Machinist

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking an experienced Machinist to produce high-quality precision parts on manual equipment with CNC support as needed.

This role serves as the technical resource on the shop floor for complex or non-routine work, reading blueprints and GD&T to ensure tight tolerances. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of hands-on machining experience, proficiency with Bridgeport mills, lathes, grinders, and precision measurement tools, and a strong commitment to

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.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality.
• Experience in evaluation and selection of milling & lathe tools.

Responsibilities

• Support daily machining of parts to meet quality, delivery, and safety expectations.
• Set up and operate manual machines including Bridgeport mills, precision lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, saws, EDM.
• Support CNC machining through setup, prove-outs, offsets, and minor program edits.
• Serve as go-to technical resource on the shop floor for complex machining.
• Read and interpret 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, organized work area.
• Follow safety, quality, and compliance procedures.
• Support continuous improvement, 6S, and process optimization

Skills

Hands-on machining experience

Manual machining equipment

Bridgeport mills

Lathes

Grinders

Read blueprints and GD&T

Precision measurement tools

Safety and quality

Tool selection for milling/lathe

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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

Experience and Skills

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 INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED 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 ARE INCIDENTAL 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. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense 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.

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