Machinist (ET2)

Machinist (Engineering Technician II)(EPFAB-2026-25749): 

Bowhead is seeking to hire a Machinist to support the Machine Shop at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in Virginia. Dahlgren’s Machine Shop offers exciting/patriotic opportunities to work closely with the United States Navy creating prototypes and short-run production work. All of our Machinists program their parts, set up, and machine them according to Department of Defense (DoD) drawings and models. We work with many types of materials from aluminum, exotic steels, multiple plastics, and titanium.

There is in-house training on SolidWorks and CAMWorks and other opportunities for employees to expand their knowledge and grow in their careers.

Tools will be provided by the government. This is a beginner/intermediate Machinist position that requires at least three years of experience. New employees will work closely with more experienced Machinists and leadership until they can work independently.

Bowhead offers:

• Engineering Technician II pay at $27.70 per hour, plus $5.09 per hour for H&W (Health and Welfare)
• A total of 33 paid days off per year. (Described below)
• Paid vacation accrued up to 15 days a year.
• Paid sick leave accrued up to 7 days a year.
• Paid holidays 11 per year.
• Up to $175 for safety boots every two years.
• Up to $5250 for college tuition per year.
• Up to $5250 for training per year.
• Prescription safety glasses are provided yearly.
• 401K matched up to 3%.

• Machinists are required to program and operate both CNC lathes/mills, set tools in the machines and create fixtures to hold unique parts.
• Most of the equipment in the shop is either Haas, Fadal, or ProtoTraks and is used daily.
• Comply with DoD drawings and hold tight tolerances on machined parts.
• Machinists will operate saws and occasionally use manual lathes and mills. They are expected to use common measuring tools such as dial calipers and micrometers to inspect their parts.

• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have at least three (3) years of professional experience operating CNC milling machines and lathes. (Technical training may be considered as experience)
• Must be able to draw and program using CAD/CAM software.
• Basic level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Have a proficient understanding of reading and interpreting Machinist drawings.
• Capable of using common precision measuring tools such as dial calipers and micrometers to inspect in-process and completed parts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees, customers, and management and respond to instructions/assignments.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds. 
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
• Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for a Secret clearance at this location.