CNC Machinist - Various Levels

Tessera•Kent, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Tessera is expanding its Aerospace Manufacturing team in Auburn, WA, and is seeking multiple CNC Machinists across various shifts. This role involves operating CNC machines to produce parts that meet quality and safety requirements, with different levels of responsibility and independence depending on the Machinist level (I, II, or III). The positions are in-person, full-time, and non-exempt, with compensation varying by experience and level. The company emphasizes a purpose-driven culture, core values of Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity, and a commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment. Tessera is dedicated to creating opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED or equivalent, required.
Eligibility to work in an ITAR-controlled setting.
Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access.
Background check and E-Verify will be conducted.
0–3 years of CNC machining experience or completion of a recognized machining training program (Level I).
Basic understanding of CNC machine operation and shop safety practices (Level I).
Ability to read basic engineering drawings and follow written work instructions (Level I).
Familiarity with common measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) (Level I).
Ability to accurately complete production and inspection documentation (Level I).
Willingness to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment (Level I).
3-5 years of CNC machining experience in an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment (Level II).
Intermediate understanding of CNC machine operation and shop safety practices (Level II).
Ability to accurately complete production and inspection documentation (Level II).
Proven ability to independently set up and operate CNC machines (Level II).
Proficiency reading aerospace engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T (Level II).
Experience performing first-article, in-process, and final inspections (Level II).
Strong understanding of AS9100 documentation, traceability, and nonconformance control (Level II).
Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and dimensional issues (Level II).
Willingness to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment (Level II).
5+ years of CNC machining experience, primarily in aerospace manufacturing, required (Level III).
Expert understanding of CNC machine operation and shop safety practices (Level III).
Advanced proficiency in GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and aerospace specifications (Level III).
Familiarity with common measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges) (Level III).
Ability to accurately complete production and inspection documentation (Level III).
Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex machining and quality issues (Level III).
Experience collaborating with engineering and quality on first part runs and process validation (Level III).
Willingness to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment (Level III).
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking.
Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.
A valid state driver’s license is preferred with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance.
Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a technical machining certificate or apprenticeship (Level I, II).
Introductory exposure to aerospace quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) (Level I).
Familiarity with GD&T fundamentals (Level I).
Experience working with aluminum or common aerospace alloys (Level I, II).
Journeyman Machinist certification or equivalent experience (Level II).
Experience working in an AS9100 certified shop (Level II).
Experience machining hard metals, tight-tolerance, flight-critical components (Level II).
Familiarity with customer-specific aerospace requirements (e.g., Boeing BAC, Airbus, DoD) (Level II).
Experience mentoring or training entry-level machinists (Level II).
Journeyman Machinist certification, Master Machinist, or equivalent (Level III).
Advanced GD&T certification (Level III).
Experience working with aluminum or common aerospace alloys (Level III).
Strong working knowledge of Aerospace Quality and process control requirements (AS9100) and experience working in an AS9100 shop (Level III).
Horizontal mill and hard metal experience (Level III).
CNC programming experience (e.g., Mastercam, NX, or similar) (Level III).
Experience supporting DoD, space, or flight-critical programs (Level III).
Demonstrated leadership experience in mentoring and technical problem-solving (Level III).

Responsibilities

Operate CNC machines under supervision (Level I) or independently (Level II, III) in compliance with Tessera QMS quality procedures and AS9100.
Follow documented work instructions, travelers, and routers to ensure full traceability.
Load and unload parts, tools, and fixtures while protecting product and machinery from damage.
Read and interpret aerospace engineering drawings, manufacturing notes, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
Perform basic (Level I) or advanced (Level II, III) dimensional inspections using calibrated measurement equipment.
Complete in-process inspection steps as defined by quality plans.
Accurately record production, inspection results, and lot traceability documentation.
Identify, segregate, and report nonconforming material per Tessera Quality procedures.
Handle ITAR-controlled technical data and hardware in accordance with company policy.
Maintain clean, organized work areas consistent with 5S and FOD prevention practices.
Follow all safety, EHS, and ITAR-control requirements at all times.
Participate in ongoing training related to aerospace quality, compliance, and machining.
Independently set up and operate CNC equipment to produce precision components (Level II, III).
Make machining adjustments to maintain tight tolerances and flight-critical quality (Level II, III).
Troubleshoot common (Level II) or complex (Level III) machining, tooling, and dimensional issues.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, yield, and efficiency (Level II, III).
Assist in training and mentoring CNC Machinist I employees (Level II).
Lead complex CNC setups and advanced machining operations (Level III).
Optimize CNC programs, tooling strategies, and machining processes for aerospace applications (Level III).
Partner with engineering and quality to support new product introductions and FAI approval (Level III).
Drive process improvements to enhance first-pass yield, cycle time, and repeatability (Level III).
Establish standard work and best practices aligned with AS9100 requirements (Level III).
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to CNC Machinist I and CNC Machinist II employees (Level III).
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for nonconformances (Level III).
Act as a subject-matter expert for aerospace machining and quality compliance (Level III).
Uphold and model ITAR compliance standards (Level III).