Machinist/Mechanical Designer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 49,593 - 82,656; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a quick‑react CNC Machinist/Mechanical Designer to design, fabricate, assemble, and test electromechanical systems for aerospace and defense projects within the Sensor Systems Group.

The ideal candidate brings hands‑on machining, fabrication, and assembly experience, reads mechanical drawings with GD&T, collaborates across engineering teams, and is willing to travel and pursue necessary security clearances.

Qualifications

• Have completed high school, an apprenticeship, and/or trade school with a minimum 10 years experience in fabrication and design.
• Proven ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and GD&T practices for within required tolerances.
• Experience using CAD/CAM tools for fabrication and assembly in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate electromechanical parts, assemblies, chassis, packages, and test fixtures to meet project requirements.
• Design electromechanical parts and fixtures to support missions.
• Participate in design reviews and team meetings.

Skills

Fabrication & design

Hands-on machining

GD&T reading

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Apprenticeship/trade school

Tools

Mastercam

Haas Mill

Haas Lathe

Job description

Do you love to hands‑on mechanical design, fabrication and integration?

Are you interested in working on prototyping and development projects for communications and radar systems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a quick‑react CNC Machinist/Mechanical Designer to support the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical systems. As a member of the Sensor Systems Group, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists developing, analyzing, and testing advanced systems for the Air and Missile Defense Sector.

Our team is focused on delivering innovative and robust mechanical solutions to some of APL's most challenging technical problems. We value strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, and we foster an environment that encourages teamwork, initiative, and continuous learning.

The ideal candidate will possess strong hands‑on machining, mechanical fabrication, and assembly experience, along with the flexibility and willingness to support field test activities and travel assignments as needed.

Duties

• Fabricate electromechanical parts, assemblies, chassis, packages, and test fixtures that engineers need in order to meet their project requirements. This includes being able to read and adhere to mechanical drawings and GD&T practices within required tolerances as well as making helpful suggestions.
• Design electromechanical parts, assemblies, chassis, packages, and test fixtures that support our missions.
• Participate in design reviews and team meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have completed high school, an apprenticeship, and/or trade school with a minimum 10 years experience in fabricationand design
• Have strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills! Members of our team interact effectively with individuals of different experience levels and backgrounds including sponsor, external industry, and military personnel.
• Have proven ability to use computer‑aided control tools for Haas Mill and Lathe equipment (Mastercam, etc.)
• Possess knowledge in conventional and additive manufacturing techniques and procedures.
• Are able to work with informal documentation for design efforts with customers
• Possess the ability to review design documents provided by mechanical engineers and fabricate their mechanical drawings.
• Are willing and able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods of time during fabrication.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a final Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have an A.S or B. S. in mechanical design, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or relevant technical field.
• Have 4 years of experience working with Navy, Army, Marine, or Air Force systems.
• Are experienced with providing mentorship to junior engineers who are unfamiliar with practical material limitations.
• Possess an active Secret clearance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .

Compensation

$35.50 Hourly – $59.15 Hourly

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.