CNC 5‑Axis Setup Machinist — Aerospace & Power Generation

Be the precision behind mission‑critical machinery

Pioneer Motor Bearing Company is a fourth‑generation family business helping keep our military mission‑ready and the nation’s power grid dependable. Through our Pioneer operations and our PMB Machine Works division, we engineer, manufacture, and repair fluid film bearings, seals, and high‑precision components for defense and aerospace.

We thrive in a fast‑paced service environment where communication and teamwork are everything. We hire for character, capability, and a growth mindset—and we invest in people who want to keep getting better.

A day in the life

• Review route sheets, blueprints, sketches, drawings, and verbal instructions; plan setups and select the right tooling, including right‑angle heads when needed.
• Set tooling and offsets to produce and repair complex parts for fluid film bearings, seals, and aerospace/defense components on 5‑axis CNC mills and multi‑axis lathes.
• Run first‑article and production parts; perform in‑process checks with precision instruments (dial calipers, micrometers, surface gauges, dial indicators) to hold tight tolerances.
• Apply math and geometry to solve setup and machining challenges; make on‑the‑fly program edits and document corrections in the control.
• Analyze tooling and workholding strategies; recommend improvements that enhance quality, reduce cycle time, and boost efficiency.
• Escalate quality, delivery, or customer‑impact issues promptly and propose solutions.
• Rig safely: load and unload heavy parts using overhead cranes, following best‑practice rigging techniques.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while meeting quality and throughput goals.

What you bring

• Proficiency setting up and operating 5‑axis CNC equipment; Journeyman Machinist caliber skill set preferred.
• Technical degree from a trade school or community college; or 5+ years related experience/training; or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, procedures, and company/customer/government specifications.
• Familiarity with DMG MORI, Okuma, Hyundai, Fanuc, and similar platforms.
• Strong communication skills; able to present information and respond to questions from peers and leadership.
• Solid math skills (proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume; basic algebra and geometry).
• Knowledge of manufacturing/machining relevant to fluid film bearings; understanding of cutting fluids, finishes, tolerances, turning, drilling, milling, and abrasive processes.
• General materials knowledge (steels, nonferrous metals, and alloys); aerospace experience is a plus.

Additional requirements

• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability and initiative.
• CAD/CAM programming software experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; comfortable working independently and in teams.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft tools.

Physical requirements

• Indoor machine shop setting.
• Frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly stoop, bend, crawl, reach, stand, and walk.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear, concentrate, and comprehend complex technical information.

Proficiencies we value

• CAD Software and CAD/CAM Software
• Machine setups for production runs
• AS9100 experience
• Tool/Die/Mold setup experience
• Blueprint reading

Equipment you’ll run

• CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Fanuc, DMG MORI, Okuma, Mazak
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) — DMG MORI, Okuma, Fanuc, Mazak
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis) — Okuma, DMG MORI, Mazak

Industry‑leading pay and benefits

• Overtime : All overtime hours for this role are paid at 2x pay . Vacation and holiday hours count toward overtime hour calculations.
• Medical : Three plan options. We pay 95% of employee premiums and contribute significantly toward family coverage.
• HSA/FSA : Health Savings Accounts with $2,000 (individual) and $4,000 (dependent) employer contributions; Flexible Spending Accounts available.
• Supplemental health : Revive membership with zero‑cost access to 1,000+ generic medications, free primary‑care telehealth, mental health support, wellness coaching, and access to discounted GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications.
• More benefits : Dental, vision, life, disability, and a 401(k) with safe‑harbor matching, plus additional ancillary benefits.
• Vacation : 2.5 weeks for new hires, 3 weeks after 3 years, scaling up to 6 weeks.

Ready to raise the bar?

We’re not looking for just anyone—we’re looking for the best. If you’re a skilled 5‑axis setup machinist who takes pride in craftsmanship and wants to join a team that values your work, let’s talk. If you’re not there yet, we’ll be here when you are. Apply today.