experience
  • CNC/CAM programming experience
  • Familiarity with CAD or solid modeling software
  • Advanced metrology experience (CMM, optical inspection systems)
  • Tool grinding or custom tool development experience
  • Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI)
  • Continuous improvement mindset

    
Education
Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

  • Technical certification or formal training in Machining, Manufacturing Technology, or Machine Tool Technology
  • Completion of an apprenticeship program in CNC Machining
Kavaliro provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Kavaliro is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Kavaliro will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please respond to this posting to connect with a company representative.
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