CNC Machinist

About the role

The CNC Machinist sets up, operates, inspects, and maintains computer numerical control machining equipment to produce precision components used in Skyeton unmanned aerial systems and related assemblies. Working from engineering drawings, models, work instructions, and quality requirements, this position manufactures conforming parts while maintaining dimensional accuracy, material traceability, and production documentation. The CNC Machinist is expected to demonstrate sound machining judgment, disciplined workmanship, and a consistent commitment to safety, quality, and delivery.


What you'll do

• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, or other machining equipment to manufacture precision aerospace components in accordance with approved drawings, models, routers, and work instructions.

• Interpret engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing requirements, specifications, bills of material, and production documentation.

• Select, install, and verify cutting tools, tool holders, fixtures, workholding, offsets, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters for assigned work.

• Load, prove out, and make authorized adjustments to CNC programs; monitor operations and respond appropriately to tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift, or process variation.

• Perform first-piece, in-process, and final dimensional inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, thread gauges, and other approved measurement equipment.

• Machine a range of materials that may include aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, engineering plastics, and composites, using approved methods and controls.

• Deburr, clean, identify, and protect completed components while maintaining material, lot, and job traceability.

• Identify and document nonconforming conditions; stop work when requirements are unclear and coordinate disposition or corrective action with Quality and Engineering.

• Complete travelers, inspection records, labor reporting, material transactions, tool-life records, and other required production documentation accurately and promptly.

• Perform routine machine checks, preventive-maintenance activities, coolant monitoring, and basic troubleshooting; report unsafe or abnormal equipment conditions immediately.

• Maintain an orderly work area and comply with machine guarding, lockout/tagout, personal protective equipment, FOD prevention, chemical-handling, and housekeeping requirements.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and other machinists to improve tooling, setup time, cycle time, process capability, and part quality.

• Support prototype, low-rate initial production, and production machining in a growing aerospace manufacturing environment.

• Perform other related duties as assigned based on operational needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• At least two years of CNC machining experience in a production, prototype, toolroom, aerospace, automotive, medical-device, or similarly precise manufacturing environment; relevant machining education may be considered toward the experience requirement.

• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, or comparable machining equipment with limited supervision.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, surface-finish requirements, bills of material, and written work instructions.

• Working knowledge of machining fundamentals, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, tool offsets, and basic machine troubleshooting.

• Ability to inspect parts using common precision measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and indicators.

• Basic understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

• Basic computer proficiency and ability to enter accurate production, inspection, and quality records.

• Strong mathematical ability, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to safe work practices.

• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team-based manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of CNC machining experience, including independent setup and first-piece verification.

• A machining diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, or associate degree in machining technology, manufacturing technology, or a related field.

• Aerospace or defense machining experience and familiarity with AS9100, configuration control, FOD prevention, and material traceability.

• Advanced working knowledge of GD&T and experience producing close-tolerance, complex components.

• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, engineering plastics, and/or composite materials.

• Experience with 3-, 4-, or 5-axis machining, live tooling, or multi-axis mill-turn equipment.

• Experience using CAM software and/or making safe edits to G-code or conversational programs.

• Experience with first-article inspection, statistical process control, and coordinate measuring machines or other advanced inspection equipment.

• Experience supporting prototype or new-product-introduction work where drawings and processes evolve under formal change control.

Skills & Competencies


Precision


Maintains dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and repeatable process control.


Technical Discipline


Follows drawings, programs, tooling, inspection, and configuration requirements.


Problem Solving


Recognizes machining variation, isolates causes, and escalates issues promptly.


Safety & Ownership


Protects people, equipment, materials, documentation, and completion commitments.


Teamwork


Works constructively across Machining, Production, Engineering, and Quality.


Adaptability


Responds effectively to prototypes, changing priorities, and a growing operation.


Benefits

• Company-paid medical coverage for the employee.

• Dental and vision insurance options.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.

• Generous paid time off program and company holidays.

• Opportunities to contribute to a growing U.S. aerospace manufacturing operation.

Work Environment

• Regularly stand and walk for extended periods while operating or monitoring machining equipment.

• Frequently reach, bend, grasp, and handle tools, fixtures, raw material, and finished components; maintain the visual acuity needed to evaluate dimensions, surface finish, and machine conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Frequently lift and carry materials, tools, fixtures, or parts weighing up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Work primarily in a manufacturing environment with exposure to operating machinery, metal chips, cutting fluids, airborne particulates, vibration, and typical shop noise; required personal protective equipment must be worn.

• May occasionally work overtime or adjusted schedules to meet production or program requirements.

• Travel is expected to be minimal but may be required based on business needs.

Export Control and Security Requirements


This position may require access to technology, technical data, or information controlled under U.S. export-control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment is contingent upon the individual's ability to obtain lawful access to such information. The position may also require compliance with customer, facility-access, and security requirements.


Equal Opportunity Statement


Skyeton Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Skyeton provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious practices as required by law.


OUR PEOPLE MAKE A DIFFERENCE


About Skyeton, Inc

Skyeton is an aerospace and defense technology company focused on the design, production, and support of advanced unmanned aerial systems. At our growing Fayetteville, North Carolina operation, employees help establish and scale U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities that support demanding customer missions.

Company Culture

Skyeton combines the energy of a growing organization with the discipline required in aerospace manufacturing. We value teamwork, accountability, practical problem-solving, precise execution, and a willingness to improve. Our people make a difference, and every employee contributes directly to product quality, operational readiness, and customer success.