1st Shift Mill Machinist

Job Title: 1st Shift CNC Mill Machinist (Machinist II – Aerospace)

Job Description

This 1st shift CNC Mill Machinist (Machinist II) role focuses on setting up and operating advanced CNC machinery to produce precision aerospace components from a variety of exotic materials. You will hold extremely tight tolerances, perform detailed in-process inspections, and work from complex engineering drawings and specifications while maintaining strict compliance with AS9100 and ITAR requirements. This position plays a critical role in supporting production flow, product quality, and on-time delivery in an aerospace manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate advanced CNC equipment, including dual pallet (4-axis) machining centers and multi-tasking turning centers such as Mazak and Okuma machines.
• Machine aerospace components from materials including aluminum alloys, copper alloys (including beryllium copper), stainless steel, high heat-treat materials, titanium, lightweight composites, phenolics, plastics, 300M, and high-temperature alloys.
• Work to extremely tight tolerances, including tolerances as tight as ±0.0001" in various turning and milling applications.
• Use precision inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and dial indicators, for machine setup, in-process checks, and on-machine inspection of forgings.
• Optimize CNC programs to ensure consistent, accurate, and efficient part production while maintaining quality standards.
• Document tooling and machine setups after first article (FA) approval to ensure repeatable and reliable production runs.
• Complete required inspection reports and maintain accurate physical and electronic records in accordance with AS9100 requirements.
• Identify, report, and document defects or quality concerns, escalating issues to supervisors or quality engineers as appropriate.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance on CNC machines and related equipment to ensure optimal operation.
• Act as a subject matter expert on CNC machining processes and assist in training and mentoring co-workers as assigned.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, and military or aerospace specifications to produce conforming parts.
• Perform thorough in-process and final inspections using precision measurement tools to verify that parts meet all quality and tolerance specifications.
• Follow AS9100 Quality Management System requirements, shop practices, and traveler instructions, including signing off job travelers upon completion of entire batches.
• Ensure full traceability of parts, including accurate serial number identification, documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Handle aerospace components carefully to avoid damage and maintain inspection and work areas in a clean, organized, and FOD-free condition.
• Inspect own work consistently and take accountability for producing parts that meet all dimensional and quality requirements.
• Support production deadlines by maintaining high efficiency, flexibility, and a strong sense of urgency in daily work tasks.
• Participate in cross-functional tasks and provide support to other departments when needed to maintain overall production flow.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by following safety procedures, using required personal protective equipment (PPE), and reporting unsafe conditions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, engineering, quality, and peers to resolve technical issues and improve processes.
• Advise the Production Supervisor of equipment maintenance needs, potential issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Work a 1st shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with the flexibility to work up to 2 hours of overtime daily as needed to meet production demands.

Essential Skills

• Ideal minimum of 10+ years of experience operating and setting up Mill/Turn machines (such as Integrex and WFL) and multi-axis CNC mills (5–7 axis).
• Strong proficiency in CNC machining, including turning, multi-axis milling, and multitasking machining centers.
• Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and military or aerospace specifications.
• Demonstrated skill in using precision inspection equipment, including dial indicators, micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and similar tools.
• Deep understanding of tight tolerance machining, including holding tolerances as tight as ±0.0001".
• Familiarity with AS9100 Quality Management System requirements and aerospace shop practices.
• Hands-on experience working with exotic aerospace materials, including titanium, 300M, stainless steel, high-temperature alloys, aluminum alloys, copper alloys (including beryllium copper), high heat-treat materials, lightweight composites, phenolics, and plastics.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills …