$35 - $40.92 per hour
Life Insurance ~ Parental leave ~ Adoption benefits ~ Tuition Reimbursement ~ Sign-On Bonus About the Role: The CNC Machinist will set up and operate any machine tool to perform any operation within its capacity where sp…
Skilled Trades · San Diego, CA
Machinist jobs in San Diego, CA
Machinists set up and run manual and CNC machines, turning prints and CAD models into precision metal parts held to tolerances of a thousandth of an inch.
12
Open roles today
$22–$48/hr
Typical pay range
$66k
Median, full-time
3
Fresh in this list
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01
Open machinist roles
12 shown · sorted by freshness
DatamanUSA is looking for a Machinist 1 for our direct client based in CA. This is a great opportunity for someone who is a quick learner with excellent people skills. Job Details: Job Title: Machinist 1 Location: San Di…
Machinist - Certified Date: Sep 25, 2026 Location:El Cajon, CA, US Company: GKN Aerospace Careers Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! F…
$24 - $26 per hour
Meet the Smart Safety Company At Safe Fleet, our name says it all. We make fleet vehicles – and everyone in and around them – safer. Our fleet safety platform brings together best-in-class products, ground-breaking techn…
$30 - $40 per hour
Machinist - Certified II - 2nd Shift Date: Jun 24, 2026 Location:El Cajon, CA, US Company: GKN Aerospace Careers Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster…
$20 - $28 per hour
CNC Operator - San Diego, CA - Immediately Hiring Job Description ~ The CNC Operator will start in the deburr area to learn proper deburring and blending techniques, then transition to operating CNC 3-axis mills that ali…
$38 - $45 per hour
VetPowered is dedicated to bringing advanced manufacturing back to America. Key Job Functions: At VetPowered, the CNC Set-Up Machinist/ Operator is responsible for independently setting up and operating CNC mills and lat…
$21.56 per hour
About Fairmont Grand Del Mar Bask in the San Diego sunshine and enjoy our five-star setting at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Immersed in the charm of Los Peñasquitos Canyon, the resort hosts 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms…
$26 - $40 per hour
Swiss Screw Machinist El Cajon - $30-$45/hr - 2nd Shift 2pm - 10:30 pm Job Description This role focuses on operating Citizen K16 Swiss-style CNC machines to produce small, high-precision components for critical applicat…
From Aisle to Algorithm and for All Life’s Moments, at David’s Bridal, we empower our customers and our employees to stay true to their dreams and find the one, whether that means the event or the wedding dress that matc…
$23.75 per hour
Senior Machinist II Mira Mesa, CA - $23.75 - 2nd shift Job Description This role operates and sets up 3-axis CNC mills in a high-volume manufacturing environment, focusing on safe, accurate, and efficient production. You…
$28.91 - $34.69 per hour
Zenix Aerospace is currently hiring the following position: ** Title:** CNC Machinist III ** Shift:** 1st Shift (6:30am - 3:00pm) Monday - Friday ** Facility & Location: Jet Products, San Diego, CA** Who is Zenix Aerospa…
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What machinists earn in San Diego
Hourly first — that's how the offer arrives
| Experience | Hourly | Annual, full-time |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $22–$28 | $45k–$59k |
| Journeyman | $27–$37 | $57k–$76k |
| Master / Lead | $34–$48 | $71k–$100k |
Adjusted for the San Diego market from national ranges.
03
What employers ask for
The skills these listings keep naming
CNC setup and operationG-code and CAM softwareBlueprint and GD&T readingMicrometers and calipersManual lathe and mill workTooling and speeds/feedsQuality inspectionShop math and trigonometry
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Interview questions worth rehearsing
With the thing the interviewer is actually listening for
Walk me through setting up a CNC mill for a new part.
Cover reviewing the print, workholding, tool setup and offsets, proving the program, and first-article inspection. Sequence and care are what they listen for.
How comfortable are you reading GD&T on a print?
Be honest about your level and give an example, like holding a true-position callout. If you are stronger on limit dimensions, say so.
A part starts drifting out of tolerance mid-run. What do you check?
Name the suspects in order: tool wear, thermal growth, workholding, and offsets. Show you adjust based on measurement, not guesswork.
What is your experience writing or editing G-code?
Distinguish between editing programs at the control and programming in CAM. Name the controls and software, such as Fanuc, Haas, or Mastercam.
What is the tightest tolerance you regularly hold, and on what material?
Give a real number with context. Holding a few tenths on stainless says more than any adjective.
How do you document your setups for repeat jobs?
Describe setup sheets, tool lists, and photos so the next run starts fast. Shops value machinists who make jobs repeatable.
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Resume tips that move the needle
For machinists specifically — generic advice costs you here
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State the tightest tolerances you hold routinely and the materials you cut.
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Name your controls and CAM software: Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Mastercam, or Fusion 360.
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Distinguish operator, setup, and programming experience; each pays differently.
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List NIMS credentials or a completed machinist apprenticeship if you have them.
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Mention inspection skills and equipment, from micrometers to CMM experience.
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Include industry context such as aerospace, medical, or job-shop work, since tolerance culture differs.
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Where this role goes
Typical progression
01
Machine Operator
02
Machinist
03
CNC Programmer
04
Tool and Die Maker or Shop Lead
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