Sr. CNC Machinist

Columbus Technologies and Services; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Technologies and Services is seeking a skilled machinist for a 25-month contract at NASA JPL, Pasadena, onsite. Responsibilities include fabricating and assembling high-precision components, reading complex drawings, and using 5-axis CNC milling with Mastercam and Vericut simulations.

The role requires extensive experience in aerospace machining, GD&T proficiency, and autonomous problem-solving abilities to develop creative fabrication solutions.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; an Associate's degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience, plus completed technical training.
• Extensive technical expertise and hands-on experience in 5-axis CNC milling operations, as well as programming and fabricating high-precision components.
• Deep proficiency in CAD/CAM programming tools, specifically Mastercam, with a minimum of 5 years of active programming experience.
• Experience using Vericut software simulations for collision detection and verification.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), with the capability to self-inspect parts.
• An innovative mindset and ability to deploy advanced machining techniques, working autonomously to develop creative solutions to complex fabrication challenges.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience collaborating with engineering teams to understand technical requirements and project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates metallic and nonmetallic parts, and fits and assembles machined parts into complete units.
• Checks blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points on material as guides for machining.
• Selects and secures tools and fixtures on machines such as mills, lathes, grinders.
• Sets controls to regulate speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth of cut; or inputs NC data.
• Starts and monitors machine operations; adjusts as needed for accuracy.
• Verifies conformance of finished work using precision measuring instruments.
• Fits and assembles parts into complete assemblies, using fixtures and hand tools.
• May install machined replacement parts and test unit functionality.
• May operate welding equipment to cut or weld parts.

Skills

5-axis CNC milling

GD&T reading

ESD protocols

Autonomous problem solving

Effective communication

Lead machinist / team leadership

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High School diploma

Technical training

Tools

Mastercam

Vericut

CNC lathes (Okuma, Mori Seiki, Monarch)

EDM

Job description

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Person

Duration: 25 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted

W2 with full benefits, 9/80 Work Schedule

Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.

Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite)

Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen

Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Fabricates metallic and nonmetallic parts, and fits and assembles machined parts into complete units, applying knowledge of machine shop theory and procedures, shop mathematics, machinability of materials, and layout techniques, operating conventional, special-purpose, and numerical control (NC) machines and machining centers.

• Checks blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications, or sample part to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work piece, sequence of operations, and setup requirements.
• Measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points on material or work piece as guides for subsequent machining.
• Selects, aligns, and secures holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on machines, such as mills, lathes, jig borers, grinders, and shapers.
• Calculates and sets controls to regulate machining factors, such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Starts and observes machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjusts machine controls or control media as required.
• Verifies conformance of finished work piece to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
• Sets up and operates machine on trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data.
• Fits and assembles parts into complete assembly, using jigs, fixtures, surface plate, surface table, hand tools, and power tools.
• Verifies dimensions and alignment of assembly, using measuring instruments, such as micrometers, height gauges, and gauge blocks.
• May install machined replacement parts in mechanisms, machines, and equipment, and test operation of unit to ensure functionality and performance.
• May operate welding equipment to cut or weld parts.
• May develop specifications from general description and draw sketch of part or product to be fabricated.
• May confer with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve machining or assembly problems.
• May specialize in setting up and operating NC machines and machining centers or set up and operate NC machines linked to automated storage, retrieval, and moving devices.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• A High School diploma with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; an Associate's degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience, plus completed technical training.
• Extensive technical expertise and hands-on experience in 5-axis CNC milling operations, as well as programming and fabricating high-precision components.
• Deep proficiency in CAD/CAM programming tools, specifically Mastercam, with a minimum of 5 years of active programming experience.
• Experience using Vericut software simulations for collision detection and verification.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), with the capability to self-inspect parts.
• An innovative mindset and ability to deploy advanced machining techniques, working autonomously to develop creative solutions to complex fabrication challenges.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience collaborating with engineering teams to understand technical requirements and project schedules.

DESIRED SKILLS

• 12+ years of prior aerospace or space industry programming and machining experience dealing with prototype and flight hardware.
• Experience with the programming, setup, and operation of CNC lathes (e.g., Okuma, Mori Seiki, and Monarch).
• Experience with the programming, setup, and operation of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).
• Solid background in conventional machining and precision toolroom operations.
• Proven experience serving as a lead machinist or team leader in day-to-day shop operations.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.