Manual Machinist II

Fairbanks Morse, LLC in; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Annual bonus program

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Bird-Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense company, seeks an experienced Inside Manual Machinist II in Pascagoula, MS to fabricate and repair high‑precision components for defense systems. You will set up manual machines, read complex drawings, and uphold strict GD&T tolerances in a controlled shop.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in precision machining, U.S. citizenship with clearance eligibility, and a proven safety record.

Qualifications

• At least five years operating manual machine tools in a precision manufacturing or defense-oriented environment.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; DoD Confidential preferred.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T, precision measurement, and shop mathematics including trigonometry.
• Manual machine setup experience and a commitment to quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and boring mills to fabricate parts to blueprints.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, defense specifications, GD&T, and routing sheets.
• Select and secure tooling and fixtures; calculate speeds/feeds for stainless steel, titanium, and high-temp alloys.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using micrometers, gauges, and optical comparators; maintain tolerances.
• Maintain equipment; perform preventive maintenance and ensure safety and traceability of materials.
• Follow security requirements and handling protocols for classified materials.

Skills

GD&T

Precision measurement

Shop mathematics

Manual setup

Tools

Manual lathes

Milling machines

Surface grinders

Drill presses

Boring mills

Job description

Manual Machinist II

Bird-Johnson | A Fairbanks Morse Defense Company

Your Craft. Your Pride. Our Nation’s Readiness.

You know the satisfaction of getting a challenging setup right, holding a tight tolerance, and producing a part you’re proud to put your name behind. At Bird-Johnson, that craftsmanship serves a larger purpose.

As a Fairbanks Morse Defense company, Bird-Johnson manufactures and supports marine propulsion systems that help power naval vessels and keep critical missions moving. Our work supports the people who serve—and every precision component matters. Join a team where your experience is valued, your craftsmanship makes a difference, and you can take pride in what you help build.

Benefits That Invest in You

We value the skill and dedication you bring to the shop—and we invest in your future.

• Benefits beginning on your first day of hire.
• A robust 401(k) plan to help you build long-term financial security.
• 100% tuition reimbursement after 12 months of employment to support your continued education.
• An annual 5% company performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career with Bird-Johnson and the broader Fairbanks Morse Defense organization.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Inside Manual Machinist II to fabricate, rework, and repair high-precision metal components supporting defense and specialized industrial applications.

Working primarily in a controlled indoor shop environment, you will bring hands‑on expertise to conventional machining equipment, solve challenging machining problems, and produce work that meets demanding quality and security standards. This is an opportunity for a skilled machinist who takes ownership of every setup, every measurement, and every finished part.

Key Responsibilities

• Machining Operations: Set up and operate manual lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and boring mills to manufacture precision components to blueprint specifications.
• Blueprint & Drawing Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, defense specifications, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and shop routing sheets.
• Setup & Tooling: Select, align, and secure cutting tools, attachments, workholding fixtures, and raw stock. Calculate appropriate speeds, feeds, and depths of cut for materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and high‑temperature alloys.
• Quality & Precision Inspection: Perform in-process and final dimensional inspections using micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators. Maintain tight tolerances as specified by engineering drawings and job requirements.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform daily preventive maintenance on assigned equipment. Identify and resolve machining issues to protect part quality, equipment, and shop safety.
• Security & Documentation: Maintain accurate material traceability, job routing sheets, and quality records. Follow all applicable facility security requirements and classified material handling protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: At least five years of experience operating manual machine tools in a precision manufacturing or defense-oriented environment.
• Clearance & Eligibility: U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required. An active DoD Confidential clearance is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in GD&T, precision measurement, shop mathematics—including trigonometry—and manual machine setup.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work safely around heavy rotating equipment.
• Forklift & Crane: Current certification or the ability to obtain certification.
• Craftsmanship & Teamwork: A commitment to quality, safe work practices, and productive collaboration with fellow machinists, engineering, and quality teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship program or possession of a Journeyman card.
• Experience machining defense-grade alloys.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems.

Build Work You’re Proud Of—and a Career You Can Grow.

Bring your experience, attention to detail, and pride in your trade to Bird-Johnson. Help us deliver the precision our customers depend on while building your future with a team that values skilled craftsmanship.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse.