Machinist

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a highly skilled Machinist to produce precision parts using manual equipment, with occasional CNC support for trials and offsets. You will read drawings, apply GD&T, set up lathes and mills, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances and quality standards.

You’ll mentor junior machinists, contribute to 6S and continuous improvement, uphold safety, and support prototype and small‑batch work on a fast‑paced shop floor in a defense‑or aerospace‑level

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 10+ years of hands‑on machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency with manual machining equipment (Bridgeport mills, lathes, grinders).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.
• Experience with precision measurement tools & inspection layouts.

Responsibilities

• Support daily machining of parts to meet quality, delivery, and safety expectations.
• Setup and operate manual machines (Bridgeport mills, lathes, grinders, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, EDM).
• Support CNC machining through setup, prove-outs, offsets, and minor program edits as needed.
• Serve as go‑to technical resource on the shop floor for complex machining challenges.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions.
• Machine parts to tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Perform in‑process inspections using calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gauges.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, fixturing, and processes.
• Mentor junior machinists and support training on safe machining practices.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Follow safety, quality, and compliance procedures.
• Support continuous improvement, 6S, and process optimization efforts.

Skills

Machining experience

Reading blueprints

GD&T understanding

Problem solving

Safety mindset

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Bridgeport mills

Lathes

Grinders

Surface grinders

Drill presses

EDM

Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Machinist is responsible for producing high-quality precision parts using primarily manual machining equipment, with the ability to support CNC operations as needed. This role supports the daily machining of prototype or small batch order parts and serves as the go-to technical resource on the shop floor for complex or non-routine work, bringing deep hands‑on experience in machining, setup, and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the daily machining of parts to meet quality, delivery, and safety expectations


• Setup and operate manual machines including Bridgeport mills, precision lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, EDM and other general tool room equipment.


• Support CNC machining through setup, prove-outs, offsets, and minor program edits as needed


• Serve as the go‑to technical resource on the shop floor for complex or non‑routine machining challenges


• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions


• Machine parts to tight tolerances and quality standards


• Perform in‑process inspections using calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gauges


• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, fixturing, and processes


• Mentor junior machinists and support training on safe and effective machining practices


• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area


• Follow all safety, quality, and compliance procedures


• Support continuous improvement, 6S, and process optimization efforts

Keyword: manual machining, Bridgeport mills, lathes, grinders, CNC setup, GD&T, blueprint reading, tight tolerances, inspection tools, tooling, fixturing, troubleshooting, 6S, aerospace, precision

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent


• 10+ years of hands‑on machining experience in a manufacturing environment


• Strong proficiency with manual machining equipment (Bridgeport mills, lathes, grinders)


• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T


• Experience with precision measurement tools & Inspection layouts.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills


• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality


• Experience in evaluation and selection of milling & lathe tools

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing


• Working knowledge of CNC machining (setup, offsets, basic troubleshooting)


• Experience with fixture design or process improvement


• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO quality systems


• Experience in cutting super alloys

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing shop environment


• Standing and walking for extended periods


• Frequent handling of materials, tooling, and fixtures


• Exposure to noise, equipment, and cutting fluids


• May be required to lift materials, components, or fixtures up to 50 lbs

Travel

• None

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT AREiINCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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From: Kratos Defense