Machine operator Jobs in Thousand Oaks, CA

Position Summary

The position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the machining department to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, as well as all sustainment and improvement-related actions and activities. This role involves managing people, schedules, workflows, equipment, and continuous improvement initiatives (including client Lean System practices) while ensuring compliance with company standards and applicable regulations.

Scope of Work

• Oversee daily machining operations (CNC and manual) across multiple machines and cells.
• Plan, prioritize, and assign work orders to meet on-time delivery and productivity goals.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental (EHS), and quality standards such as AS.
• Manage a team of machinists and operators; handle staffing, training, and performance.
• Maintain process control: setups, tool management, and program control.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and escalate equipment downtime with Maintenance.
• Drive continuous improvement using client Lean System (PLS) tools: S, standard work, visual management, kaizen.
• Monitor production metrics (OEE, scrap, rework, first-pass yield, cycle time) and implement corrective actions.
• Control inventories (WIP, raw material, tooling, consumables).
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Safety to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Support cost reduction through waste elimination, optimized setups and programs, and tooling/process improvements.
• Enforce documentation control: routings, work instructions, drawings, programs, and change management.
• Consistently exercise independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance.
• Plan, set priorities for the team, and direct technical efforts to meet business objectives.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.
• Regular, consistent, and punctual attendance is required. May need to work nights, weekends, variable schedules, and additional hours as necessary.
• Ability to explain a range of complex technical information.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to drive tasks to completion.

Key Responsibilities Safety & Compliance

• Lead by example and maintain a zero-injury culture; enforce PPE, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and EHS procedures.
• Conduct safety talks, near-miss reporting, and corrective actions; participate in audits.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop team members; conduct performance reviews and skills assessments.
• Manage staffing levels, shift coverage, and training plans (cross-training, upskilling).

Production Planning & Execution

• Schedule jobs, balance workloads, and approve setups; remove constraints to meet takt/schedule.
• Transfer new products into production and continually look for ways to improve existing products from a “design for manufacturability” approach.
• Develop and deploy standardized work instructions to ensure consistency in processes.
• Validate in-process and final inspections before releasing parts.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with specifications and drawings. Drive root cause and corrective actions focus and develop a zero-defect culture.
• Maintain calibration and proper use of metrology equipment (, CMM, micrometers).

Equipment & Maintenance

• Coordinate PMs and repairs; track machine health and reliability; reduce unplanned downtime.

Continuous Improvement (PLS/Lean)

• Implement S, standard work, visual controls, SMED, and kaizen events; sustain improvements.

Materials & Tooling

• Manage tooling life and inventories; optimize cutting parameters and programs for throughput and quality.

Cost & Performance Management

• Track labor utilization, overtime, scrap/rework, and consumable spend; execute cost-reduction plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering on manufacturability, programming, and process changes.
• Work with Supply Chain on material availability and vendor/tooling issues.

Qualifications Technical Skills

• Proficient in CNC operations, setups, and troubleshooting.
• Strong blueprint reading; understanding of cutting tools, feeds/speeds, and work holding.
• Experience with CAD/CAM (, Mastercam) and metrology (CMM, height gauges, micrometers, indicators).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and knowledge of ERP (SAP preferred), routings, and production reporting; SPC familiarity.

Lean/Quality

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to solve problems independently.
• Excellent ability to apply a systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated application of Lean/PLS tools (S, standard work, visual management, kaizen, SMED).
• Root cause analysis and corrective action (-Why, fishbone, PDCA).
• Familiarity with AS, ITAR, and PPAP/APQP as applicable to the business unit.

Leadership & Behavioral

• Clear communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization under time constraints.
• Proven ability to drive accountability and sustain improvements.

Certifications (Preferred)

• NIMS Machining, Certified Quality Inspector/Technician (CQI/CQT), Lean/Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt, CNC programming credentials.

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift lbs, and work around industrial noise.
• Comfortable with shop-floor presence and adherence to PPE and safety protocols.
• Willingness to work flexible hours/shifts as needed to meet production demands.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline required.
• years in machining operations (CNC and/or Manual) with complex components.
• - years in a supervisory role in a machine shop environment required.

Schedule

Shift – : AM start time

Location

Join us in Simi Valley, CA, a vibrant city renowned for its scenic beauty and close-knit community, offering an excellent quality of life and easy access to the greater Los Angeles area.

Benefits
PEAK's benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Savings Account (DCA), and K plan. PEAK believes that taking care of our team is essential for success and we are proud to provide benefits that enhance both your well-being and your future. Additionally, our associates may be eligible for Paid Sick Leave as required by Federal, State, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)
PEAK Technical Staffing is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. PEAK does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage all individuals to apply.

Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)
The physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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AI Recruiting Disclosure
We use AI-assisted tools to help review applications and compare your experience to job requirements, but all hiring decisions are made by human recruiters. You may request a human-only process or opt out of automated communication at any time. Required notices and our latest bias audit are available on our website: .