CNC Machinist

Best Athlete Profile

Bear Machinery CNC Machinist Position
Join Our Tight-Knit Team of Precision Craftspeople

https://www.bearmachineryinc.com/

WHO WE ARE

Bear Machinery has been Hawaii's premier precision job shop for 49 years. We're not a high-volume production facility—we're craftspeople who tackle diverse, challenging projects from aerospace to marine industries. Our team thrives on variety, collaboration, and zero-compromise quality.

What makes us different:

• Job shop variety: No two days are the same. One day you're programming aerospace components, the next you're machining custom marine parts.
• Tight-knit culture: We're a small team where everyone helps everyone. No knowledge hoarding. No lone wolves.
• Island location: We're on Oahu, Hawaii. If you're relocating, we'll help—but we need people who want to be here long-term.

WHO YOU ARE: THE BEAR MACHINERY "BEST ATHLETE"

We're looking for CNC machinists who embody these core traits:

1. Precision Mindset (Non-Negotiable)

• You take pride in zero scrap. When you see a measurement that's off, you stop and figure it out—you don't push it through.
• You double-check your setup before hitting the cycle start button.
• What this looks like: You catch tolerance issues before they become expensive mistakes. You'd rather spend 10 extra minutes verifying than risk rework.

2. Learning Agility (Essential in a Job Shop)

• • Every job is different. You don't wait for someone to show you—you figure it out, ask smart questions, and adapt quickly.
  • You're comfortable learning new machines, CAM software, or techniques without hand-holding.
  • What this looks like: When we get a rush job with a new material or feature, you dive into the specs, research best practices, and propose a machining strategy.
    

3. Collaborative Spirit (Our "Tight Team" Culture)

• You help newer machinists troubleshoot. You share tips. You don't hoard knowledge.
• When someone's running behind on a deadline, you offer to help without being asked.
• What this looks like: You explain your programming logic to others. You celebrate team wins, not just your own.

4. Reliability & Follow-Through (Job Shop Non-Negotiable)

• You show up on time. You document your work accurately (ISO9001-2015 paperwork matters here). You finish what you start.
• Customer delivery dates aren't suggestions—they're commitments.
• What this looks like: Your travelers are complete. Your measurements are recorded. Your machine is cleaned and ready for the next person.
  

5. Adaptability to Variety (Thrive in Chaos)

• You get bored doing the same thing every day. You LIKE the challenge of switching between different jobs, materials, and tolerances.
• What this looks like: You embrace variety instead of resisting it. You're energized by problem-solving, not drained by it.

TECHNICAL BASELINE (What You Need Coming In)
Must-Have Skills (We expect these on Day 1):

• ✓ 6-8 years of CNC machining experience (or equivalent combination of education + experience)
• ✓ CNC programming ability (Mastercam, FeatureCam, or similar CAM software—we can train you on our specific tools, but we do all programming offline)
• ✓ Blueprint reading including GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• ✓ Vertical machining center setup and operation (3 & 4 axis minimum)
• ✓ Familiarity with measuring/inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, CMM basics)
• ✓ Strong computer skills (offline programming, file management)

Nice-to-Have Skills (We Can Train You):

• CNC lathe experience (2-axis or more, we also have an 8 axis mill turn)
• Specific ISO9001-2015 documentation processes (we'll teach you ours)
• Experience with exotic materials (titanium, Inconel, etc.)
• 4th axis / rotary programming
• Manual machining and any surface grinding.

WHAT WE'LL TRAIN YOU ON
We believe in "Hire for Fit, Train for Skill." If you have the core technical foundation and the right attitude, we'll invest in developing you:
Ongoing: Cross-training on lathes, multi axis, advanced CAM techniques

• Weeks 1-2: Shadow senior machinists, learn Bear-specific processes, safety protocols, ISO documentation
• Weeks 3-4: Run parts under supervision, build confidence on our machines
• Weeks 5-8: Transition to independence, take ownership of jobs start-to-finish
• Ongoing: Cross-training on lathes, multi axis, advanced CAM techniques

DEAL-BREAKERS (What Won't Work Here)
We're upfront about what doesn't fit at Bear Machinery:

• ❌ Cutting corners on quality or safety: Zero tolerance. If you rush through inspections or skip steps, you won't last here.
• ❌ Lone wolf mentality: If you hoard knowledge, refuse to help teammates, or create drama, you're not a fit for our tight team.
• ❌ Unreliability: Chronic tardiness, incomplete documentation, or missed deadlines disrupt the entire shop.
• ❌ Resistance to learning: If you say "that's not how I did it at my last shop" and refuse to adapt, this isn't the place for you.

WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation & Benefits:

• $40-53/hour based on experience and demonstrated skill
• Overtime opportunities (job shop = rush jobs happen)
• Paid vacation time
• Full family medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage (we pay for your family)
• Relocation assistance for qualified out-of-state hires
  

Culture & Environment:

• 49-year reputation for quality and integrity
• Small, collaborative team where your voice matters
• Diverse, challenging work (no boring repetition)
• Opportunity to work on high-precision, mission-critical parts
• Beautiful Hawaii location (work-life balance matters here)