Full-Time
Mill Operator
Kaney
51-200 employees
Engineering, manufacturing, and testing aerospace systems
Compensation Overview
$25 - $36/hr
Freeland, MI, USA
In Person
 Mechanical Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- Strong CNC programming experience using computer-aided manufacturing software and machine-side editing.
- Experience machining high-precision components with tight tolerances.
- Strong understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, blueprint reading, and advanced inspection techniques.
- Experience developing machining processes that incorporate outside processing requirements.
- Knowledge of material behavior during heat treatment and secondary finishing operations.
- At least 5 years of advanced CNC milling experience in a precision machining environment.
- Proficiency with precision inspection equipment including micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, and coordinate measuring machines.
- Strong understanding of tooling, fixturing, workholding, and machining strategies.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Set up, program, and operate CNC milling machines to manufacture precision ball screw components and related hardware.
- Develop and optimize machining processes for new and existing parts.
- Create and edit CNC programs using computer-aided manufacturing software and machine controls.
- Analyze engineering drawings, models, and specifications to determine machining strategy and workholding requirements.
- Plan machining operations to accommodate outside processing changes including heat treat distortion, plating buildup, grinding stock allowance, and material movement.
- Determine proper machining sequence, tooling, feeds, speeds, and inspection requirements.
- Perform first-piece inspections and validate dimensional accuracy throughout the machining process.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve manufacturing and dimensional issues.
- Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process-related problems.
- Train and mentor less experienced machinists and operators.
- Maintain accurate setup sheets, tooling documentation, and process records.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and process capability.
- Ensure compliance with all safety and quality standards.
- Prior experience in ball screw, aerospace, medical, or motion-control manufacturing.
- Proficiency with precision inspection equipment including micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, and coordinate measuring machines.
Kaney Inc. provides high-precision motion and position-control actuation, test equipment, aircraft harnesses, laboratory infrastructure, and large-system integration for Aerospace, Defense, Medical, and UAV/UAM markets. Its offerings cover the full lifecycle from design to aftermarket support, including system engineering and certification work, backed by AS9100 certification. Actuation and motion-control solutions enable precise movement for aircraft, test setups, and integrated systems, while harnesses, labs, and validation equipment ensure reliable performance. The company differentiates itself through a global footprint, end-to-end capabilities, and a proven track record with major customers, aiming to deliver certified, ready-to-deploy solutions quickly.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Rockford, Illinois
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- July 14, 2026, Kaney invested $2.88 million in BGT Aerospace capacity and automation.
- The company hired Dustin Sargent to lead Freeland operations and scale production execution.
- Velocity One and Charlesbank back Kaney, funding R&D, acquisitions, and domestic manufacturing expansion.
What critics are saying
- FAA Part 145 and EASA repair credentials drive aftermarket revenue; any suspension crushes margins.
- Velocity One integration after February 24, 2026 acquisition can distract engineers and customers.
- Customer concentration around defense primes and space programs exposes revenue to program cancellations.
What makes Kaney unique
- Kaney integrates motion control, actuation, power, certification, and FAA/EASA repair under one roof.
- Kaney serves aerospace, defense, medical, and advanced mobility from Rockford and Dayton.
- BGT Aerospace supplies precision ball screws to Northrop Grumman, Safran, and Virgin Galactic.
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Company News
Kaney, a Velocity One portfolio company, is investing $2.88 million to expand its BGT Aerospace facility in Freeland, Michigan. The investment will add advanced production equipment including new machining, precision grinding, automation, and inspection technologies to increase manufacturing capacity for precision ball screw assemblies and motion control components. As part of the expansion, Kaney has selected Morris Midwest to supply multiple five-axis CNC machining centres. The company also appointed Dustin Sargent as director of operations and site lead for BGT Aerospace. BGT Aerospace manufactures precision components for aerospace, defence, space, and advanced mobility applications. Its customers include Northrop Grumman, Safran, Virgin Galactic, and Hummingbird Aero. The company received the 2024 Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Award for Strategic Excellence.
Kaney announces $2.88 million investment to expand BGT Aerospace operations in Freeland. * ACCESS Newswire * 18 hrs ago * 2 min to read FREELAND, MI / ACCESS Newswire / July 14, 2026 / Kaney, Inc., a Velocity One portfolio company, today announced a $2.88 million investment in its BGT Aerospace facility in Freeland, Michigan, expanding manufacturing capacity, adding advanced production equipment, and reinforcing the company's long-term commitment to the local community. The investment supports Kaney's strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities for aerospace, defense, space, and advanced mobility applications. "This investment reflects our confidence in BGT Aerospace and the Freeland community," said Steven Martinez, president, Kaney. "By investing in our people and expanding our manufacturing capabilities, we are positioning BGT for continued growth while strengthening our ability to support the evolving needs of the aerospace and defense industry."
Rockford engineering firm Kaney Aerospace joins national defense tech ecosystem. Posted: Feb 25, 2026 / 01:36 PM CST Updated: Feb 25, 2026 / 05:38 PM CST ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) - Rockford's Kaney Aerospace, known for its advanced actuation, motion-control and power-system technologies, has been acquired by Velocity One, an aerospace and defense platform backed by Charlesbank Capital Partners. Kaney, founded and headquartered in Rockford, employs more than 110 workers, including over 20 engineers in electrical, mechanical, software and aerospace disciplines. The company develops high-reliability motion-control systems, electric brake components, cockpit controls, and test-lab architecture used by major commercial and defense aviation programs worldwide. Its products fly on platforms ranging from traditional commercial jets to emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and autonomous aircraft. In addition to aerospace, Kaney supplies tens of thousands of components and systems to major medical-device manufacturers each year, including high-precision gear assemblies and robotic system components. The company also operates an FAA Part 145 and EASA-certified repair station. Rockford executive takes pride in manufacturing aircraft components and parts Jeffrey J. Kaney, Sr., who has led the company through years of expansion into high-value engineering and electromechanical systems, continues in his leadership role. Karan Talreja, Vice President at Charlesbank Capital Partners, said the acquisition strengthens Velocity One's capabilities in motion control and actuation - core engineering areas that Kaney has built its reputation around. "Kaney Aerospace is a natural addition to the Velocity One platform, adding motion control and actuation capabilities that complement our existing portfolio," Talreja said in the announcement. Kaney Aerospace has been one of the Rockford region's key contributors to the aerospace supply chain - an industry that employs thousands across northern Illinois. While the companies did not disclose financial details, the acquisition places Rockford-based engineering and manufacturing talent into a larger national defense-technology ecosystem.
Velocity One, an aerospace and defense platform backed by Charlesbank Capital Partners, has acquired Kaney Aerospace. Financial terms were not disclosed. Headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Kaney Aerospace specialises in electromechanical actuation, motion control and advanced power solutions for aerospace and medical applications. The company operates an FAA Part 145 and EASA-certified repair station, serving commercial and defense platforms worldwide, with growing adoption in Advanced Air Mobility and autonomous vehicles. The acquisition expands Velocity One's portfolio, which includes Cartridge Actuated Devices, EMCORE Corporation and Aerosphere Power & Navigation. Since 2022, Velocity One has assembled specialised aerospace and defense companies with expertise in mission-critical systems. RBC Capital Markets advised Kaney Aerospace, whilst Foley & Lardner served as legal counsel to Velocity One.
Kaney expects to invest about $1.7 million into its office and research and facility on First Street, Gondol's memo states.