Cornerstone Composites is seeking a motivated CNC Operator / Setup Technician to join our growing manufacturing team. This position is ideal for an individual with technical school training who wants to build a long-term career in advanced manufacturing and CNC machining.

This role will initially focus on machine setup, operation, inspection, and continuous improvement, while developing the skills necessary to become a CNC programmer on Haas machining centers and lathes. The successful candidate will be expected to learn G-Code programming, tooling selection, fixture design, and machining process optimization over time.

At Cornerstone Composites, we manufacture mission-critical composite components for aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial applications. This position plays a key role in ensuring quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery to our customers.

Why This Role Matters

Our CNC department is a critical part of our manufacturing process. The CNC Operator / Setup Technician ensures that molded composite components are machined accurately, efficiently, and consistently to customer requirements.

As Cornerstone continues to grow in aerospace and defense manufacturing, this position provides a unique opportunity to develop into a highly skilled CNC Machinist and Programmer supporting some of the most demanding applications in the industry.

This role is intended for the successful candidate to develop into a CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Technician position over time.

Primary Responsibilities

CNC Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and operate Haas (and other) CNC mills and lathes
• Load and unload parts safely and efficiently
• Install tooling, fixtures or other workholding setups, and verify programs
• Adjust machine offsets and tool offsets as needed
• Monitor machine performance and cycle times
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections
• Ensure parts meet drawing and specification requirements
• Complete production documentation accurately
• Routine machine maintenance including cleaning and adding fluids

Quality & Inspection

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions
• Use precision measuring equipment including:
• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Height gauges
• Bore gauges
• Thread gauges
• Ability to measure within .002” with a caliper
• Verify dimensional compliance throughout production runs
• Document inspection results and non-conformances

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve setup times and productivity
• Assist with tooling and fixture improvements
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives
• Maintain organized and efficient work areas

Programming Development (Growth Expectation)

The selected candidate will be expected to progressively develop CNC programming capabilities, including:

• Learning CNC programming, including 5-Axis Mill and Live Tooling Lathe
• Learning G-Code fundamentals
• Understanding tool path strategies
• Assisting with program edits and optimization
• Learning CAD/CAM software (Solidworks and Mastercam preferred)
• Supporting fixture and process development.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Technical diploma, certificate, or associate degree in:
• CNC Machining
• Precision Machining
• Machine Tool Technology
• Manufacturing Technology
• Related technical field

Experience

• 0-3 years of CNC machining experience
• Recent graduates are encouraged to apply

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of CNC machining principles
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings
• Familiarity with precision measurement equipment
• Basic math skills including geometry and trigonometry
• Strong mechanical aptitude

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Haas CNC equipment and CNC setup
• Exposure to G-Code programming
• Experience with Mastercam or similar CAM software
• Composite machining experience
• Understanding of GD&T principles
• Previous manufacturing experience

Personal Characteristics

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a strong desire to learn and develop new skills
• Takes pride in producing high-quality work
• Is dependable and accountable
• Pays close attention to detail
• Enjoys problem-solving
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Has a positive attitude and growth mindset

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Overtime opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Training and career development
• Opportunity to support aerospace and defense programs
• Stable, growing manufacturing environment

About Cornerstone Composites

Cornerstone Composites is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in compression molded composite components for aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial markets. Our capabilities include compression molding, CNC machining, and assembly. We help customers scale production of mission-critical components through innovative manufacturing processes, operational excellence, and a commitment to quality.

Join a team that is helping build the next generation of aerospace and defense products while developing your own technical career!

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person