Department: Manufacturing / Machine Shop
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Manufacturing Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Shift: 2nd Shift
Hours: 1:00pm – 9:30pm
Location: Onsite Position
Salary Range: $34.15 – $37.50 USD BOE
Position Summary
The Machinist III is a highly skilled, senior-level machinist responsible for program edits, setting up, and operating advanced CNC equipment to produce aerospace components with the highest level of precision. This role serves as a subject matter expert for machining practices, process optimization, and problem resolution, working with extremely tight tolerances and complex aerospace materials. The Machinist III also provides mentoring and training to junior machinists, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures compliance with AS9100, aerospace standards, and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Edit programs, set up, and operate complex CNC machines, including multi-axis mills, dual-pallet machining centers, and multi-tasking turning centers (Mazak, Okuma, Mori Seiki, WFL).
• Work with ultra-precision tolerances (±.0001” or tighter) on complex aerospace components.
• Machine exotic aerospace materials such as titanium, Inconel, 300M, stainless steels, and other high-temperature alloys.
• Collaborate on First Article Inspections (FAI) with Quality to ensure compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.
• Act as a technical lead and mentor, training Machinist I and Machinist II personnel in setup, operation, and inspection techniques.
• Collaborate with engineers and programmers to develop optimized CNC programs, setups, and fixtures for efficiency and repeatability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex machining issues, including tooling, programming, and process problems.
• Ensure traceability and documentation of parts, tooling, and setups in compliance with AS9100.
• Maintain and update machine setup documentation to support repeat production runs.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, 5S, and Kaizen events.
• Optimize CNC programs to ensure consistent and accurate part production.
• Document tooling and machine setup after FA approval for repeatability.
• Complete required inspection reports and maintain accurate records.
• Identify, report, and document defects or quality concerns; escalate issues to supervisors or quality engineers.
• Perform preventative maintenance and ensure machines are operating optimally.
• Act as a subject matter expert and assist in training co-workers as assigned.
• Advise Production Supervisor of equipment maintenance needs.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using advanced inspection equipment (optical comparators, precision gauges).
• Provide feedback on design for manufacturability (DFM) to engineering.
• Support supervisors and management in workload planning, forecasting, and process improvements.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and organized work area; uphold safety standards and PPE requirements.
• Take ownership of assigned projects, ensuring quality, cost, and schedule requirements are consistently met.
Skills & Knowledge
• Expert proficiency in CNC program edits, setup, and operation (multi-axis and multitasking equipment).
• Deep knowledge of blueprints, GD&T, aerospace standards, and military specifications.
• Strong background in machining exotic aerospace materials with extremely tight tolerances.
• Skilled in using advanced inspection equipment, including precision gauges.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems for production tracking and documentation.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and train less experienced machinists.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills, with the ability to resolve machining, tooling, and process challenges quickly.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities; able to collaborate across engineering, quality, and production teams.
Experience & Education
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in machining strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of CNC machining experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in program edits, setup, and machining of complex aerospace parts.
• Prior experience in lead or mentoring roles strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and FAA-regulated manufacturing environments.
ITAR Compliance Requirements
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
• Required to handle and safeguard export-controlled technical data in compliance with ITAR regulations.
• Completion of ITAR compliance training and adherence to all export control requirements mandatory.
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Benefits
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Holidays
401(k) Match
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time to perform their daily duties. The employee is required to reach with arms and grip with hand. Employees are also expected to communicate effectively with colleagues. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull or move up to fifty (50) pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.
- Occasionally required to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
- PPE required and may vary per each function performed, such as Safety glasses, safety shoes (steel or composite toe), ear protection, gloves
- Occasional exposure to shop elements such as noise, dust, odors and fumes.
About Cummins Aerospace
With over five decades, CUMMINS Aerospace has been at the forefront of precision machining and aerospace engineering. Our legacy is built on a foundation of dedicated engineers who have passionately passed down their expertise through generations, creating a legacy of technical innovation and unparalleled quality.
Cummins Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.