Prototype Machinist (Mech Tech H 3)

Mission Technologies, a division of HII; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Scholarships

Job summary

Mission Technologies, a division of HII, is seeking a Prototype Machinist in Alexandria, VA. In this hands-on role, you’ll work with CNC and traditional machines to fabricate precision parts and support prototype development.

You will collaborate with engineers to translate drawings into real components, uphold safety, and maintain a clean, efficient shop environment while coordinating with outside contractors as needed.

Qualifications

• 5 years of related experience with a high school diploma/GED and/or certification in assigned area preferred.
• Proficient programming, setup and operation of CNC tools; 5-axis experience is a plus.
• Experience using conventional lathes and milling machines.
• Proficiency in using and reading various measurement devices such as micrometers, calipers, gauges.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Machining components from scratch per print, on-time and within budget.
• Inspection of your own parts to confirm they meet specifications.
• Planning, setting up and operating manual CNC machines.
• Working independently and as part of a machining team.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis CNC

Precision measurement

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or 2-year technical degree

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

Prototype Machinist – Alexandria, VA

Mission Technologies, a division of HII, is collecting applications for a future opportunity for a Prototype Machinist at our Alexandria, VA location. In this hands‑on, fast‑paced role, you won’t just fabricate parts—you’ll help shape the future of advanced technology. You’ll work with a mix of CNC and traditional machine tools, from knee mills and lathes to CNC routers, waterjets, and lasers. Your creations will range from precision‑milled brackets to custom sheet‑metal enclosures, crafted from aluminum, steel, stainless, and modern plastics. You’ll collaborate directly with engineers, turning concept sketches, verbal ideas, and engineering drawings into real‑world components. Your insights will help refine designs for manufacturability, influence prototype development, and solve unconventional problems involving complex geometries and tight packaging. You’ll also play a key role in keeping the machine shop safe, clean, and operating at peak performance, and lend support with facilities maintenance and coordination with outside contractors.

Primary Responsibilities

• Machining components from scratch per print, on‑time and within budget.
• Inspection of your own parts to confirm they meet specifications.
• Planning, setting up and operating manual CNC machines.
• Working independently and as part of a machining team.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of related experience with a high school diploma/GED and/or certification in assigned area preferred.
• Proficient programming, set‑up and operation of CNC tools; 5‑axis experience is a plus.
• Experience using conventional lathes and milling machines.
• Proficiency in using and reading various measurement devices such as micrometers, calipers, gauges.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or related 2‑year technical degree and 3 years of related experience.
• Inspection of parts using micrometers and calipers.
• Proficiency with Mastercam or similar CAM software.
• Experience reading, interpreting and following blueprints, technical drawings.
• Knowledge of safety and quality control steps and procedures.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift and carry heavy equipment and boxes of at least 30 lbs. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions, and in confined spaces. Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels. May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Travel may be required within and outside the continental United States.

Benefits

Competitive benefits including best‑in‑class medical, dental and vision plans; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; a 401(k) savings plan; financial planning tools; life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships. Bonus or other non‑recurrent compensation may be offered for qualified positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. You may also call 1‑844‑849‑8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.