Master Machinist & Modeler

AeroVironment, Inc.; New Mexico; On-site; USD 68,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Senior Machinist/Model Maker to lead advanced manufacturing for aerospace components and space-related structures at Kirtland AFB. The role demands autonomy, mastery of CNC and manual equipment, and collaboration with internal teams and external contractors.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in high-precision machining or R&D prototyping, strong CAD/CAM skills, and a U.S. security clearance eligibility. ITAR/EAR compliance is required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in high-precision machining or R&D prototyping.
• Master-level understanding of precision tooling and equipment.
• Experience with Integrated Product Team (IPT) collaboration.
• Proficient CAD/CAM modeling using Mastercam/SOLIDWORKS.
• U.S. citizen eligible for DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution in the in-house machine shop.
• Analyze and solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Plan sequencing, setup, and execution of multi-stage projects autonomously.
• Coordinate with internal/external contractors and government SMEs.
• Maintain safe procedures for hazardous materials and shop maintenance.

Skills

High-precision machining

CNC milling

CNC turning

CAD/CAM software

IPT collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Machine Tool Technology

Formal certification in machine tool technologies

Tools

Mastercam

SOLIDWORKS

Multi-axis CNC tooling

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Machinist/Model Maker

Job Description:

AV is seeking a self-motivated, proactive, and result-oriented Senior Machinist/Model Maker to lead technical execution and support ongoing and future research and development efforts for a dynamic, collaborative group of scientists and engineers. This role directly supports the Air Force Research Laboratory's Spacecraft Component Technology Branch of the Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RJSV) on Kirtland Air Force Base.

As a technical authority within the in-house machine shop, the ideal candidate will operate with autonomy, utilizing a comprehensive understanding of advanced manufacturing systems to solve complex, ongoing engineering challenges. The Senior Machinist must possess mastery over both complex CNC and manual equipment, establishing new techniques and determining all tooling/manufacturing operations needed to produce intricate structures, assemblies, and first-of-a-kind models for engineering components, spacecraft structural parts, fairings, etc. Success in this role requires leveraging technical insights to coordinate efforts and resources effectively with internal and external contractors, as well as government subject matter experts.

Essential Functions:

• Systemic Problem Solving: Analyze complex technical data and engineering notes to identify optimal manufacturing solutions, implementing procedures and approaches to complete work assignments.
• Process Innovation: Establish and refine machining techniques and shop standards to ensure the technical team meets its high-precision R&D objectives.
• Operational Autonomy: Independently plan the proper sequencing, setup, and execution of complex, multi-stage projects with little to no guidance.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Utilize insights into how the machine shop integrates with broader engineering and research divisions to coordinate shared resources, optimize workflows, and achieve project milestones.
• Quality Assurance & Methodology: Oversee and implement measurement, testing, and documentation procedures to evaluate completed units, ensure strict conformance to specifications, and establish corrective rework methodologies for complex defects.
• Shop Stewardship: Take full ownership of the shop environment, including developing and maintaining compliant processes for hazardous material handling, waste management, and preventative maintenance for advanced workstations.

Required Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of related experience in a high-precision machining or R&D prototyping environment.
• Comprehensive, master-level understanding of a wide range of precision tooling, systems, and cutting equipment (e.g., multi-axis CNC mills, CNC lathes, manual lathes, drill presses).
• Proven ability to work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) framework, providing expert technical consultation to designers and engineers to improve part manufacturability under deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in modeling/CAD/CAM software (such as Mastercam, SOLIDWORKS, etc.) alongside standard enterprise office tools.
• Formal certification or advanced technical training in machine tool technologies.
• A U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Department of Defense Security Clearance.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in Machine Tool Technology or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated confidence and expertise in providing data-driven feedback to aerospace engineers to optimize first-of-a-kind part designs and structural outcomes.
• Ability to manage a diverse, concurrent workload, shifting technical priorities dynamically across multiple projects without sacrificing accuracy or safety.
• Proven track record of managing high-value material inventories and anticipating tool/part replenishment cycles to prevent R&D downtime.

Clearance Level

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$68,000 - $103,750

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR defin