Machinist - Level 2 or 3

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 51,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Goleta, CA is seeking a Level 2 or Level 3 Machinist to operate and program precision CNC mills and lathes for aerospace components. You will read blueprints, set up jobs, and work with CAD drawings under tight tolerances.

The role requires 2–4+ years of machining experience, CAM software know-how (Mastercam/SolidCAM), and proficiency with Haas/Fanuc controls. Collaborative team environment with strong quality emphasis.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years machining experience with 3+ years of 3-axis and 4-axis CNC machining/programming.
• Proficiency in operating multi-axis CNC equipment and CAM software.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials and GD&T basics.

Responsibilities

• Operate, program, and set up CNC mills, lathes, or other equipment for aerospace components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T specifications.
• Perform precision measurements with calipers, micrometers, and CMM; document inspections.
• Troubleshoot machining processes to improve cycle times and part quality.
• Maintain equipment, ensure safety, and uphold aerospace cleanliness standards.
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers to meet deadlines.

Skills

Multi-axis CNC

3-4 axis CNC programming

Mastercam/SolidCAM

Haas/Fanuc controls

GD&T tight-tolerance machining

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certifications in machining/manufacturing

Tools

Mastercam

SolidCAM

Haas Control

Fanuc controllers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: No Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come.

Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon.

We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

If forging a secure future excites you, look no further!

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome.

As a Machinist – Level 2 or Level 3 your role at Goleta, CA will be pivotal in supporting missions critical to national and global security.

Ready to join forces with our visionary team? A Level 3 Machinist is responsible for operating and programming precision machining equipment to fabricate, modify, and assemble complex aerospace components.

The role demands high proficiency in using CNC machines, lathes, mills, and other machining tools with little or no supervision while adhering to rigorous engineering specifications and quality standards for the aerospace industry.

This position involves working reading blueprints and CAD drawings, independently setting up, programming, and running jobs while meeting tight tolerances, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and maintaining equipment efficiency.

Collaboration with engineers and quality teams is critical to ensure the delivery of high-quality parts for aerospace applications.

In this job, you will:

• Precision Machining: Operate, program, and set up CNC mills, lathes, or other machining equipment to produce aerospace-grade components. Perform manual machining using tools like grinders, drill presses, and manual mills where needed. Create and verify machine programs using Mastercam software for complex parts with tight tolerances.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret aerospace engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and technical specifications. Work with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards to ensure dimensional accuracy.
• Quality Assurance: Perform precision measurements using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine). Inspect finished components for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and material integrity. Document work orders, inspections, and production reports while ensuring compliance with AS9100 or ISO standards.
• Process Optimization: Troubleshoot and optimize machining processes to improve cycle times, efficiency, and part quality. Evaluate tooling wear and select appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and materials based on project requirements.
• Maintenance and Safety: Perform routine machine maintenance to avoid downtime and ensure optimal performance. Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized workspace to meet aerospace cleanliness and safety standards.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, designers, and project managers to resolve issues, refine designs for manufacturability, and meet production deadlines. Provide guidance to junior machinists if required.
• Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team! This position can be filled at either a Level 2 or Level 3.

Basic Qualifications for Level 2:

• Experience: Minimum 2 years machining experience with 3+ year of 3-axis and 4-axis CNC machining/programming in the aerospace or precision manufacturing industry.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating multi-axis CNC equipment (such as 3-axis to 4-axis machines) 5-axis is a plus. Experience with CAM software, such as Mastercam, or SolidCAM. Experience with Haas Control and Fanuc (or equivalent) controllers Strong understanding of materials (e.g., metals, alloys, composites) commonly used in aerospace.
• Education and Certifications: High school diploma or equivalent (associate degree or technical certifications in machining or manufacturing preferred). Certification in aerospace-related machining or programming (e.AS9100C familiarity) is a plus.
• Knowledge Base: Expertise in GD&T and tight-tolerance machining.
• Soft Skills: Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate across departments.
• Work Environment: Fast-paced manufacturing or production floor. Exposure to noise, heavy machinery, and various cutting oils/coolants. May involve working shifts to support production demands.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

• Experience: Minimum 4 years machining experience with 3+ year of 3-axis and 4-axis CNC machining/programming in the aerospace or precision manufacturing industry.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating multi-axis CNC equipment (such as 3-axis to 4-axis machines) 5-axis is a plus. Experience with CAM software, such as Mastercam, or SolidCAM. Experience with Haas Control and Fanuc (or equivalent) controllers Strong understanding of materials (e.g., metals, alloys, composites) commonly used in aerospace.
• Education and Certifications: High school diploma or equivalent (associate degree or technical certifications in machining or manufacturing preferred). Certification in aerospace-related machining or programming (e.AS9100C familiarity) is a plus.
• Knowledge Base: Expertise in GD&T and tight-tolerance machining.
• Soft Skills: Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate across departments.
• Work Environment: Fast-paced manufacturing or production floor. Exposure to noise, heavy machinery, and various cutting oils/coolants. May involve working shifts to support production demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Ability to multitask in a high-pressure environment while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Knowledge of Stratasys 3D printing/Additive manufacturing materials
• Knowledge of Laser cutting tools

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Primary Level Salary Range

• $51,400.00 - $85,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

• $61,100.00 - $101,800.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Existing Applicants: Need to update your contact information or email address? Once logged in, click on Candidate Home in the upper right corner and scroll to the bottom of that screen to see buttons for: Update Contact information to update your legal name, address, and phone number Edit Account Settings to edit your email address.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work.

Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.