CNC Programmer 5-Axis
L A GAUGE COMPANY INC · Sun Valley, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 65+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at L A GAUGE COMPANY INC (industrial) in Sun Valley, CA. Develop CNC programs using Mastercam for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers, and lathes.
- They ask for
- 65+ years
- Tools it names
- Lean, GD&T, AS9100, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), CNC, Machining
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in California: typical posted base $59k–$78k.
Median of the low and high ends of 10 live postings that list pay, out of 135 manufacturing technician openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 102 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (65+ vs 5+)
Typical $78k–$105k, from 13 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 38%
- Tooling 38%
- ✓ CNC 35%
- ✓ Machining 35%
- ✓ Lean 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AS9100, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at L A GAUGE COMPANY INC
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from L A GAUGE COMPANY INCAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
About the Role
LA Gauge is seeking a highly skilled 5-Axis CNC Programmer to support our advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing operations. The Programmer will be responsible for developing and verifying CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling centers as well as lathes. Using Mastercam for programming and VeriCut for verification, the individual will create precise, efficient machining processes to support production of high-tolerance, complex components.
Requirements
Key
Responsibilities
· Develop CNC programs using Mastercam for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers, and lathes.
· Perform program verification and simulation in VeriCut to ensure accuracy and eliminate collisions.
· Generate detailed runbooks, setup sheets, and tool logs to support machinists on the shop floor.
· Create and maintain cutter tool logs with correct feeds, speeds, and tool life management.
· Load, prove out, and troubleshoot CNC programs on production machines.
· Collaborate with machinists, engineers, and quality personnel to ensure manufacturability and compliance with aerospace standards.
· Optimize toolpaths for cycle time reduction, surface finish improvement, and tool life extension.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives in programming standards, machining practices, and process documentation.
· Maintain adherence to AS9100D quality requirements, internal procedures, and customer specifications.
Qualifications
· 5+ years of CNC programming experience, with strong expertise in 5-axis programming and proficiency in 3- and 4-axis programming (lathe programming preferred).
· Advanced proficiency in Mastercam for multi-axis milling and turning, with experience using VeriCut or similar verification software for program validation.
· Solid understanding of machining principles, cutting tool technologies, and GD&T, with hands-on experience supporting program prove-outs on the shop floor.
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
· Strong organizational skills for preparing setup sheets, tool logs, and runbooks.
· Excellent communication and teamwork skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced aerospace/defense manufacturing environment.
· Knowledge of AS9100 standards and customer quality
requirements
(e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon).
· Aerospace/defense machining experience preferred.
· Must be able to stand for 60-80% of the work day
· Continuous improvement mindset with exposure to Lean Manufacturing practices.
What We Offer
· Competitive Pay
· Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
· 401k
· Cash Balance Plan (fully funded by LA Gauge
· Life and AD&D Insurance
· Generous Time Off
· Two Weeks PTO
· 11 Paid Holidays
· Employee Appreciation Events
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Description
About Us
For 65 years, L.A. Gauge Company has set the standard for ultraprecision machining and optics, delivering the most reliable, complex, and mission-critical hardware for the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. We routinely hold machining tolerances of 40 millionths of an inch and achieve optical flatness to the 20th wave.
Fueled by rapid growth, we continue to expand our operations and capabilities. We are looking for a highly motivated, hands-on CNC Programmer to help optimize production, drive innovation, and take our performance to the next level.
Why Join Us?
- •Work at the cutting edge of precision manufacturing and materials science
- •Drive impact in industries where quality and reliability are mission-critical
- •Being part of a high-growth environment with opportunities for personal and professional development
- •Join a culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement