HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.
HRL Laboratories advances its mission through an expert group of administrative and business professionals who strengthen operations and enable organizational excellence. These teams drive effective processes, support program execution and provide critical services that keep HRL running smoothly while empowering technical groups to focus on delivering innovative solutions for our customers.
HRL is looking to hire a highly experienced and detail-oriented CNC Mill Operator and Machinist. You will be an integral part of a team dedicated to providing exceptional fast-paced prototyping services with opportunities to continuously learn and collaborate with our innovative and knowledgeable technical staff.
The role reports to the manufacturing manager and requires at least 5 years of prior CNC operation and setup experience, with demonstrated knowledge of GD&T. The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise in setting up and operating CNC machines, interpreting technical documentation, and working within a prototype manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Set up CNC mills and/or lathes for low volume production runs, including tooling, fixturing, and machine offsets.
• Keeping machine running throughout shift, while monitoring product quality through regular inspection intervals.
• Collaborate with programming and manufacturing team to resolve technical issues and optimize processes.
• Troubleshoots and correct minor problems, obtaining assistance from lead machinists and / or Management when needed. Replaces assigned tooling as needed, i.e. endmills, drills, taps, etc.
• Accurately interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Utilize precision measuring tools to inspect and verify part dimensions during setup and in-process inspections to validate parts against customer and internal specifications.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with company safety and quality standards.
• If requested, able to run multiple machines.
• Ensure that all documentation is in order (part number, travelers, revision, etc) and is kept at the workstation. Follow Order of Operations and SOP’s as they are directed. Enter data on production documents regarding dimensions, offsets, quality issues, hours worked, etc.
• Additional duties/responsibilities may be assigned, i.e. material prep, bandsaw cutting, deburring
Required Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in CNC machine setup within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of tooling, materials, speeds, feeds, and machining best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to read complex blueprints and GD&T.
• Skilled with inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMM and indicators.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team.
Special Requirements:
US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance.
Active clearance is a plus.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Pay Range: $37.27 - $41.09
- Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
For our privacy policy please visit: www.hrl.com/privacy
HRL Laboratories is an IBM subsidiary which has been acquired by IBM. By proceeding with this application, you understand that HRL Laboratories will share your personal information with other IBM affiliates involved in your recruitment process, wherever these are located. More information on how IBM protects your personal information, including the safeguards applicable to cross-border data transfers, is available here.
Skills Required
- Minimum 5 years of CNC machine setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of tooling, materials, speeds, feeds, and machining best practices
- Ability to read complex blueprints and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Experience using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMM, and indicators
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- US citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
- Active security clearance
HRL Laboratories Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Retirement Support — The retirement plan features automatic enrollment, a 100% match on the first 4% of pay, and additional age-based employer contributions. Feedback suggests this structure is a notable strength.
-
Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical options (PPO, HMO, and an HDHP with HSA), employer-paid vision, dental choices, and employer HSA/HRA contributions indicate a broad, well-supported offering. Feedback suggests the breadth and flexibility of coverage are appealing.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Upfront PTO (about 40 hours) at hire, increasing accrual up to 25 days with tenure, a separate sick-leave bank (up to 80 hours), ~14 paid holidays, and a typical year-end shutdown provide substantial time-off options. Feedback suggests the overall structure is valued by many employees.
HRL Laboratories Insights
What We Do
HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL is a source of innovations that advance the state of the art in profound and far-reaching ways.
Why Work With Us
Our success is the result of our collaborative team of researchers, many of whom are the leading experts in their fields. Through their insights in support for our customers, we are finding the unique opportunities in technology.
Gallery
HRL Laboratories Offices
OnSite Workspace
Hybrid Policy is role specific.










