CNC Machinist II

Institute For Advanced Learning And Research; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

VRS retirement plan with employermatch

Vacation, sick leave, and paid family

Paid holidays, two-week winter break

Anthem PPO and HSA medical plans

Job summary

Institute For Advanced Learning And Research in Danville, VA is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to support the Center for Manufacturing Advancement's projects. This hands-on role operates in a first-article manufacturing environment, requiring precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

The ideal candidate has an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology and at least three years with complex CNC setups, along with CAD/CAM experience (Fusion 360 and Siemens NX).

Qualifications

• An associate degree or diploma in Precision Machining Technology or equivalent.
• At least three years of experience setting up complex CNC operations.
• Strong knowledge of precision machining principles and practices.
• Experience with multi-axis CNC equipment, especially dual-spindle turning.
• CAD/CAM experience with Fusion 360 and Siemens NX.
• Strong troubleshooting, organization and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC equipment, including multi-axis milling machines and dual-spindle lathes.
• Conduct pre-process, in-process, and post-process inspections using 3D scanners and gauges.
• Perform CAD/CAM work to support CNC operations.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and machine calibrations.
• Document machining procedures, processes and workflows.
• Maintain a safe, orderly shop environment.
• Follow ITAR, ISO, and ANSI standards and export-control requirements.
• Collaborate with CMA staff and partners to complete projects on schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC machining

Multi-axis CNC

CAD/CAM (Fusion 360, NX)

Inspection & metrology

Problem-solving

Documentation

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Precision Machining Technology

Tools

Autodesk Fusion 360

Siemens NX

3D scanners

Gauges

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: IALR CMA - Danville, VA, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 2 Year Degree, Salary Range: $29.50 - $33.00Hourly, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Manufacturing.

This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data. Candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required. This role is onsite in Danville, VA.

Work schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm & Friday 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Overtime, weekends, holidays, or alternate shifts may be required based on business needs.

The Pay, Perks, & Benefits

• Hourly pay: $29.50 - $33.00. Starting pay will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and determined based on market benchmarks and internal equity.
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) retirement benefits with employer match.
• Vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays, including a two-week paid winter break.
• Anthem PPO and HSA medical plans with excellent dental options.

What You Will Do

IALR is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to support the Center for Manufacturing Advancement's industry-facing advanced manufacturing projects. This hands-on role operates in a first-article manufacturing environment, where exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and the application of knowledge gained through prototype and low-volume production are essential. The ideal candidate is comfortable setting up complex CNC operations and thrives in an environment where precision, quality, safety, adaptability, and continuous process refinement are critical to success.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC equipment, including multi-axis milling machines, dual-spindle lathes, Wire EDM equipment, tool pre-setters, vertical band saws, and related technologies.
• Conduct pre-process, in-process, and post-process inspections using 3D scanners, precision hand tools, gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Perform CAD/CAM work using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Siemens NX to support CNC operations.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance, including coolant maintenance and machine calibrations.
• Help document machining procedures, processes, and technical workflows.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, and professional shop environment.
• Follow applicable data privacy, export-control, quality, and manufacturing requirements, including ITAR, ISO, and ANSI standards.
• Work with CMA staff, external stakeholders, and technology partners to complete machining projects accurately and on schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

How You Will Help the Team

You will turn concepts, drawings, and designs into precise, high-quality components that support real-world advanced manufacturing projects. Working with machinists, engineers, technologists, operations staff, and industry partners, you will:

• Safely execute complex and sometimes new machining processes.
• Troubleshoot machining, setup, tooling, and process challenges.
• Maintain quality throughout the manufacturing process.
• Meet customer specifications, schedules, and project requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and strong documentation practices.
• Help CMA deliver innovative manufacturing solutions for the organizations and industries it serves.

Qualifications

Your Knowledge and Expertise You bring hands-on CNC machining experience and take pride in producing high-quality work.

Required Qualifications

• An associate degree or diploma in Precision Machining Technology, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• At least three years of experience setting up complex CNC operations.
• Strong knowledge of precision machining principles and practices.
• Experience with advanced CNC equipment, particularly multi-axis machining and dual-spindle turning.
• CAD/CAM experience or working knowledge, preferably with Autodesk Fusion 360 and/or Siemens NX.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, organization, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an ITAR-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience using precision inspection equipment, including 3D scanners, gauges, and precision hand tools.
• Experience documenting machining procedures, processes, and technical workflows.

Physical Requirements

The position may require extended periods of standing or sitting, movement between facilities, regular lifting of up to 50 pounds, keyboard use, and wearing hearing protection for extended periods.

What Makes Working Here Different

This is not a role where you simply stand at a machine and make the same part every day. At CMA, you will work on varied, technically challenging projects for real customers. You will have opportunities to use sophisticated CNC technologies, develop new processes, solve complex machining challenges, and see how your craftsmanship contributes directly to advanced manufacturing projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.