PTL CNC Machinist IV -Technical Lead

Fairbanks Morse Defense • Pascagoula, MS

6d

About The Position

Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is seeking an experienced CNC professional to oversee daily CNC machining floor operations and connect engineering with production. In this hands-on technical and leadership role, the CNC Technical Lead works alongside Design and Manufacturing Engineers to translate CAD/CAM designs into efficient, repeatable production processes. The role includes troubleshooting complex setups, optimizing programs, mentoring machinists, and ensuring production meets quality, safety, and efficiency standards. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance.

The position involves guiding CNC machinists with daily setups, tool selection, speeds and feeds, and complex machining operations; setting up, proving out, and debugging CNC programs; and resolving machining, machine alarm, tooling, and dimensional issues on the shop floor. The lead also collaborates with Engineering and Quality Assurance on manufacturability, CAM and G-code refinements, and First Article Inspection. They train and mentor machinists and uphold quality, 5S, Lean manufacturing, and safety practices. The specification notes that duties may be assigned or directed by a supervisor and that employees must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation and work productively as part of a team.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of hands-on precision CNC machining experience, including at least 2 years in a lead, supervisory, or senior setup role.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required DOD security clearance.
• Advanced understanding of G-code/M-code programming and manual editing at the control, including Haas, Fanuc, Mazak, Heidenhain, or similar systems.
• Proficiency interpreting complex engineering blueprints and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Extensive experience using precision measurement tools, including micrometers, bore gauges, and height gauges, and interpreting CMM outputs.
• Hands-on expertise with multi-axis milling and turning machines, tooling selection, and custom work-holding and fixturing.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as NX, Mastercam, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360, and experience working directly with engineering 3D models.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, machinists, and upper management.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 5-axis machining or live-tooling lathes.
• Background in aerospace, medical device, automotive, or high-precision job-shop manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma practices.
• Associate degree or vocational certification in Precision Machining/Manufacturing Technology.
• Experience working with large castings.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support CNC machinists with daily shift setups, tool selections, speeds and feeds optimization, and complex machining operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, tool life, fixture designs, and machining strategies.
• Set up, prove out, and debug new or high-complexity CNC programs before handing them off to operators.
• Diagnose and resolve machining issues, machine alarms, tooling wear, and dimensional non-conformances on the shop floor.
• Partner with Engineering to review drawings, models, and prototypes and provide feedback on manufacturability and tolerances.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to refine tool paths, program logic, and post-processors to eliminate bottlenecks.
• Work with Quality Assurance and Engineering to inspect First Article parts and validate new tooling and fixtures.
• Train, mentor, and up-skill junior and mid-level CNC operators in setups, blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision measurement tools.
• Enforce quality standards, 5S practices, and Lean manufacturing methodologies to minimize scrap and rework.
• Ensure floor personnel follow shop safety policies, use proper machine guarding, and meet OSHA requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits starting on the first day of hire.
• Eligibility for 100% tuition reimbursement after 12 months.
• 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match.
• Annual company performance-based bonus.
• Opportunities for professional growth through applying expertise, developing others, and collaborating with engineering and production teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed