Job Description
The Milling Machinist Level 3/4 supports aerospace tooling and flight hardware manufacturing through precision machining, tool design, and fixture development. This position requires a self-directed machinist capable of taking projects from concept to completion - programming, setup, machining, inspection, and final verification. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced Mastercam skills, experience with Haas CNC mills and lathes, and a strong foundation in manual machining and fixture design.
Role Description & Responsibilities:
• Program, set up, and operate Haas CNC mills and lathes for precision tooling, fixtures, and production support parts.
• Create and modify Mastercam programs, including complex 2D and 3D toolpaths, using supplied CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Design and build custom fixturing, jigs, and tooling for one-off or prototype applications to support assembly and flight hardware operations.
• Perform manual machining (mills, lathes, drill press, surface grinders) for tool repair, modifications, or prototype development.
• Read and interpret detailed blueprints, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models.
• Select tools, calculate feeds/speeds, and verify machining parameters for accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Conduct self-inspection and first article verification to ensure part compliance before release to Quality.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, and quality personnel to refine processes and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Maintain work area organization, documentation, and adherence to 5S and FOD standards.
Basic Qualifications:
Milling Machinist Level 3:
• High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience
• Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
• Must be able to work from drawings/solid models.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Clearance within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• 4 years' experience working in a machine shop
• US Citizenship
• Must be able to lift & carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
Milling Machinist Level 4:
• High School diploma or equivalent and 6 years additional education and/or related experience.
• Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning.
• Must be able to work from drawings/solid models.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Clearance within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• 4 years' experience working in a machine shop
• US Citizenship
• Must be able to lift & carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced proficiency in Mastercam programming for milling and turning.
• Strong working knowledge of Haas controls (NextGen or Classic).
• Demonstrated ability to design and fabricate custom fixtures and tooling.
• Deep understanding of feeds, speeds, cutter geometry, and material behavior.
• Capable of performing setups, first articles, and in-process inspections independently.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and planning skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Associate's degree or vocational certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field.
• Background in aerospace, tooling, or high-precision prototype manufacturing.
• Experience with 4th/5th-axis machining, setup documentation, and digital manufacturing workflows.
• Familiarity with inspection tools, CMM processes, or laser tracker systems.
• Work Environment
• Fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume environment supporting aerospace tool fabrication and flight hardware assembly. Machinists are trusted to take ownership of their projects and deliver precision results that directly support production and test operations.
Primary Level Salary Range: $60,800.00 - $101,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $72,200.00 - $120,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
The Milling Machinist Level 3/4 supports aerospace tooling and flight hardware manufacturing through precision machining, tool design, and fixture development. This position requires a self-directed machinist capable of taking projects from concept to completion - programming, setup, machining, inspection, and final verification. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced Mastercam skills, experience with Haas CNC mills and lathes, and a strong foundation in manual machining and fixture design.
Role Description & Responsibilities:
• Program, set up, and operate Haas CNC mills and lathes for precision tooling, fixtures, and production support parts.
• Create and modify Mastercam programs, including complex 2D and 3D toolpaths, using supplied CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Design and build custom fixturing, jigs, and tooling for one-off or prototype applications to support assembly and flight hardware operations.
• Perform manual machining (mills, lathes, drill press, surface grinders) for tool repair, modifications, or prototype development.
• Read and interpret detailed blueprints, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models.
• Select tools, calculate feeds/speeds, and verify machining parameters for accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Conduct self-inspection and first article verification to ensure part compliance before release to Quality.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, and quality personnel to refine processes and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Maintain work area organization, documentation, and adherence to 5S and FOD standards.
Basic Qualifications:
Milling Machinist Level 3:
• High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience
• Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
• Must be able to work from drawings/solid models.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Clearance within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• 4 years' experience working in a machine shop
• US Citizenship
• Must be able to lift & carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
Milling Machinist Level 4:
• High School diploma or equivalent and 6 years additional education and/or related experience.
• Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning.
• Must be able to work from drawings/solid models.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Clearance within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) within reasonable period of time as determined by company to meet its business needs
• 4 years' experience working in a machine shop
• US Citizenship
• Must be able to lift & carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced proficiency in Mastercam programming for milling and turning.
• Strong working knowledge of Haas controls (NextGen or Classic).
• Demonstrated ability to design and fabricate custom fixtures and tooling.
• Deep understanding of feeds, speeds, cutter geometry, and material behavior.
• Capable of performing setups, first articles, and in-process inspections independently.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and planning skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Associate's degree or vocational certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field.
• Background in aerospace, tooling, or high-precision prototype manufacturing.
• Experience with 4th/5th-axis machining, setup documentation, and digital manufacturing workflows.
• Familiarity with inspection tools, CMM processes, or laser tracker systems.
• Work Environment
• Fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume environment supporting aerospace tool fabrication and flight hardware assembly. Machinists are trusted to take ownership of their projects and deliver precision results that directly support production and test operations.
Primary Level Salary Range: $60,800.00 - $101,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $72,200.00 - $120,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip out customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our nearly 100,000 employees contribute to launching the technology of tomorrow, today.
© 2025 Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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