CNC Technician

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state‑of‑the‑art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting‑edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world‑class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high‑tech engineering with hands‑on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

The CNC Technician supports the production of high‑quality machined parts by assisting with the setup and operation of manual and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. Under supervision, they will learn to maintain quality and safety standards, follow established procedures for record keeping, and help maintain equipment and supplies. This role may also involve assisting in the assembly of fixturing for the Manufacturing Engineering group. The CNC Technician is expected to contribute to a clean and organized work area by following and promoting 5S practices, while continuing to build skills and knowledge in machining processes.

Responsibilities

• Plans machining by studying work orders, blueprints, engineering plans, materials, specifications, orthographic drawings, reference planes, locations of surfaces, and machining parameters; interpreting geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T).
• Programs machine tools by entering instructions, including zero and reference points; setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry; proving part programs.
• Support inventory management by checking stock to determine amount available; anticipating needed stock; placing and expediting order request to Machine Shop Team Lead.
• Sets‑up machine tools by installing and adjusting chucks, proper tools, attachments, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers; indicating vices; tramming heads.
• Verifies settings by measuring positions, first‑run part, and sample work pieces, adhering to international standards.
• Programs vision/ probe measuring machine to measure and check parts.
• Maintains specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning, facing, knurling and thread chasing operations; taking measurements; detecting malfunctions; troubleshooting processes; adjusting and reprogramming controls; sharpening and replacing worn tools; adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Loads and programs feed mechanisms.
• Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintains equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
• Documents actions by completing production and quality logs.
• Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Operate the precision wash, gross wash and deburring equipment as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• 0 to 1 year of experience operating CNC machines.
• 0 to 1 year of CAD/CAM experience.
• Familiarity with CNC lathes and wire EDMs preferred
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and within a team and has the ability to coordinate efforts with fellow co‑workers.
• Considerable knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials methods, and standard practices of the trade.
• Knowledge of the maintenance and repair of machine shop tools and equipment.
• Ability to work with blueprints, sketches, and written specifications.
• Knowledge of GD&T
• Knowledge of prototype work
• Understand different metals and the different tools and methods used to work them.
• Ability to communicate well with all team members.
• Ability to instruct, train and mentor other team members.
• Basic reading, writing, math and basic to intermediate computer skills.
• Familiar with computer programs required to track and log parts from start to finish. i.e. database, Excel spreadsheets, and ERP systems
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience operating CNC machines.
• 1 to 2 years of CAD/CAM experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.

Salary Information

$18 - $34 Hourly Wage