CNC Operator II

Karman Space & Defense; Arlington (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; 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

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense seeks a skilled CNC Machinist specializing in 5-axis machining to set up and operate advanced CNC equipment for high-value aerospace components. You will work in a low-volume, high-complexity production environment, machining challenging materials and ensuring strict dimensional accuracy in collaboration with Engineering, Programming, and Quality teams.

Responsibilities include selecting cutting strategies, validating parts against drawings, GD&T, and STP files, and

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Typically 2–5 years of machining experience.
• Proficient in 5-axis CNC machining and interpreting GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines to produce aerospace components.
• Machine materials such as Inconel, titanium, copper using appropriate speeds, feeds, tooling, and coolant strategies.
• Verify parts meet engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
• Develop and refine machining setups for new or complex components.
• Perform in-process inspection and maintain dimensional accuracy.

Skills

5-axis machining

GD&T interpretation

Machining precision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Haas controls

Mazak Integrex

Fanuc controls

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 specializing in 5-axis machining, you will set up and operate advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment to manufacture complex, high-value aerospace components. Working in a low-volume, high-complexity production environment, you will machine challenging materials, develop and refine setups for new components, and maintain strict dimensional accuracy. Your technical expertise, attention to detail, and collaboration with Engineering, Programming, and Quality teams will help ensure mission-critical flight hardware meets demanding customer specifications.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates 5-axis CNC machines to manufacture complex, high-precision aerospace and defense components.
• Machines challenging materials, including Inconel, copper, and additively manufactured metals, while selecting and adjusting cutting speeds, feeds, tooling, and coolant strategies.
• Produces single-piece, high-value flight hardware using controlled machining processes and careful verification to minimize manufacturing risks.
• Develops and refines machining setups for new or complex components where established processes or proven setups may not exist.
• Verifies machined components meet engineering drawings, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models, Standard Template Protocol (STP) files, customer specifications, and applicable quality requirements.
• Maintains dimensional accuracy in low-volume, high-complexity machining environments through in-process inspections and precision measurement techniques.
• Monitors tooling performance, cutting conditions, and machine operations, making necessary adjustments or stopping operations to prevent damage or nonconforming parts.
• Interprets engineering drawings, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements, and technical specifications to support accurate machining and inspection.
• Collaborates with Engineering, CNC Programming, and Quality teams to identify and resolve manufacturing challenges, dimensional discrepancies, and process-related concerns.
• Performs supporting shop activities, including deburring, in-process inspection, packaging assistance, equipment upkeep, tooling inventory maintenance, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Typically 2–5 years of relevant machining experience, with demonstrated ability to operate shop-related tools and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience machining challenging materials, including Inconel, titanium, copper, and other hard or exotic alloys.
• Experience machining additively manufactured metal components.
• Proficiency in 5-axis CNC machining and lathe setup and operation, including experience with Haas, Mazak Integrex, and Fanuc controls.
• Experience operating and setting up multiple types of CNC machining centers.
• Ability to interpret G-code and M-code, engineering drawings, and GD&T requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting machining processes and using precision measuring instruments and machine setup tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally use stairs.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

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

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.