CNC Machinist III-5 Axis-2nd shift

firefly; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short term disability

Pet insurance

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Briggs, TX, seeks an experienced machinist to set up and operate 5-axis CNC mills/turn-mill centers for complex aerospace components.

You will interpret engineering drawings, GD&T and CAD data, machine high-performance alloys such as Inconel and titanium, and collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to optimize programs and cycle times. 2nd shift is available; must pass background and drug screenings and comply with AS9100 standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (technical certification preferred).
• 8+ years CNC machining experience including 5-axis capability.
• Experience with DMG Mori / Okuma / VTL machines.
• Ability to set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines independently.
• Strong blueprints and GD&T reading skills.
• Experience holding tight tolerances (±0.001”).
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers).
• Experience with Inconel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium.
• Understanding of G-code and CNC controls (Haas, Fanuc, Siemens).
• In-process inspections and basic quality checks.
• Detail-oriented, safety-conscious, capable in fast-paced environment.
• Able to pass background check and drug screening.
• Physically able to lift 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines for aerospace components.
• Interpret drawings, GD&T, and CAD models.
• Machine materials such as Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum.
• Select tooling, speeds/feeds, cutting strategies for precision.
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measurement tools.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to optimize programs.
• Troubleshoot tool wear, chatter, distortion, surface defects.
• Maintain documentation and AS9100 quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement in machining processes.
• Be available for 2nd shift and overtime as needed.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis machining

Blueprint reading

GD&T

Precision measurement

Quality assurance

Lean thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification preferred

Tools

DMG Mori

Okuma

Haas control

Fanuc / Siemens controls

CMM inspection

CAM software (Mastercam / NX / Fusion 360)

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

Join our dynamic team of highly skilled machinist with a combined experience of over 300 years of machining who will mentor you to manufacture cutting edge components with the latest tools available in the industry. Learn to manufacture complex geometry rocket engine components made from high temp alloys and be trained on sophisticated machining process’s as well as cutting edge machinery. We pride ourselves on cross training all machinist on every piece of machinery we have.

Location for this role is at our Manufacturing site in Briggs, TX, 25 minutes north of Cedar Park. 2nd shift openings available now.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines (mills/turn-mill centers) for complex aerospace components
• Interpret and work from engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models
• Machine high-performance materials such as Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys
• Select tooling, speeds/feeds, and cutting strategies for precision and efficiency
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, indicators, CMM interface familiarity preferred)
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to optimize programs and improve cycle times
• Troubleshoot machining issues including tool wear, chatter, thermal distortion, and surface finish defects
• Maintain proper documentation and ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in machining processes and workflow
• Be available to work 2nd shift, overtime as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (technical certification preferred)
• 8+ years of CNC machining experience, including hands-on 5-axis machining
• Mill/Turn experience/DMG Mori/Okuma /VTL experience
• Ability to set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines independently
• Strong proficiency in reading blueprints and interpreting GD&T
• Experience holding tight tolerances (±.001” or better)
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges)
• Experience machining metals such as Inconel, aluminum, stainless steel, and/or titanium
• Basic understanding of G-code and CNC machine controls (Haas, Fanuc, Siemens, etc.)
• Ability to perform in-process inspections and basic quality checks
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment with minimal supervision
• Must be able to pass background check and drug screening
• Able to perform physically demanding work—standing, bending, lifting 25 lbs. regularly
• Positive attitude, reliable, and a team player
• Good communication skills, written and verbal
• Good math skills
• Solid computer skills

Desired

• Advanced experience with complex 5-axis toolpaths and multi-surface machining
• Proficiency in CAM software (Mastercam, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Experience machining high-performance aerospace materials (Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium alloys)
• Familiarity with fixture design and advanced workholding strategies
• Experience troubleshooting machining challenges (chatter, tool wear, thermal distortion)
• Exposure to CMM inspection and advanced metrology techniques
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-precision manufacturing environments
• Understanding of AS9100 quality systems and documentation requirements
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume or prototype machining environments
• Ability to collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering on process improvements and cycle time reduction
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
• Strong team mindset with ability to mentor junior machinists or operators

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, pet Insurance, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.