CNC Operator / Machinist

CNC Machinist

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative CNC Machinist to support research and development and rapid prototyping projects activities to transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The CNC Machinist will work within the Rapid Development Group (RDG) team consisting of other machinists, engineers, and interns.

Core Responsibilities

• Create, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam and machine controls
• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers
• Machine components using 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis equipment as required
• Take ownership of assigned parts from initial planning and programming through setup, machining, inspection, and completion
• Support a variety of machining workloads ranging from one-off R&D prototypes to repeat builds and small-to-moderate production runs
• Operate established programs, setups, and parts developed by other machinists when required to support team workload, production needs, and schedule commitments
• Design and manufacture custom fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing process documentation
• Determine appropriate machining strategies, cutting tools, workholding, feeds, speeds, and sequences to efficiently produce conforming hardware
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections to verify dimensional and quality requirements
• Utilize precision measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and other inspection equipment
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, setup, and dimensional issues to minimize downtime and scrap
• Maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and other product quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process
• Work with a variety of metals, plastics, and other materials commonly used in prototype and production machining
• Collaborate directly with engineering, quality, production, and other machinists to improve part manufacturability and manufacturing processes
• Provide practical DFM feedback to engineering personnel when designs present machining, inspection, tolerance, or production challenges
• Assist and mentor machine operators and less-experienced machinists as appropriate
• Document successful setups, tooling strategies, program revisions, and process improvements to support repeatability and future production
• Support shop priorities and transition between machines, programs, and jobs as workload demands
• Maintain personal work areas, machines, tooling, and common shop areas in a clean and organized condition
• Follow all company safety requirements and applicable OSHA standards
• Perform other duties, assignments, and responsibilities as reasonably assigned by management in support of departmental, programmatic, and organizational objectives

Equipment and Facility Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventative maintenance on CNC equipment and associated tooling
• Coordinate machine service requirements and communicate maintenance concerns to supervision
• Ensure tooling is properly stored, identified, and maintained
• Keep machines, work areas, and shared shop resources clean, organized, and ready for operation
• Follow all company safety procedures and housekeeping standards

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Machining Technology or equivalent technical training and experience
• 5 – 8 years of progressively responsible CNC machining experience
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating CNC machining equipment
• Experience with 3-axis machining and exposure to or experience with 4-axis and/or 5-axis machining
• Experience programming CNC equipment using Mastercam or comparable CAM software
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and applying GD&T requirements to machined components
• Working knowledge of cutting tools, feeds and speeds, workholding, fixture design, and machining processes
• Ability to independently set up, troubleshoot, and produce conforming parts from engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation
• Proficiency with precision measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and similar inspection tools
• Experience machining and preparing a variety of materials
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and electronic manufacturing documentation
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality hardware
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to operate jobs, programs, and setups developed by other machinists in support of overall shop priorities
• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 – 10 years of relevant experience
• Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining
• Experience with Haas CNC controls and equipment
• Experience with SolidWorks
• Experience programming and operating CNC waterjet equipment
• Experience supporting both prototype/R&D machining and repeat or production manufacturing
• Experience transitioning prototype components into repeatable production processes
• Experience developing fixtures and workholding for repeat production
• Experience with first-article inspection and QA/QC measurement processes
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management system
• Experience with CMM equipment or other advanced inspection systems
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or provide technical guidance to less-experienced machinists
• Self-motivated and capable of independently identifying and executing the next steps required to complete assigned work
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $27 to $40 (hourly USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.