Lathe Machinist

Basic Qualifications

Technical certificate or 3 years of experience or equivalent is required.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

Lathe Machinist

**THIS IS A WEEKEND SHIFT POSITION, FRI - SUN 6:00AM - 6:30PM**

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

As a Machinist for General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) Precision Structures & Optics (PSO) located in Cullman, AL, you’ll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for manufacturing Beryllium products for use in the most demanding applications, across the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries.  Our products are used in high performance sensing systems for targeting and acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and are hardened for the battlefield environment.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills:

• Experience in the manufacture of tight tolerance, complex geometry precision products, particularly within an aerospace or medical component machine shop
• Ability to work from blueprints, advanced drawings, process sheets and sketches to perform machining operations with precision, quality, and safety
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; able to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a quick, effective manner

Representative Duties:

• Set up and operate CNC machines and/or multi-axis machining centers to manufacture complex precision components
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T requirements, work instructions, and manufacturing process documentation
• Select and install cutting tools, workholding devices, and fixtures; establish tool and work offsets and verify setup accuracy
• Review CNC programs, perform controlled prove-outs, and make authorized adjustments to offsets, feeds, speeds, and tool paths
• Understand tolerances, material specs, and critical dimensions
• Modify existing CNC programs using G-Code with supervision
• Machine components to specified tolerances and surface finishes while controlling tool wear, burr formation, and part distortion
• Monitor machining operations, identify process variations, and troubleshoot tooling, set up, and dimensional issues
• Identify and report nonconforming conditions; support root-cause investigations and corrective actions
• Handle, clean, and protect precision components in accordance with work instructions
• Collaborate with engineers, CNC programmers, and quality personnel to improve manufacturability, repeatability, and production efficiency
• Communicate effectively during shift handovers and team meetings
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts
• Follow all safety procedures and use PPE
• Perform routine equipment care and maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge:

• Precision machining experience, preferably manufacturing aerospace or medical components
• Ability to independently set up and operate assigned CNC equipment and produce tight-tolerance, complex geometry parts
• Proficiency reading engineering drawings and applying GD&T, including datums, feature control frames, and positional requirements
• Skilled use of precision inspection instruments, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, and height gauges
• Working knowledge of CNC controls and G-code sufficient to understand programs, verify setups, and make authorized edits
• Knowledge of cutting-tool selection, workholding methods, and feeds and speeds
• Ability to recognize and control factors affecting dimensional accuracy and surface finish, including tool wear, thermal effects, vibration, and workholding distortion
• Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and commitment to consistent workmanship
• Ability to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and work effectively with production, engineering, and quality teams
• Knowledge of machine-shop safety practices, including safe machine operation, and personal protective equipment

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning a development
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more

Workplace Options:

This position is fully on-site.

While on-site, you will be a part of the Cullman, AL facility.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $33.66 - USD $36.10 /Hr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans