Machine Operator I – Aerospace Manufacturing

Employment Type: Direct Hire
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Work Location: Kent, Washington
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Pay Range: $20.00–$31.60 per hour, depending on experience; hiring is targeted toward the entry-to-middle portion of the range
Open Positions: 2
Education Required: High school diploma or GED
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required

Available Shifts:

• 1st Shift: Monday–Thursday, 3:30 AM–2:00 PM or 4:30 AM–2:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: Monday–Thursday, 2:30 PM–1:00 AM
• Weekend Shift: Friday–Sunday, 5:00 AM–5:30 PM

Position Overview

We are seeking Machine Operator I candidates to support aerospace manufacturing operations using established processes to set up, program, and operate industrial machinery.

This position involves forming, cutting, bending, sizing, and machining aerospace components made from nickel, stainless steel, and titanium alloys.

The selected candidates will follow manufacturing instructions, verify machine setups, inspect parts using precision measuring instruments, and maintain accurate production documentation.

Work is performed under direct oversight. The ideal candidate will have basic manufacturing knowledge, familiarity with machine tools, strong manual dexterity, and the judgment to stop and seek clarification when needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate industrial machinery using established manufacturing processes.
• Form, cut, bend, size, and machine aerospace components made from nickel, stainless steel, and titanium alloys.
• Verify machine setups to produce parts that meet customer-specified tolerances.
• Read, understand, and follow written instructions, sketches, drawings, and manufacturing documents.
• Set up and use tooling associated with assigned machines.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify part dimensions, tolerances, and quality.
• Perform shop mathematics associated with machining operations.
• Follow established manufacturing standards and safety procedures.
• Enter accurate production information into manufacturing planning and electronic timekeeping systems.
• Work under direct oversight and request clarification when instructions or requirements are unclear.
• Operate equipment safely and use required personal protective equipment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing planning documents and sketches.
• Understanding of proper setup and use of tooling associated with manufacturing machines.
• Familiarity with machine tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to perform shop mathematics associated with machining operations.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate tools, equipment, and manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to understand and follow written instructions, drawings, and related documentation.
• Ability to recognize when to stop work and seek clarification.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to work onsite in Kent, Washington.
• Availability to work an assigned first, second, or weekend shift.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physical activities involving considerable use of the arms and legs and frequent whole-body movement.
• Ability to climb, balance, lift, and handle materials as required.
• Ability to lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle components, tooling, and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Work Environment

• Onsite aerospace manufacturing environment in Kent, Washington.
• Work involves industrial machinery and components made from nickel, stainless steel, and titanium alloys.
• Regular use of machine tools, production tooling, and precision measuring instruments.
• Work performed under direct oversight.
• Required protective equipment may include safety glasses, full face shields, hearing protection, heat-reflective garments, and gloves.
• First-, second-, and weekend-shift schedules are available.
• Strong emphasis on safe equipment operation, dimensional accuracy, and complete production documentation.

Key Competencies

• Industrial machine operation
• Machine setup and tooling
• Aerospace component manufacturing
• Manufacturing instruction interpretation
• Precision measurement
• Dimensional accuracy and quality inspection
• Shop mathematics
• Manual dexterity
• Production documentation
• Safety awareness
• Attention to detail
• Sound judgment and willingness to seek guidance
• Reliability and accountability