CNC Machinist

UIC Government Services and the Bowhead Family of Companies; Indian Head (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

UIC Government Services and the Bowhead Family of Companies seeks a skilled CNC Machinist for NSWC Indian Head, MD. The role requires 7–10 years of hands-on CNC and water jet experience, with GD&T interpretation and basic metrology skills.

You will work in a fast-paced prototype shop, collaborating with engineers to iterate designs while maintaining strict safety and security standards. On-site position with 50 lb lifting capability and PPE adherence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; machining certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machines and water jet cutters for prototype parts.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and dial indicators for in-process inspection.
• Collaborate with engineers to resolve design/manufacturability issues.
• Inspect parts to verify tolerances and specifications.
• Follow shop safety and material handling guidelines.
• Document work performed and status.
• Maintain clean, organized workstations in a team environment.
• Comply with security and quality standards in a government facility.

Skills

GD&T interpretation

Reading blueprints

Metrology basics

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication

Security clearance eligibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade school or technical certification in machining

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Dial indicators

Mastercam

Fusion 360

SolidWorks CAM

Job description

Overview

CNC MACHINIST (AT):

We are seeking a skilled and motivated CNC Machinist to join the fabrication team at NSWC Indian Head. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of hands-on experience operating CNC machines and water jets in a collaborative, fast-paced prototype shop environment. This individual must be able to interpret engineering drawings—including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)—use basic metrology equipment, and work closely with engineers and fellow machinists to support rapid development and iteration.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machining centers, manual mills/lathes, and water jet cutting machines to produce prototype components.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications to ensure accurate part fabrication.
• Use basic metrology equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators) for in-process and final inspection of parts.
• Collaborate with engineers and other team members to resolve design and manufacturability issues during the prototyping process.
• Perform inspections to verify tolerances and ensure conformance to specifications.
• Follow established shop safety procedures, maintenance protocols, and material handling guidelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and job status.
• Keep workstations clean and organized in a team-based shop environment.
• Ensure compliance with security protocols and quality standards in a government facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; trade school or technical certification in machining preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in a machine shop setting, specifically with CNC machines and water jet cutting equipment.
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T principles.
• Familiarity with basic metrology tools and inspection procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in a DoD or government fabrication/prototyping environment.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks CAM.
• Understanding of material properties and machining techniques for metals, plastics, and composites.
• Work Environment & Conditions:
• 100% on-site position at NSWC Indian Head, no remote or hybrid work.
• Hands-on shop environment requiring PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
• Physical requirements include lifting materials and standing for extended periods.

Physical Demand

• Frequent walking, standing, and moving between workstations in the machine shop environment.
• Ability to lift and move materials or parts weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Regular exposure to noise, dust, and vibrations typical of a machine shop.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access materials or equipment.

Target hourly range is between $35 - $45 commensurate with experience.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status EOE/D/V. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and subject to other state and federal requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity posters here .

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

UIC Government Services (UICGS / Bowhead) provides innovative business solutions to federal and commercial customers in the areas of engineering, maintenance services, information technology, program support, logistics/base support, and procurement. Collectively, the fast-growing Bowhead Family of Companies offers a breadth of services which are performed with a focus on quality results. Headquartered in Springfield, VA, we are a fast-growing, multi-million-dollar company recognized as a top Alaska Native Corporation providing services across the Department of Defense and many federal agencies. Bowhead offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as a paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.

Location : US-MD-Indian Head

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Secret

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Travel Requirement Less than 10%

USD $35.00/Hr.

USD $45.00/Hr.