Machinist

Machinist (Level IV - Multi-Axis)

Greater Baltimore, Maryland

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior CNC Machinist (Level IV) to set up, program, and operate multi-axis horizontal and vertical CNC machining centers. In this role, you will manufacture mission-critical, flight-grade components to ultra-tight tolerances for high-reliability aerospace, space, and defense applications. The ideal candidate brings extensive multi-axis machining experience, strong G-code editing capabilities, deep material metallurgy knowledge (including titanium and nickel-based superalloys), and an uncompromising commitment to flight safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Axis Setup & Machining Execution

• Machine Operation: Set up, operate, clean, and maintain complex multi-axis CNC machining centers (horizontal and vertical) to produce high-precision hardware while maximizing machine uptime.

• G-Code Editing & Programming: Review, edit, optimize, and write G-code at the machine control to adjust tool paths, speeds, feeds, depths, and angles of cut.

• Tooling & Fixturing: Select and configure optimal cutting programs, custom fixtures, tool assemblies, drills, and inserts suited for specialized alloys.

• In-Process Optimization: Monitor machining cycles to immediately catch abnormal machine vibrations, chip conditions, or out-of-tolerance dimensions, making prompt manual or programmatic offset adjustments.

Quality Assurance & Technical Compliance

• Ultra-Tight Tolerances: Consistently hold precision aerospace tolerances down to ±0.0001" across production runs.

• Inspection & Metrology: Proficiently operate precision inspection instruments, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, gage pins, height gages, optical comparators, and precision scales.

• Blueprint Comprehension: Interpret complex engineering blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) callouts, customer specifications, and digital router travelers.

• Quality & Traceability: Maintain compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 standards, updating ERP/inventory logs for usage, tracking scrap, documenting non-conformance tags, and maintaining full lot traceability.

• Safety & FOD Control: Champion a safety-first culture (including Lockout/Tagout enforcement), maintain 5S workplace standards, and strictly enforce Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention protocols.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Mentorship

• Partner directly with manufacturing engineers, NC programmers, toolroom personnel, and finishing departments to troubleshoot setup challenges and resolve machining deviations.

• Provide technical guidance, setup instruction, and mentorship to junior and mid-level CNC machinists.

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience & Technical Background:

• 8–12+ years of dedicated experience in a precision CNC machine shop operating complex multi-axis machining centers.

• Practical understanding of advanced machining physics, applied shop trigonometry, geometry, and the metallurgical properties of diverse materials (aerospace steels, aluminum, engineered plastics, titanium, and nickel alloys/Inconel).

• Direct experience working with operational work travelers, production routers, and ERP system tracking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship program, journeyman card, or post-secondary trade/vocational degree in Precision Machining.

• Practical knowledge of CAD/CAM software (e.g., Mastercam) and offline toolpath programming.

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S methodologies, or Six Sigma principles.