Senior Advanced Machinist

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc•Cullman, AL

13h•$39 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) is seeking a Senior Advanced Machinist for its Precision Structures & Optics (PSO) facility in Cullman, Alabama. The machinist will work as part of a cross-functional team manufacturing beryllium products for aerospace, defense, and nuclear applications. These products are used in high-performance sensing systems for targeting and acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and are hardened for battlefield environments. The role involves independently setting up and operating CNC and manual machine tools to produce precision components to engineering specifications. The machinist follows approved manufacturing procedures and revision-controlled documentation, performs complex setups, verifies tooling and CNC programs, monitors process and part quality, and addresses machining issues. The position also includes mentoring less-experienced machinists and recommending process improvements through established approval channels. Applicants need a technical certificate, seven years of experience, or equivalent. Selected applicants will undergo a U.S. Government security investigation and must qualify for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required because of the work performed at the facility. Aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing experience, familiarity with AS9100 requirements, and experience interpreting CMM inspection reports are preferred. The stated salary range is USD $38.90–$42.67 per hour; actual pay may vary based on experience and other factors. The posting remains open until the position is filled.

Requirements

Technical certificate, seven years of experience, or equivalent.
Precision machining experience, including independent setup and operation of CNC and manual equipment.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T, including datum structures, position, profile, flatness, perpendicularity, and runout.
Knowledge of CNC controls and G-code interpretation.
Knowledge of cutting-tool selection, workholding principles, and machining characteristics of commonly used aerospace materials.
Ability to independently complete complex CNC and manual machine setups.
Ability to consistently hold close tolerances and achieve specified surface finishes.
Ability to apply shop mathematics, geometry, and trigonometry to machining and inspection tasks.
Ability to follow detailed procedures and work instructions without unauthorized deviations.
Ability to maintain accurate records and communicate technical information clearly.
Ability to work independently while recognizing when engineering, quality, or supervisory guidance is required.
Sustained attention to detail during complex and repetitive operations.
Ability to recognize process variation and take timely action to prevent nonconforming product.
Demonstrated experience producing complex components to close tolerances.
Eligibility for access to classified information following a U.S. Government security investigation.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing experience.
Familiarity with AS9100 quality requirements.
Experience interpreting coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspection reports.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate CNC and manual equipment, including mills, lathes, and grinders, as required.
Produce precision components to close tolerances specified by engineering drawings.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, routers, and work instructions.
Follow approved manufacturing procedures, machining sequences, inspection requirements, and revision-controlled documentation; obtain authorization before deviating.
Perform complex setups using appropriate tooling, fixtures, and workholding methods to maintain accuracy and repeatability.
Establish and verify tool offsets and work coordinates; select or adjust speeds and feeds within approved process requirements.
Load and verify CNC programs and conduct controlled prove-outs in accordance with established procedures; make only authorized program changes.
Monitor tool wear, dimensional variation, surface finish, and part distortion; make authorized adjustments to maintain conformance.
Troubleshoot complex machining and setup issues and collaborate with manufacturing engineering, programming, and quality personnel when additional support is needed.
Identify and report nonconforming conditions, segregate affected material, and obtain approved disposition before rework or continued processing.
Mentor less-experienced machinists in setup techniques, precision measurement, troubleshooting, and adherence to approved procedures.
Recommend improvements to tooling, setups, and machining methods through established review and approval processes.
Follow applicable safety, housekeeping, and machine-guarding requirements.