Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: CNC Machinist

Job Description

This role involves programming, setting up, and operating multi-axis CNC milling centers and conventional machine tools to produce complex, precision components. You will support the full lifecycle of hardware manufacturing, from material ordering and work package development to machining, inspection, and coordination with engineering. The position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative fabrication team in a highly technical environment.

Responsibilities

• Program three-, four-, and five-axis machine tools using Unigraphics, Power-Mill, and/or MasterCam Computer Aided Manufacturing software for complex parts and structures.
• Set up and operate Computer Numerical Controlled milling centers with three-, four-, and five-axis capabilities to produce precision components to tight tolerances.
• Operate conventional machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, band saws, and other general machine shop equipment to support fabrication needs.
• Set up machine tools by selecting proper tooling, jigs, and fixtures, and determine correct speeds and feeds for the material being machined.
• Establish machine references, including all five-axis moves within the program, and verify part setup height to ensure proper clearance between the machine spindle and table to prevent crashes.
• Order materials and ensure appropriate certifications are obtained when required, and select or order the proper tooling needed for each job.
• Develop flight work packages, including FIOS generation, uploading supporting documentation, and coordinating support service signoffs.
• Estimate time and materials required to complete hardware manufacturing and provide accurate input for planning and scheduling.
• Provide responsive support for walk-in work and ad hoc fabrication requests.
• Collaborate with engineers and requesters to resolve drawing issues, clarify requirements, coordinate drawing revisions, and confirm due dates.
• Follow established fabrication policies and procedures with strict adherence to quality and process standards.
• Fully comply with all safety regulations and provisions in the shop and facility.
• Work effectively in a team environment on projects that require multiple skills and coordination across several organizations.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally, and maintain organized work practices and documentation.
• Stay current on new technologies in welding and fabrication to help maintain state-of-the-art capabilities within the shop.
• Machine complex structures to tight tolerances as specified in engineered drawing callouts, ensuring dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Take direction with minimal instruction and consistently produce high-quality work within required timelines.
• Safely and proficiently operate motive equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, and oscillating-type man lifts.
• Complete training to become a Fall Protection Authorized User and apply safe work practices when working at heights as required.
• Complete training to become a Shop Machine Safety Operator and adhere to all machine safety protocols.
• Use Microsoft Office 365 for timekeeping, email communication, documentation, and coordination with team members and engineers.
• Work overtime as needed to meet customer delivery deadlines and support critical project milestones.
• Assist in developing Job Hazard Analyses to comply with NASA safety requirements and promote a safe working environment.
• Develop skills and understanding to utilize JobBoss2 for work package processing and workflow tracking.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, equipment problems, and process deviations to maintain productivity and quality.
• Apply lathe and CNC machining skills to produce parts accurately and efficiently according to specifications.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform minor programming of three-, four-, and five-axis machine tools using Unigraphics, Power-Mill, and/or MasterCam Computer Aided Manufacturing software.
• Proficiency in setting up and operating CNC milling centers with three-, four-, and five-axis capabilities.
• Ability to operate conventional machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, band saws, and general machine shop equipment.
• Skill in selecting appropriate tooling, jigs, fixtures, and determining correct speeds and feeds for various materials.
• Experience setting machine references for five-axis moves and verifying setups to ensure safe clearances and prevent collisions.
• Capability to develop work packages, including documentation and coordination of required signoffs.
• Experience estimating time and materials for hardware manufacturing tasks.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for machining processes and equipment issues.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from engineered drawings and drawing callouts with tight tolerances.
• Experience working in a team environment that requires coordination across multiple groups or organizations.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and organized work practices.
• Demonstrated ability to follow strict fabrication policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 for communication and documentation.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and oscillating-type man lifts, or willingness to train to proficiency.
• Capability to take direction with minimal instruction and deliver quality results on time.
• Comfort working in a structured, safety-focused environment, including adherence to NASA-related safety requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Unigraphics, Power-Mill, and/or MasterCam for multi-axis programming beyond minor programming tasks.
• Familiarity with developing flight work packages and FIOS generation.
• Experience ordering materials and managing material certifications for aerospace or similarly regulated environments.
• Working with complex weldments and fabricated structures in a machine shop setting.
• Interest in and commitment to staying abreast of new technologies in welding and fabrication.
• Prior experience operating motive equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, and man lifts in an industrial environment.
• Willingness to become Fall Protection Authorized User trained.
• Willingness to become Shop Machine Safety Operator trained.
• Experience using JobBoss2 or similar manufacturing/work package processing systems.
• Prior exposure to NASA or other high-reliability, safety-critical environments is beneficial.
• Professional development mindset, with interest in ongoing training and skill enhancement.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly technical environment that supports advanced engineering and fabrication projects, offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. The organization provides outstanding medical benefits, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage to support your health and well-being. You can build long-term financial security through a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, along with life and AD&D insurance, dependent life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and travel accident insurance. You will enjoy paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave that support work-life balance and time away from work. The culture emphasizes professional growth, offering professional development opportunities and tuition and textbook reimbursement to help you expand your skills and advance your career.

Work Environment

The position is based onsite at a major research center in Hampton, Virginia, within a shop environment that supports advanced fabrication and machining activities. You will work both independently and as part of a team of fabricators and welders, collaborating closely to deliver high-quality hardware. The primary work setting is a fully equipped machine shop with CNC milling centers, conventional lathes and mills, grinders, drill presses, band saws, and other general machine shop equipment, along with access to motive equipment such as forklifts, overhead cranes, and oscillating-type man lifts. You will also have an assigned office space with a computer for timekeeping, email communication, and working with engineering drawings and documentation using tools such as Microsoft Office 365 and JobBoss2. The standard work schedule is a day shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with overtime available as needed to meet customer delivery deadlines. The environment follows strict safety protocols and NASA safety requirements, with formal training in fall protection and machine safety, creating a structured, safety-focused workplace where adherence to procedures and quality standards is essential.

This is a Contract position based out of Hampton, VA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Hampton,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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