CNC Machinist - Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Job Requirements

The CNC Machinist is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring CNC milling or CNC turning equipment to manufacture precision components used in defense and aerospace applications. Working under the direction of the CNC Mills Supervisor or CNC Lathes Supervisor, the CNC Machinist produces parts that meet strict dimensional, quality, and regulatory requirements while maintaining safe and efficient manufacturing operations. This position is a hands-on production role responsible for operating CNC equipment, performing machine setups, verifying part quality, maintaining tooling, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The CNC Machinist is expected to work independently within established procedures while collaborating closely with supervisors, programmers, quality personnel, and engineering staff.

Key Responsibilities:

CNC Machine Operation

• Operate CNC milling machines (3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centers) and/or CNC turning centers, including multi-axis and live-tool lathes, as assigned.

• Set up machines using approved setup sheets, tooling lists, fixtures, and work instructions.

• Load and unload raw materials, castings, forgings, or machined components.

• Verify machine setup prior to production and perform first-piece inspections in accordance with company procedures.

• Monitor machine performance during production and make approved tool wear offsets and minor machine adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy.

• Produce components that consistently meet engineering drawings, customer specifications, and production requirements.

Precision Machining

• Machine precision aerospace and defense components to close tolerances, often ±0.0005 inches or tighter.

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and GD&T requirements.

• Measure finished parts using precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, indicators, thread gauges, and coordinate measuring equipment as required.

• Verify dimensional accuracy, surface finish, concentricity, perpendicularity, and other critical characteristics throughout production.

• Identify and report machining issues affecting quality or productivity.

Tooling & Equipment

• Install, replace, and maintain cutting tools, inserts, drills, end mills, boring bars, and workholding devices.

• Monitor tool wear and notify the supervisor when tooling requires replacement or adjustment.

• Maintain fixtures, vises, chucks, collets, and other workholding equipment in proper operating condition.

• Perform routine machine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance as assigned.

• Report equipment malfunctions or maintenance concerns promptly.

Quality & Compliance

• Follow all AS9100 quality procedures, work instructions, and documented manufacturing processes.

• Maintain complete material traceability and accurately complete required production documentation.

• Support First Article Inspection (FAI), in-process inspections, and final inspections as required.

• Identify nonconforming material and immediately notify the supervisor or Quality Department.

• Comply with customer specifications, internal procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements, including ITAR where applicable.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.

• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe machining practices.

• Maintain a clean, organized work area consistent with 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.

• Handle materials, tooling, and finished components safely to prevent damage or injury.

Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

• Work under the direction of the CNC Mills Supervisor or CNC Lathes Supervisor to achieve production schedules and departmental objectives.

• Communicate machining issues, tooling concerns, or quality problems promptly.

• Assist with process improvements that reduce setup times, improve efficiency, and minimize scrap.

• Participate in cross-training activities to support both milling and turning operations as needed.

• Maintain a positive, professional attitude while contributing to a collaborative manufacturing environment.

Work Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational machining education preferred.

• Minimum 2–5 years of CNC machining experience in aerospace, defense, or other precision manufacturing environments.

• Experience operating CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, or both.

• Ability to perform machine setups with minimal supervision.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T.

• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment.

• Familiarity with Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Okuma, or similar CNC controls.

• Basic understanding of G-code, M-code, and CNC program editing preferred.

• Experience machining stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, Inconel, or other high-performance alloys.

• Knowledge of AS9100 quality requirements and manufacturing documentation preferred.

• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to quality.

Performance Expectations The CNC Machinist is expected to:

• Safely operate CNC milling or turning equipment while maintaining full compliance with company safety policies.

• Produce precision machined components that consistently meet engineering specifications and customer quality requirements.

• Achieve established production goals while minimizing scrap, rework, and machine downtime.

• Perform accurate inspections and maintain complete production and quality documentation.

• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and accountability in daily work assignments.

• Work effectively under the direction of the CNC Mills Supervisor or CNC Lathes Supervisor while supporting departmental goals.

• Maintain equipment, tooling, and work areas in a clean, organized, and production-ready condition.

• Continuously improve technical skills through training and cross-functional development.

• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and precision manufacturing in support of the company's defense and aerospace customers.