CNC Operator Jobs in California
CNC Operator jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, driven by a deep manufacturing base in aerospace, defense, and precision machining that generates steady demand from entry-level to senior levels. The largest hiring concentrations are in Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and SpaceX maintain significant machining operations. Multi-axis programming, Swiss scribe machining, and aerospace-grade tolerance work are the specialties California employers seek most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 42+ CNC Operator jobs
Summary
Produces machined parts by operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine; maintains quality and safety standards; keeps records and maintains equipment supplies by performing the following duties. Previous experience required!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Interprets geometric dimensions and tolerances
- Operates mills and lathes by following work instructions
- Adjust tool offsets and compensations
- Loads machine by lifting stock into position
- Verifies setting by measuring positions, first-run part, and sample workpieces, adhering to standards
- Maintains specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning, facing, knurling and thread chasing operations
- Keeping accurate counts of job quantities
- Take measurements
- Detecting malfunctions
- Documents actions by completing production and data collection logs
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading technical publications
- Adhere to and enforce health and safety laws and policies established by the company
- Keep an organized and clean workspace
- Performs regular preventative maintenance measures
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly
- Process Improvement
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
- Equivalent to high school education or related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Language Skills
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
Wage Scale DOE ($22-26)
Skills
Preferred
- Use of Measurement Tools
- Mathematics
- Ability to Read Blueprints
Behaviors
Preferred
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Summary
Produces machined parts by operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine; maintains quality and safety standards; keeps records and maintains equipment supplies by performing the following duties. Previous experience required!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Interprets geometric dimensions and tolerances
- Operates mills and lathes by following work instructions
- Adjust tool offsets and compensations
- Loads machine by lifting stock into position
- Verifies setting by measuring positions, first-run part, and sample workpieces, adhering to standards
- Maintains specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning, facing, knurling and thread chasing operations
- Keeping accurate counts of job quantities
- Take measurements
- Detecting malfunctions
- Documents actions by completing production and data collection logs
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading technical publications
- Adhere to and enforce health and safety laws and policies established by the company
- Keep an organized and clean workspace
- Performs regular preventative maintenance measures
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly
- Process Improvement
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
- Equivalent to high school education or related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Language Skills
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud
Wage Scale DOE ($22-26)
Skills
Preferred
- Use of Measurement Tools
- Mathematics
- Ability to Read Blueprints
Behaviors
Preferred
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 42 CNC Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CNC Operator JobsCNC Operator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CNC Operator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Jobot9
- Joby Aviation4
- Regal Rexnord Corporation3
- Apple2
- Applied Medical2
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing10
- Staffing & Recruiting10
- Aerospace & Defense6
- Medical Devices6
- Automotive5
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CNC operator jobs across California.
- Proven experience operating CNC mills, lathes, or multi-axis machining centers
- Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and GD&T drawings accurately
- Proficiency with Fanuc, Mazak, or Haas CNC control systems
- Experience holding tight tolerances required in aerospace or defense production environments
- Completion of a machining apprenticeship, vocational program, or associate degree in manufacturing
- Familiarity with inspection tools including micrometers, calipers, and CMM equipment
CNC Operator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cnc operator in California?
The most direct path in California is completing a machining or manufacturing technology program at a community college such as Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, De Anza College, or San Diego Miramar College, which offer certificates and associate degrees aligned with what local manufacturers require. California does not issue a state license specific to cnc operators, but employers in aerospace and defense often require documented training and a background check. A certificate from a California community college or completion of a union-affiliated apprenticeship through the International Association of Machinists gives candidates a clear edge.
How much do CNC operators make in California?
CNC operators in California earn a median of about $56,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $39,670 for the lowest 10% to over $76,840 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cnc operators in California?
Employers hiring cnc operators in California right now include Jobot, Joby Aviation, and Regal Rexnord Corporation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace and defense primes means many of the most consistent openings come from large manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers clustered in the greater Los Angeles and San Diego corridors.
Which California cities have the most cnc operator jobs?
The cities with the most cnc operator openings in California are Garden Grove, San Diego, and Simi Valley. Los Angeles anchors the list because of its dense aerospace and defense manufacturing base, while San Diego draws significant volume from defense contractors and medical device makers, and San Jose reflects the precision machining demand that supports Silicon Valley's hardware and semiconductor sectors.
Are there remote cnc operator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Cnc operator work is inherently hands-on and tied to physical machinery, so remote arrangements are the exception rather than the rule. About 0% of cnc operator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to involve CNC programming or CAM setup work that can be done off-site rather than machine operation itself.
How can I get hired as a cnc operator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a machining certificate program at a California community college, then applying to entry-level machine operator or production associate roles at Tier 2 aerospace suppliers in the greater Los Angeles or Inland Empire region, where volume production environments train operators on the job. Large California manufacturers like Ducommun and Triumph Group run associate-level production programs that bring in candidates without full CNC backgrounds. Starting as a deburring technician, quality inspector, or manual machine operator at a shop that also runs CNC equipment is a proven lateral move that gets you onto the floor.
Where can I find and apply to cnc operator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cnc operator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and the California region you want to work in, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 42 CNC Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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