CNC Milling Machinist - 1st Shift

CNC Milling Machinist - 1st Shift

Aerospace Precision Manufacturing

Agawam, Massachusetts, USA

Reports To: Production Manager / Lead Machinist

Position Overview

Our CNC Milling Machinists play a critical role in the manufacture of high-precision aerospace components. This position is designed for a strong machinist who takes ownership of setup quality, process discipline, and results on the floor.

The CNC Milling Machinist is responsible for independently setting up, operating, and optimizing CNC milling centers to produce complex, tight-tolerance parts from challenging aerospace materials. This role goes beyond machine operation, requiring sound technical judgment, strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation, and proactive problem-solving in collaboration with Engineering and Quality.

Success in this position demands precision, accountability, and pride in workmanship. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment, values doing the job right the first time, and contributes to continuous improvement through expertise, reliability, and disciplined execution within AS9100 quality standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Independently set up, prove out, and operate CNC milling centers, including complex 3-axis, 4-axis, and multi-axis work.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, vises, workholding, and inspection methods appropriate for each operation.
• Machine high-value aerospace components to extremely tight tolerances with a strong focus on repeatability and first-pass yield.
• Work with challenging materials including Inconel, titanium, hardened steels, stainless alloys, and other heat-resistant aerospace materials.
• Perform first article work and in-process verification using advanced metrology tools and precision measuring techniques.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, offsets, and tooling strategies to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and process stability.
• Identify and resolve machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues proactively, collaborating with Engineering and Quality when required.
• Ensure strict compliance with AS9100 quality systems, documentation, traceability requirements, and applicable aerospace standards.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workspace aligned with lean manufacturing and 5S principles.
• Support a strong team culture by sharing best practices, communicating issues early, and helping improve repeatability on the floor.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3-7 years of CNC milling setup and operation experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Strong proficiency with CNC milling centers, including fixture-based work and complex setups.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated success producing complex parts and accurate first articles with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of cutting tool technology and machining strategies for exotic and heat-resistant materials.
• Hands-on experience with precision inspection equipment and dimensional verification.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace documentation requirements preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accountability, and pride in workmanship.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4-axis and 5-axis milling experience.
• Experience with Okuma, Fanuc, and/or comparable controls.
• Background in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing environments.
• Prior experience supporting prototype, low-volume, high-mix aerospace work.

Why Join Parts Tool & Die

At Parts Tool & Die, we value craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement. We invest in our people, equipment, and processes to ensure our machinists have the tools and support they need to excel. This role offers challenging work, competitive compensation, stable leadership, and the opportunity to make a real impact on critical aerospace programs.