CNC Operator

Ascent Aerospace, LLC; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

PTO

401k Match

Job summary

Ascent Aerospace is seeking a CNC Operator to support the CNC Department Manager in establishing tool setups and validating programs for 3 and 5 axis machines. You will handle day-to-day operation of NC program development and ensure accurate machining of tools, details, and parts.

Work involves reading blueprints with GD&T, maintaining safe operations, and adapting to overtime and travel as needed. The role may require compliance with ITAR and security clearances; strong math skills and

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in conventional machining and/or NC machining
• Strong mathematical skills including proportions, percentages, area, and volume
• Ability to read and understand blueprints including geometric tolerance and GD&T
• This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements (U.S. Person)

Responsibilities

• Establish NC tool setups and validate NC programs for 3- and 5-axis CNC machines
• Responsible for full NC operation for machining tools, details, and parts
• Maintain safe operations by following safety procedures and policies
• Adhere to department goals and assist management as needed

Skills

NC machining

Math skills

Blueprint reading

Safety procedures

Export control compliance

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

CNC Operator will work in conjunction with the CNC Department Manager to establish aerospace tool setups and validate programs for use on 3 and 5 axis machines. They are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the numerical control machine program development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.

• Works in conjunction with NC Programmers and CNC Department Manager to establish NC tool setups and validate NC programs for use on 3 and 5 axis CNC machines.
• Responsible for complete Numerical Control operation for machining tools, details, and parts
• Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and policies.
• Any additional duties as reasonably assigned by management.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 5 years’ experience in conventional machining and/or NC machining practices.
• Responsible for Numerical Control Database Management.
• Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area circumferences and volume.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints including geometric tolerance and understanding of general tolerances and GD&T.
• This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required. For further details as to how a “U.S. Person” is determined, please see SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS below!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to effectively handle tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work varied shifts, overtime, and weekends when necessary.
• Has confidence in leading processes, projects and looks for opportunities.
• Ability to work with management team to help drive performance of location.
• Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance: Though not required of this role, individuals that have current, previous, or are willing to go through the process to obtain and maintain during the duration of employment are preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday and would primarily be local during the business day. However, some projects may require overnight stays as well as out-of-the-area travel paid for by the business.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee daily while performing the functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, caustic chemicals, vibration, and moderate noise level.
• May be required to work overtime or weekends to meet department and business demands.
• Will be working in the manufacturing plant, and therefore must be able to wear the necessary personal protective gear (PPE) for most, if not all, of the working day provided for individuals by the business. Most common PPE includes safety shoes, eye protection, and hearing protection. More specialized positions may require PPE specific to hard hats, gloves, face shield / helmet, fall protection, protective clothing, and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs. When objects more than 50lbs are required to be moved, the business asks its employees to use provided mobile handling devices such as conveyors, cranes, industrial vehicles, elevated lift tables, trolleys, and pallet jacks.
• Must be able to pass and maintain certifications during the duration of employment that are required for using of business provided moving equipment listed above. Examples of such certifications may include Lockout / Tagout (LOTO), Aerial Lifts and Work Platforms, Fall Protection, Overhead Crane, Rigging, Mobile Equipment and Powered Industrial Vehicle, Weld and Weld Inspection, Emergency Preparedness, Incident / Accident Prevention and Response, Arc Flash and Electrical Handling, Confined Space Entry, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT).

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• PTO
• 401k Match

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.

This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').

Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free [phone]. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors

Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.