CNC Machinist Operator (Lathes)

About the Role

Wild West Systems is building advanced defense weapons for the future warfighter in a fast-paced, high-output environment. We are looking for a mid-level CNC Machinist/Operator who can take ownership of machines, keep them running, and produce high-quality parts with minimal oversight.

This is not a button-pushing role. You will be responsible for setups, offsets, inspection, and keeping production moving.

What You'll Do

• Operate CNC and lathes (3-axis)
• Perform machine setups, tool changes, and work-holding setups
• Adjust and manage offsets to maintain part tolerances
• Run production and prototype parts (high-mix, low-volume + production runs)
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges
• Keyence optical inspection systems
• Sign off on part quality and take ownership of output
• Manage tooling, tool wear, and replacements
• Handle coolant systems and chip management
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on machines
• Identify issues and take action to reduce scrap and improve efficiency
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area (5S mindset)

What We're Looking For (Must-Have)

• Experience operating CNC mills and lathes (Okuma, DMG, Mazak, etc.)
• Familiarity with controls: Okuma OSP, Fanuc, Siemens (or similar)
• Read and interpret engineering drawings
• Hold tight tolerances consistently 
• Set and adjust offsets independently
• Experience with 3-axis machining environments
• Strong inspections skills (hand tools required) 
• High ownership mindset - you fix problems, not pass them on 
• Experience working with urgency, keeping machines running 

• Nice to Have

• Aerospace or defense machining experience
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles

Work Environment

• Day shift (primary)
• Occasional overtime, late nights, or weekends when needed to hit deadlines
• Fast-paced startup environment - priorities shift, speed matters

What Success Looks Like

• Machines are running consistently with minimal downtime
• Parts are in tolerance without constant supervision
• Scrap is minimized and issues are proactively addressed
• Work area is clean, organized, and efficient
• You take ownership of your machines and output

Work Location: 

• This role is assigned onsite at our Leander, TX facility.

Benefits: 

We are always looking for good people!  Wild West Systems is committed to providing our employees with competitive salaries and benefits in order to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. 

Health Insurance: 100% coverage for employees, 90% for spouse/family 

Vision and Dental: 100% Coverage 

Important Information: 

All Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. 

As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments.  We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. 

ITAR REQUIREMENT: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. section 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.  learn more about ITAR 

If you require reasonable accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Talent Team at

Recruiting@wws.inc

This company uses E-Verify to confirm each employee's work authorization. 

***We Do not work with staffing companies, Direct applicants only***