CNC Machinist & Programmer III
On-siteHuntsville, Alabama, United States
Job Summary
Set up, operate, and optimize multi-axis CNC equipment including 5-axis milling, turning, grinding, and EDM to produce high-precision components for rotating machinery, heat exchangers, and structural assemblies. Interpret complex engineering drawings with GD&T requirements to plan machining sequences, perform first-article machining for new part numbers, and execute in-process measurement using precision instruments to maintain tolerances. Provide direct machinability feedback to design engineering on tolerancing and feature geometry before designs freeze, while evaluating and recommending CNC machines for the long-term production equipment plan. Maintain tooling inventories, support process qualification studies, and perform basic preventive maintenance on equipment.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate degree in machining technology or equivalent technical training
- 10+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience in an aerospace environment
- 5+ years of experience working with multi-axis lathes and high-speed 5-axis mills producing complex parts with tight tolerances
- 5+ years of experience machining hardened metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and high-temperature superalloys
- Extensive experience with CNC controls including Mazak, Okuma, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, or equivalent platforms
- Excellent blueprint reading skills including GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures
- A continuous improvement mindset
- Extremely customer focused with strong verbal and written communication skills
- A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with teams of multiple skills across large geographic distances
- Exceptional organizational and analytical skills
- A proven ability to drive complex projects with minimal oversight
- U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum
- Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with turbomachinery components made from nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, copper, or titanium
- Tooling and fixture design experience — ability to concept and specify workholding for complex geometries
- Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts around flight-critical hardware
- Outside processing knowledge (heat treat, plating, coating, EDM, grinding, etc.)
- Experience with post-processing of additive manufactured parts (finish machining AM components)
- Experience with 5-axis simultaneous machining (DMG Mori, Hermle, Mikron, or similar)
- Experience evaluating and selecting CNC machine tools for production — vendor assessment, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems
- CAM software experience, preferably Siemens NX
- Proficiency with precision measurement instruments (micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, CMM operation, surface profilometers)
- Ability to work effectively with close attention to detail in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with rapidly changing roles and responsibilities
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