Machining Technician

High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field preferred.

FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 

Your role: FMI is seeking a Machining Technician to play a pivotal role in our R&T department, developing machining operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards, and helping build robust processes for machining. As a Machining Technician, you will work primarily with carbon fiber composites and some basic process with metals, performing a variety of duties relating to component and material manufacturing including, but not limited to, CNC programming/operation, metrology programming/operation, cutting tool design, CNC/CMM fixture design, process/machine trouble shooting, etc. You will also work from schematics, routes, engineering drawings and written or verbal instructions. Being in the Machining Technician means you will operate related equipment in low volume production scenarios; conducts tests and reports data in prescribed format(s), perform calibration and alignment checks; makes adjustments, modifications, and replacements as necessary.  The Machining Technician provides design for manufacturing input and helps facilitate first article type process reviews.

Job Responsibilities:

• Machining Operations: Work with the team to program, set up, and operate CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines to manufacture precision aerospace components from carbon fiber composites and some metals
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all parts meet stringent aerospace and defense specifications, conducting inspections using precision measuring tools and techniques
• Process Optimization: Help identify and implement improvements to machining processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality
• Programming: Help develop and troubleshoot CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Edgecam, Solidworks, or equivalent)
• Tooling and Maintenance: Help select appropriate tooling for materials and applications, and manage routine machine maintenance to ensure optimal performance
• Safety and Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to workplace safety standards, ITAR/EAR compliance, and AS9100 or equivalent quality standards
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to meet project timelines and resolve technical challenges

What we need from you:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 3+ years of machining experience
• Knowledge of machining process types, milling, turning, grinding, etc. with technical expertise in at least one discipline
• Understanding of manufacturing processes/techniques, gaging, fixturing and custom tooling
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on troubleshooting and process improvement
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

Preferred:

• Technical certification or associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field preferred
• Experience with CNC machines, manufacturing processes, metrology, and fixturing
• Familiarity with composite material machining challenges, including fiber alignment and tool wear management
• Expertise in machining carbon fiber composites, metals, and other advanced materials
• Proficiency in precision manufacturing, CAD/CAM processes and G-code programming

What you'll get from us:

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
• Medical / Dental / Vision Effective on Day 1
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• The anticipated hourly range for this position is $25-$35 dependent on experience