CNC Machinist - 1st Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a CNC Machinist III for 1st shift in Seattle. You will independently setup and operate CNC machines to produce high-precision aerospace components, reading blueprints and GD&T, and verifying parts with micrometers and calipers.

The role emphasizes quality, troubleshooting, and teamwork in a fast-paced defense environment. Responsibilities include interpreting drawings, maintaining tooling, and ensuring parts meet specs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Able to independently set up CNC machines.
• Able to read blueprints and GD&T.
• Proficient with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, height gauges).
• Understand G-code and M-code.
• Troubleshoot machining and dimensional issues.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on machining experience.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Solid communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates CNC machines to produce high-precision components.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, blueprints and STEP files.
• Verifies part accuracy with precision measurement tools.
• Ensures parts meet dimensional and engineering specs.
• Troubleshoots machining issues to sustain production flow.
• Performs deburring, loading/unloading, and shop support tasks.
• Maintains tooling and a clean machining area.
• Supports packaging and final preparation of components.
• Maintains consistent productivity and quality in a production environment.

Skills

CNC machining

Blueprint reading

GD&T

G/M codes

Precision measuring

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Tools

CMS

Fanuc controls

5-axis gantry machines

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-Generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi- vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As a CNC Machinist III-1st Shift, you will perform independent setups and precision machining to produce high-accuracy components that meet strict engineering and quality standards. You will play a key role in supporting production goals by ensuring tooling readiness, resolving machining challenges, and maintaining consistent part quality in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment.

Schedule

• 4x10 (Monday-Thursday, 5:00 AM-3:30 PM)

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates CNC machines independently to produce high-precision components.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, and Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) files.
• Verifies part accuracy using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and other precision measurement tools.
• Ensures machined parts meet dimensional, quality, and engineering specifications.
• Troubleshoots machining and dimensional issues to maintain production flow.
• Performs deburring, material loading and unloading, and other shop support tasks.
• Maintains tooling, equipment, and a clean machining work area.
• Supports packaging and final preparation of completed parts.
• Sustains consistent productivity and quality in a production environment

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to independently set up CNC machines.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools including micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.
• Understanding of G code and M code.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and dimensional issues.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on machining experience.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Solid communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years of CNC machining experience.
• Experience with CMS or large 5-axis gantry machines.
• Familiarity with Fanuc controls.
• Versatility across multiple machine centers.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Regular lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional use of stairs.

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short-and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Hourly Rate

$33 - $42 USD

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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