Lapping (Lap) Machinist

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CMI Group Aerospace & Defense is seeking a Lapping (Lap) Machinist for its Defense & Aerospace Machine Shop in Phoenix, AZ. The role focuses on precision finishing of aircraft components to micro-inch tolerances, using lapping and grinding processes.

Candidate must have 1–5+ years in aerospace close-tolerance machining, GD&T proficiency, and ITAR compliance. Day shift, 40+ hours weekly, and a team-oriented environment with opportunities for quality-focused work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–5+ years in aerospace close-tolerance machining or grinding.
• Solid GD&T understanding.
• Ability to work 40+ hours/week in fast-paced environment.
• U.S. Person per ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate lapping, polishing, and honing machines.
• Select and apply correct slurries and polishing media based on specifications.
• Inspect parts with calibrated measuring tools to verify dimensions.
• Read blueprints and CAD models to determine exact product sequences.

Skills

GD&T Proficiency

ITAR Compliance

Close-tolerance Machining

Blueprint Reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Bore gauges

Air gauges

Job description

Lapping (Lap) Machinist - Defense & Aerospace Machine Shop

Location: 3617 E La Salle St, Phoenix, AZ 85040

SHIFT: Day shift (Mon-Fri)

A Lapping (Lap) Machine Operator in aerospace manufacturing is a precision machinist responsible for finishing metal, ceramic, or composite aircraft components to micro-inch tolerances. Lapping is a surface‑finishing process that uses an abrasive slurry to achieve extreme flatness, smoothness, and exact geometric dimensions.

Key Responsibilities

• Machine Setup & Operation: Set up and operate manual, power-stroked, or automated lapping, polishing, and honing machines.
• Slurry Selection: Mix and apply correct abrasive compounds and polishing media (e.g., diamond or silicon carbide slurries) based on the blueprint specifications.
• Precision Inspection: Use highly calibrated measuring tools like micrometers, bore gauges, digital height stands, and air gauges to verify dimensions.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and process routers to determine exact product sequences.
• Mathematical Calculation: Compute clearances, tapers, and material removal rates to maintain close tolerances.
• Component Deburring: Clean, deburr, and package finished aerospace parts to protect their surfaces.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner daily with quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, and production teams to optimize cycle times and improve efficiency.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Typically 1–5+ years of experience in close-tolerance manual machining or grinding, specifically within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• GD&T Proficiency: Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• Regulatory Compliance: Must meet ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements as a "U.S. Person" (citizen, green card holder, or permanent resident) due to defense and controlled military data restrictions.

Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.

Benefits

CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match

CMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification.

VEVRAA federal subcontractor. This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)
• The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq