CNC Machinist I - Apprentice

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Walpole (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers an Apprenticeship Program for CNC Machining, providing a 1-year foundational training followed by an additional two years upon success. Participants learn by doing, receive paid training, and gain certifications while contributing to real production milestones.

You will join a structured program that emphasizes safety, teamwork, and hands-on skill development in turning, milling, and grinding. Competitive benefits support ongoing training and career growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic PC proficiency (email, internet, word processing).
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DOD Confidential Security clearance (US Citizenship).
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with turning/milling/grinding equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC machines and follow production plans to meet customer requirements.
• Extract information from drawings and prepare tool/fixture changes.
• Maintain tooling equipment and cleanliness of assigned work areas.
• Participate in process improvements to meet cost targets and quality standards.
• Adhere to safety rules and company standards (quality, health, environment).

Skills

Basic PC skills

Reading drawings

CNC Machining

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Measurement tooling

Job description

Posted Monday, August 31, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling?For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Our Apprenticeship Program provides a genuine alternative to a traditional college experience and the foundation for a career in CNC Machining. It offers the training, guidance, and support you need to develop valuable skills, earn sought-after qualifications and establish yourself in your chosen career. You will start in a 1-year program and if successful, will be invited to complete an additional two years.

The benefits of participating in the program:

• Get paid while learning valuable skills
• Receive career support from day one
• Invaluable experience and opportunity

Essential Job Functions

• Comply with all safety rules and company standards (e.g. Health, Safety, Environment, FMD Quality Management System, and FMD Production System).
• Operate CNC Machines
• Follow production plans in order to meet customer requirements
• Extract information from drawings
• Prepare and implement tool and fixture changes
• Resolve conflicts within the team in the spirit of teamwork in order to ensure high standards of professionalism
• Successful completion of related instruction and on-the-job training

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in process improvement activities in order to satisfy customer needs and cost reduction targets.
• Notify supervision or unsafe conditions, needed tooling, material or problems
• Maintain tooling equipment and cleanliness of assigned work areas
• Safely operate cranes, forklifts, grinders and other material handling equipment to move or re-position components

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and move equipment of varying weights, with a minimum of 40 pounds.
• Must have the ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, squat and kneel to perform job responsibilities.
• Must be able to manipulate and operate parts and equipment to perform job duties and responsibilities.
• Must be able to read measurement tooling and operate machine controls.
• Must be able to read and comprehend safety signage and warnings posted throughout the facility.
• Must be able to hear industrial activity, and safety alarms within in the working environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• High School Diploma / GED
• Basic knowledge of product manufacturing and inspection
• Basic personal computer proficiency (word processing, internet, e-mail, electronic data retrieval)
• In order to be considered for this opportunity, you must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DOD Confidential Security clearance, which requires US Citizenship. The security clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience or education in Turning/Milling/Grinding equipment/ CNC Machining.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

Preference will be given to internal candidates.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled