Cnc Machinist

CNC Machinist

This role focuses on programming, setting up, and operating multi-axis CNC milling centers and conventional machine tools to produce complex, tight-tolerance hardware. The CNC Machinist develops and processes work packages, collaborates with engineers and requesters on drawing and fabrication issues, and ensures all work adheres to strict safety and fabrication policies. The position requires hands-on machining, minor programming using CAM software, and the ability to support both scheduled and walk-in work in a dynamic fabrication shop environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Program three-, four-, and five-axis machine tools using Unigraphics, PowerMill, and/or MasterCam Computer Aided Manufacturing software, including minor programming as needed.
• Set up and operate Computer Numerical Controlled milling centers with three-, four-, and five-axis capabilities to produce precision components.
• Operate conventional machines such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, band saws, and other general machine shop equipment.
• Select and install proper tooling, jigs, and fixtures, and determine correct speeds and feeds based on the material being machined.
• Set machine references for all five-axis moves within the program, verifying part setup height and clearances to prevent spindle and table crashes.
• Order raw materials and ensure required certifications are obtained; select and order appropriate tooling for each job.
• Develop flight work packages, including FIOS generation, uploading supporting documentation, and coordinating support service signoffs.
• Estimate time and material requirements to complete hardware manufacturing and provide accurate input for scheduling and planning.
• Provide machining and fabrication support for walk-in work requests and quickly respond to changing priorities.
• Work closely with engineers and requesters to resolve drawing issues, clarify requirements, and address necessary drawing revisions and due dates.
• Follow established fabrication policies and procedures with strict adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Comply fully with all safety regulations and provisions, including shop safety and applicable facility requirements.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment on projects that require multiple skills and coordination across several organizations.
• Communicate clearly in both written and oral form and maintain organized work practices and documentation.
• Stay current with new technologies and methods in welding and fabrication to help maintain a state-of-the-art capability within the shop.
• Machine complex structures to tight tolerances as specified in engineered drawing callouts.
• Take direction with minimal instruction and consistently produce high-quality, timely results.
• Safely and proficiently operate motive equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, and oscillating man lifts.
• Complete training to become a Fall Protection Authorized User.
• Complete training to become a Shop Machine Safety Operator.
• Use Microsoft Office 365 for communication, documentation, and basic data entry tasks.
• Work overtime as needed to meet customer delivery deadlines and support critical schedules.
• Assist in developing Job Hazard Analyses to comply with NASA safety requirements.
• Develop skills and understanding to utilize JobBoss2 for work package processing and tracking.

Essential skills include:

• Ability to perform minor programming for three-, four-, and five-axis machine tools using Unigraphics, PowerMill, and/or MasterCam CAM software.
• Proven ability to set up and operate CNC milling centers with three-, four-, and five-axis capabilities.
• Hands-on experience operating conventional machine tools including lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, and band saws.
• Strong knowledge of tooling, jigs, fixtures, speeds, and feeds for various materials and machining operations.
• Ability to set machine references and manage five-axis moves within CNC programs while ensuring proper clearances.
• Experience machining complex structures to tight tolerances specified on engineered drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to follow strict fabrication policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Experience working in a team environment on projects requiring coordination across multiple disciplines or organizations.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and organized work habits.
• Capability to work with engineers and requesters to address drawing issues, revisions, and scheduling requirements.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and oscillating man lifts, or willingness to train to proficiency.
• Computer literacy, including practical use of Microsoft Office 365.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime to meet delivery deadlines.

Additional skills and qualifications include:

• Familiarity with Unigraphics, PowerMill, and MasterCam for CAM programming beyond minor edits is highly beneficial.
• Experience developing flight work packages, including FIOS generation and supporting documentation, is a plus.
• Background in estimating time and materials for hardware manufacturing projects.
• Experience ordering materials and tooling, including managing material certifications.
• Interest in staying abreast of new welding and fabrication technologies to support continuous improvement.
• Ability or willingness to become Fall Protection Authorized User trained.
• Ability or willingness to become Shop Machine Safety Operator trained.
• Experience assisting with the development of Job Hazard Analyses to comply with safety standards such as those used at NASA facilities.
• Familiarity with JobBoss2 or similar manufacturing work package processing systems.

Why work here?

Employees benefit from a highly competitive package that supports both their professional growth and personal well-being. The organization offers outstanding medical coverage along with dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits, complemented by a 401(k) plan with a generous company match. Additional protection includes life and AD&D insurance, dependent life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and travel accident insurance. Team members enjoy paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave to promote work-life balance. A strong emphasis on professional development is reflected through tuition and textbook reimbursement, providing opportunities to expand skills and advance careers in a supportive, safety-focused environment.

Work environment:

The role is based onsite at Hampton, VA, working primarily in a shop environment alongside a team of fabricators and welders. The CNC Machinist works both independently and in groups, with access to an office space equipped with a computer for timekeeping, email communication, and reviewing engineering drawings. The standard shift is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime available as needed to support project deadlines. The environment includes regular use of CNC milling centers, conventional machine tools, and motive equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes. Work is performed under established safety protocols and procedures, with pay rate determined based on experience and relevant skills.

Job type and location:

This is a permanent position based out of Hampton, VA.

Pay and benefits:

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $48.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: medical, dental & vision; critical illness, accident, and hospital; 401(k) retirement plan pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available; life insurance (voluntary life & AD&D for the employee and dependents); short and long-term disability; health spending account (HSA); transportation benefits; employee assistance program; time off/leave (PTO, vacation or sick leave).

Workplace type:

This is a fully onsite position in Hampton, VA.

Application deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.