Sheet Metal Technician

Cherokee Federal; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

FSA and HSA options

Professional development and training

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Sheet Metal Technician at Fort Eustis, VA. This position requires an active Secret clearance and US citizenship or permanent resident status.

You will fabricate, modify, assemble, and repair complex sheet metal parts and airframe-related components under engineering drawings and CAD/CAM tooling. The role demands advanced CNC programming, precision measurement, and the ability to work from solid models and blueprints.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of recent, relevant manufacturing and machinist experience.
• Demonstrated experience fabricating, machining, assembling, or modifying complex components, prototypes, research hardware, airframe components, or similar precision products.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing, machining, sheet metal fabrication, assembly, and prototype-development processes.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair complex sheet metal parts, machined components, prototypes, research hardware, and airframe-related components.
• Interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, mechanical sketches, CAD models, specifications, and verbal work instructions.
• Compute and establish dimensions, tolerances, layouts, tooling requirements, and machining methods for complex assemblies and components.
• Use three-dimensional CAD software to analyze assemblies, evaluate solid models, and determine manufacturing requirements.
• Import CAD .dxf files and solid-model files into CAM software to support CNC machining and fabrication activities.
• Develop, edit, troubleshoot, and validate Level 2 G-code and M-code programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining operations.
• Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, CNC CO2 laser machines, and CNC wire EDM equipment.
• Perform precision machining and three-dimensional contouring operations to produce components that meet required dimensions and tolerances.
• Use precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment to verify component quality, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Follow established safety, quality-control, housekeeping, and equipment-maintenance procedures in support of manufacturing operations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC programming

CAD/CAM

Blueprint interpretation

Precision measurement

Manufacturing experience

Tools

CNC lathes

CNC milling machines

CNC CO2 laser machines

CNC wire EDM

Job description

Job Title: Sheet Metal Technician

Job Code: RW1248

Location: Fort Eustis, VA

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority

Prepared Date: 10/2/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Secret clearance.

Position Summary

This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

The Sheet Metal Technician fabricates, modifies, assembles, and repairs complex sheet metal, machined, and prototype components supporting aeronautical research hardware and flight-related systems. This position requires advanced CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, blueprint interpretation, precision measurement, and manufacturing skills. The technician works independently from complex engineering drawings, solid models, mechanical sketches, and verbal instructions to produce quality components within specified dimensions and tolerances.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary Range for Sheet Metal Technician: $38.00 – $42.00 per hour

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

Includes the following:

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair complex sheet metal parts, machined components, prototypes, research hardware, and airframe-related components.
• Interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, mechanical sketches, CAD models, specifications, and verbal work instructions.
• Compute and establish dimensions, tolerances, layouts, tooling requirements, and machining methods for complex assemblies and components.
• Use three-dimensional CAD software to analyze assemblies, evaluate solid models, and determine manufacturing requirements.
• Import CAD .dxf files and solid-model files into CAM software to support CNC machining and fabrication activities.
• Develop, edit, troubleshoot, and validate Level 2 G-code and M-code programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining operations.
• Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, CNC CO2 laser machines, and CNC wire EDM equipment.
• Perform precision machining and three-dimensional contouring operations to produce components that meet required dimensions and tolerances.
• Use precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment to verify component quality, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Follow established safety, quality-control, housekeeping, and equipment-maintenance procedures in support of manufacturing operations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of recent, relevant manufacturing and machinist experience.
• Demonstrated experience fabricating, machining, assembling, or modifying complex components, prototypes, research hardware, airframe components, or similar precision products.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing, machining, sheet metal fabrication, assembly, and prototype-development processes.
• Strong ability to interpret complex blueprints, drawings, mechanical sketches, solid models, and verbal instructions.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, tolerances, machining parameters, layouts, and material requirements for complex components.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC programming principles
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, and work in a manufacturing or machine-shop environment for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding as required to perform assigned work.
• Ability to perform considerable arm movement and work in awkward positions while setting up machinery, assembling components, and installing assemblies.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Armored Solutions, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-DH1

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In accordance with Virginia’s pay transparency requirements, the estimated hourly pay range for this position is $38.00 – $42.00 per hour. Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing. Cherokee Federal maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This position may be contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation. The scope of the investigation will be commensurate with position requirements and applicable law.