CNC Machinist - Lathe 2nd Shift
About The Position
As a CNC Lathe Machinist, you will set up and operate CNC turning equipment to produce precision aerospace components that meet demanding dimensional and surface-finish requirements. You will contribute to high-quality manufacturing by interpreting engineering drawings, performing accurate inspections, and ensuring consistent machining performance throughout production. Your expertise will help maintain quality, productivity, and efficiency across critical hypersonic and missile-defense manufacturing operations. This role is part of Karman Space & Defense’s Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 5 years of CNC lathe machining experience, preferably in aerospace or precision manufacturing.
- Strong CNC lathe setup and operating skills.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Knowledge of cutting tools, inserts, feeds, speeds, and work holding.
- Ability to perform precision measurements and dimensional inspections.
- Basic understanding of CNC G-code and M-code.
- Strong mathematical, mechanical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight tolerances.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and handle tooling, fixtures, raw material, and finished components as required, perform repetitive machining and inspection tasks, and work safely around machine tools, cutting fluids, chips, and manufacturing equipment.
- Must meet U.S. person status requirements under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes or live-tool turning centers.
- Experience machining difficult aerospace materials such as titanium and Inconel.
- Familiarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality or traceability requirements.
- Experience with Mori Seki or similar CNC controls.
- Ability to make basic program edits and troubleshoot CNC programs.
- Formal CNC machining certification, apprenticeship, or vocational training.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers to manufacture precision aerospace components.
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and process documentation.
- Set up tooling, work holding, inserts, offsets, and cutting parameters.
- Load, verify, and make minor edits to CNC programs.
- Adjust tool offsets and monitor cutting conditions to maintain dimensional accuracy.
- Machine components from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other aerospace materials.
- Perform first-piece, in-process, and final inspections using precision measuring equipment.
- Use micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, thread gauges, height gauges, and related inspection tools.
- Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, surface-finish, and machining issues.
- Maintain accurate production, inspection, and traceability records.
- Follow aerospace quality standards, company procedures, and safety requirements.
- Maintain machines, tooling, fixtures, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
- Collaborate with Quality and the Manufacturing Supervisor to resolve production and quality issues.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities to enhance productivity, quality, and machining efficiency.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
