Jr Machinist (ET1)

careers-uicalaska; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Training

Boot allowance

Safety glasses provided

401K match

Paid time off

Job summary

Bowhead is seeking a Machinist to support the NSWCDD Machine Shop in Dahlgren, VA. This role involves programming and operating CNC lathes/mills, setting tools, and creating fixtures in accordance with DoD drawings and models.

Training on SolidWorks and CAMWorks is provided, with opportunities to grow in your career. The position requires at least one year of CNC experience, strong measuring skills, and the ability to read English-language drawings.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have at least one year of professional experience operating CNC milling machines and lathes.
• Able to draw and program using CAD/CAM software.
• Basic level skills in Word, Excel, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC lathes/mills, set tools, create fixtures.
• Work with Haas, Fadal, or ProtoTrak machines daily.
• Adhere to DoD drawings and maintain tight tolerances.
• Use dial calipers and micrometers to inspect parts.

Skills

CNC milling

CNC lathe

CAD/CAM

Reading drawings

Measuring tools

MS Office

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Haas/Fadal/ProtoTrak CNC machines

Job description

Overview

Machinist (Engineering Technician II)(EPFAB-2026-26290):

Bowhead is seeking to hire a Machinist to support the Machine Shop at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in Virginia. Dahlgren’s Machine Shop offers exciting/patriotic opportunities to work closely with the United States Navy creating prototypes and short‑run production work. All of our Machinists program their parts, set up, and machine them according to Department of Defense (DoD) drawings and models. We work with many types of materials from aluminum, exotic steels, multiple plastics, and titanium.

There is in‑house training on SolidWorks and CAMWorks and other opportunities for employees to expand their knowledge and grow in their careers.

Tools will be provided by the government. This is a beginner/intermediate Machinist position that requires at least three years of experience. New employees will work closely with more experienced Machinists and leadership until they can work independently.

Bowhead offers:

• Engineering Technician I pay at $24.68 per hour, plus $5.09 per hour for H&W (Health and Welfare)
• A total of 33 paid days off per year. (Described below)
• Paid vacation accrued up to 15 days a year.
• Paid sick leave accrued up to 7 days a year.
• Paid holidays 11 per year.
• Up to $175 for safety boots every two years.
• Up to $5250 for college tuition per year.
• Up to $5250 for training per year.
• Prescription safety glasses are provided yearly.
• 401K matched up to 3%.

Responsibilities

• Machinists are required to program and operate both CNC lathes/mills, set tools in the machines and create fixtures to hold unique parts.
• Most of the equipment in the shop is either Haas, Fadal, or ProtoTraks and is used daily.
• Comply with DoD drawings and hold tight tolerances on machined parts.
• Machinists will operate saws and occasionally use manual lathes and mills. They are expected to use common measuring tools such as dial calipers and micrometers to inspect their parts.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have at least one (1) year of professional experience operating CNC milling machines and lathes. (Technical training may be considered as experience)
• Must be able to draw and program using CAD/CAM software.
• Basic level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Have a proficient understanding of reading and interpreting Machinist drawings.
• Capable of using common precision measuring tools such as dial calipers and micrometers to inspect in‑process and completed parts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees, customers, and management and respond to instructions/assignments.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
• Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically.

Target salary is $24.68/hour commensurate with experience

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for a Secret clearance at this location.