Air-Lake Machine & Welding

CNC Programmer/Machinist

Lakeville, Minnesota•Full-time
$30 - $45 hourly
About the Job
The schedule:
  • Monday–Thursday, 6:00 am–3:30 pm. Friday, 6:00 am–10:00 am.
  • A long weekend every week — that's not a typo. We run a 4.5-day workweek as standard.

What you'll be doing:
We're a precision job shop specializing in low-volume, high-mix custom machining. That means no programming the same parts day after day. You'll work on everything from one-off repairs and replacement parts to complex custom builds and close-tolerance machining.
Your primary responsibility will be CNC programming, but this isn't strictly a desk job. We're looking for someone who understands machining, enjoys solving problems, and is comfortable getting out on the shop floor to set up and run machines when needed.

Our equipment and programming tools include:
  • GibbsCAM for CNC programming.
  • CloudNC technology to help streamline programming and improve efficiency.
  • Haas VF2, VF3 (SSYT 40-taper), VF3 YT, and VF6 (50-taper) vertical mills.
  • Haas ST30 turning centers, including live tooling capabilities.

You'll work closely with our shop manager and machinists to develop programs, select tooling, and determine machining strategies that fit our established processes. We take consistency seriously, and you'll be expected to learn and follow our programming standards while bringing your own experience and ideas to the table.
We've invested in technology to make programming more efficient and keep our machines cutting. As programming demands allow, you'll also be setting up and running equipment yourself.

We're always looking for ways to improve, but we believe the best improvements come from understanding what works first. If you're someone who can adapt to an established process, collaborate with the team, and earn the opportunity to make things better, you'll fit in well here.

What we're looking for:
  • CNC programming experience, preferably with GibbsCAM or comparable CAM software.
  • Strong CNC programming and machining experience with mills and/or lathes, including setup and operation. Experience with both is preferred, but we're willing to train the right candidate who is proficient in one area and looking to expand their skills.
  • Experience with Haas controls preferred.
  • Solid understanding of tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and machining processes.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T, and close tolerances.
  • Experience with prototypes, one-offs, and short production runs.
  • Ability to follow established programming standards and work collaboratively with shop leadership.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
  • Comfortable contributing on the shop floor when needed.
  • A team-first attitude — we're a small shop, and everyone's work matters.

What we offer:
  • Pay: $30–$45/hr depending on programming proficiency and machining experience, with top pay reserved for candidates proficient in both milling and turning.
  • Schedule: 4.5-day workweek, every week.
  • Quarterly bonus program.
  • Health and dental insurance.
  • 401(k).
  • Air-conditioned shop.
  • Modern programming tools and equipment.
  • Family atmosphere — you're not a number here.
  • Challenging, varied work with opportunities to contribute ideas and improvements as you grow into the role.

About Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing:
We're a precision custom job shop in Lakeville serving industrial customers across the Upper Midwest. We specialize in the jobs other shops won't touch — complex repairs, one-off builds, tight-tolerance work in steel, stainless, aluminum, and various plastics. Our customers count on us because we have the equipment, the skill, and the flexibility to deliver.

We're growing, investing in our equipment and technology, and looking for skilled people who want to grow with us.

Air-Lake Machine & Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.