Machinist (Engineering Technician III)

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 35,209 - 50,146; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 paid days off per year

Paid vacation up to 10 days per year

Paid sick leave up to 7 days per year

Paid holidays 11 per year

Up to $175 for safety boots every two years

Up to $5,250 for college tuition per year

Up to $5,250 for training per year

Prescription safety glasses provided yearly

Job summary

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies is seeking a qualified Machinist (Engineering Technician III) to join the team at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. The role focuses on CNC lathe programming and operation with responsibilities including machining parts according to DoD specifications. Applicants must have at least five years of experience, a high school diploma, and proficiency in CAD/CAM software. The position includes comprehensive training opportunities, and a competitive salary of $30.98 per hour plus health benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating CNC milling machines and lathes.
• Ability to draw and program using CAD/CAM software.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Proficient in reading machinist drawings including GD&T.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work either alone or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate both CNC lathes and mills.
• Set tools in machines and create fixtures for uniquely shaped parts.
• Ensure compliance with DoD specifications and hold tight tolerances.
• Assist colleagues with programming and machining techniques.

Skills

CNC lathe programming

CNC milling machines operation

CAD/CAM software proficiency

Microsoft Office Suite

Reading machinist drawings

Communication skills

Teamwork

Lifting heavy weights (up to 75 lbs)

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Dial calipers

Micrometers

Job description

Machinist (Engineering Technician III) (EPFAB-2025-23429)

Bowhead is seeking a qualified Machinist to join the Machine Shop team at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in Virginia. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with the U.S. Navy in the development of prototypes and short‑run production work, contributing to critical national defense projects. Our machinists are responsible for programming, setting up, and machining parts in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) specifications and models. The role involves working with a diverse range of materials, including a variety of aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, Inconel, and titanium.

We are particularly seeking candidates with substantial experience in CNC lathe programming and operation. While there will be a mix of mill and lathe work, our current project demands have shifted toward more lathe-focused machining.

We provide comprehensive in‑house and at‑home training on SolidWorks and CAMWorks, offering opportunities for continuous skill development and career advancement. Government‑provided tools will be available to support your work.

This intermediate‑level position requires a minimum of five years of experience in machining and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. There may be occasions where the machinist will be required to assist colleagues with programming or machining techniques.

Bowhead offers:

• Engineering Technician III position pays $30.98 per hour, plus $4.93 per hour for Health and Welfare.
• A total of 28 paid days off per year.
• Paid vacation accrued up to 10 days per year.
• Paid sick leave accrued up to 7 days per year.
• Paid holidays 11 per year.
• Up to $175 for safety boots every two years.
• Up to $5,250 for college tuition per year.
• Up to $5,250 for training per year.
• Prescription safety glasses are provided yearly.

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

Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have at least five (5) years 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 including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• 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. Will be willing to assist other employees with machinist‑related issues (e.g., programming and set‑ups).
• 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.

Physical Demands:

• 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.

Security Clearance Required:

Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location. Acquiring a clearance will be done with the assistance of Bowhead upon hiring unless the candidate already possesses a clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Bowhead is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable laws. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.