Senior Machinist

Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Type: Hourly
Pay Range: $26.60–$30.00 per hour, depending on experience; higher compensation may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates
Schedule: 1st Shift, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Experience Required: Minimum 3 years of related machining experience
Work Authorization: Must meet applicable U.S. export compliance and/or U.S. Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Machinist to set up and operate conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining equipment to manufacture precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and established production procedures.

The selected candidate will perform machining operations involving cutting, shaping, drilling, grinding, forming, deburring, and reworking components. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to interpret technical blueprints, and demonstrated experience maintaining extremely tight dimensional tolerances.

The ideal candidate will have experience operating precision grinding equipment, CNC lathes, wire electrical discharge machines (EDMs), broaching equipment, and conventional machine tools. Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and the ability to perform accurate dimensional inspections are essential.

This role requires experience working with tight machining tolerances of approximately ±0.003 inches or better, with particular emphasis on precision inspection and measurement capabilities involving tolerances as tight as 0.0005 inches.

The Senior Machinist will work with limited supervision in a team-oriented manufacturing environment while maintaining high standards for product quality, equipment reliability, workplace safety, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Machine Setup and Operation

• Set up and operate multiple conventional and CNC production machines to manufacture precision components.
• Perform machining operations including cutting, shaping, drilling, grinding, forming, deburring, and reworking parts.
• Operate precision grinding equipment, including outside diameter (OD), inside diameter (ID), profile, and surface grinders.
• Work with CNC lathes, wire EDM equipment, broaching machines, and conventional machine tools as required.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, planning sheets, route sheets, and manufacturing instructions.
• Install, position, align, and adjust cutting tools based on material characteristics and machining requirements.
• Determine and adjust machine feed rates, spindle speeds, and depths of cut to achieve specified dimensional and surface finish requirements.
• Make necessary machine adjustments to maintain machining accuracy, product quality, and production efficiency.
• Identify improper machine operation, tooling issues, or cutting conditions and communicate concerns for corrective action.
• Follow established manufacturing methods, tooling requirements, and production sequences.

Precision Machining and Tooling

• Machine components to close dimensional tolerances in accordance with engineering specifications and quality requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce precision parts within tolerances of ±0.003 inches or better.
• Support precision machining and inspection requirements involving tolerances as tight as 0.0005 inches.
• Select, install, and adjust appropriate tooling and work-holding devices for specific machining applications.
• Use fixtures, arbors, vises, chucks, carriers, collets, and clamping systems to properly secure and position workpieces.
• Verify proper alignment, positioning, and stability of components before and during machining operations.
• Apply machine shop mathematics, including basic calculations and trigonometry when required.
• Handle raw stock, partially machined components, and finished parts using appropriate material-handling equipment.
• Perform precision deburring and finishing operations without damaging critical surfaces or dimensional features.

Inspection and Quality Control

• Inspect machined components to verify conformity with engineering drawings, dimensional specifications, and established acceptance criteria.
• Use precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial indicators, bore gauges, and surface finish comparators.
• Perform dimensional inspections involving extremely tight tolerances, including measurements associated with 0.0005-inch requirements.
• Evaluate component dimensions, surface finishes, geometric features, and overall workmanship.
• Use magnification equipment, including microscopes when necessary, to identify burrs, surface damage, and defects in critical areas.
• Visually inspect machined surfaces for defects, damage, and unacceptable finishing conditions.
• Identify and report nonconforming parts, dimensional discrepancies, and manufacturing quality concerns.
• Perform required statistical process control (SPC) activities to monitor process stability and product conformity.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and production documentation.

Equipment Maintenance and Material Handling

• Perform routine machine cleaning, inspection, and maintenance activities to support equipment accuracy and reliability.
• Maintain machining equipment, tooling, fixtures, and work areas in accordance with established procedures.
• Safely handle raw materials, work-in-process components, and finished products.
• Use hoists, carts, lifts, and other approved material-handling equipment when required.
• Identify equipment abnormalities and communicate maintenance or repair needs promptly.
• Maintain proper organization and storage of materials, tools, and manufactured components.

Production Documentation and Computer Systems

• Complete required shop documentation, including job travelers, inspection records, production reports, and time reporting.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records associated with machining operations.
• Interpret production reports, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Use applicable job-specific software, electronic reporting systems, and manufacturing information platforms.
• Follow established procedures for documenting production activity, inspection results, and manufacturing discrepancies.

Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement

• Participate in Lean manufacturing initiatives focused on improving productivity, reducing waste, and controlling manufacturing costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes, workflow efficiency, tooling utilization, and production quality.
• Recommend practical improvements to manufacturing methods and work procedures.
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and tools within assigned production areas.
• Support efforts to reduce scrap, rework, unnecessary handling, and equipment downtime.
• Collaborate with team members and production leadership to implement sustainable process improvements.

Safety and Workplace Standards

• Follow established workplace safety policies, operating procedures, and manufacturing requirements.
• Use machining equipment, hand tools, power tools, and material-handling devices safely and appropriately.
• Maintain clean, orderly, and organized workstations.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential workplace hazards.
• Follow all applicable company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Perform additional machining and production-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of related machining experience in a manufacturing or precision machining environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set up and operate conventional and/or CNC machining equipment.
• Experience operating precision machining equipment such as grinders, CNC lathes, wire EDMs, broaches, or comparable machine tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, route sheets, and manufacturing instructions.
• Experience machining components to tight dimensional tolerances, including requirements of approximately ±0.003 inches or better.
• Familiarity with precision measurement and inspection requirements involving tolerances as tight as 0.0005 inches.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, and bore gauges.
• Ability to determine and adjust feed rates, spindle speeds, and depths of cut.
• Experience setting up and using fixtures, vises, chucks, collets, and other work-holding equipment.
• Working knowledge of machine shop mathematics, including trigonometry when applicable.
• Ability to inspect finished components for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and workmanship.
• Experience performing deburring, reworking, and finishing operations on precision machined components.
• Ability to complete production paperwork, inspection documentation, and electronic manufacturing records accurately.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) practices.
• Ability to apply Lean manufacturing concepts and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use job-specific software applications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Ability to meet applicable U.S. export compliance and/or U.S. Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating OD, ID, profile, and surface grinding equipment.
• Experience with CNC lathes, wire EDM machines, and broaching equipment.
• Demonstrated experience producing precision components to tolerances of 0.0005 inches or tighter.
• Experience machining complex components requiring critical dimensional accuracy and surface finish control.
• Experience using microscopes or other magnification equipment for precision component inspection.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) documentation and manufacturing quality reporting.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or another precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience participating in Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience using electronic manufacturing records, ERP/MRP systems, or specialized shop-floor software.

Work Environment

• Precision machining and manufacturing production environment.
• Regular operation of conventional and CNC machining equipment.
• Frequent use of precision measuring instruments, hand tools, power tools, and work-holding fixtures.
• Handling of raw materials, partially machined components, and finished precision parts.
• Use of approved material-handling equipment, including carts, hoists, and lifts when required.
• Work requiring close attention to dimensional accuracy, surface quality, machine performance, and established safety procedures.
• First-shift schedule from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Key Competencies

• Precision machining and machine setup
• CNC and conventional machine operation
• OD, ID, profile, and surface grinding
• CNC lathe, wire EDM, and broaching operations
• Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation
• Tight-tolerance machining
• Precision measurement and dimensional inspection
• Machine shop mathematics
• Cutting tool selection and adjustment
• Feed rates, spindle speeds, and depth-of-cut optimization
• Work-holding and fixture setup
• Deburring and surface finish inspection
• Statistical process control (SPC)
• Equipment maintenance and reliability
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Production documentation and recordkeeping
• Quality control and defect identification
• Workplace safety and accountability
• Teamwork and technical communication