Aerospace Production Technician (CNC) - Thursday-Saturday 6pm- 6:30am

Location: Decatur, AL. Relocation assistance not provided. Infrequent travel may be required.

About the role

As an Aerospace Production Technician - CNC Machinist at United Launch Alliance, you will join a team that has successfully launched more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success. This role offers the opportunity to grow in a team-oriented culture that values technology, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate large 3 to 5 axis CNC Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) and CNC Gantry Milling machines for turning and milling precision aluminum ring forgings, plate stock, and stainless steel to produce high-quality production hardware.
• Set up tooling fixtures, indicate large ring forgings and plates, identify cutting tool requirements, load CNC programs, perform visual inspections, hand deburring, and operate manufacturing handling equipment such as overhead cranes.
• Validate CNC program configurations for rings and large pattern plate stock parts while maintaining quality requirements.
• Work to specified tolerances and finishes to achieve blueprint specifications for large-scale rings and/or skin panels.
• Determine finishing requirements and prescribe the proper sequence of operations and methods/equipment necessary for surface finishing (e.g., deburring, wash booths).
• Perform periodic maintenance procedures on machinery and equipment to ensure proper fluid levels, cleanliness, and travel of moving parts.
• Maintain schedule metrics related to maintenance procedures and report problems or malfunctions during assigned shifts.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant machining experience.
• Demonstrated experience with 3 to 5 axis machining/turning.
• Knowledge and understanding of CNC programming.
• Experience reading and utilizing blueprints.
• Proficiency with basic machine shop measuring tools.
• Knowledge of speeds and feeds for machine cutters.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined in ITAR (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Schedule

• Primary Shift: Weekend Night (Thursday–Saturday, 3 x 12-hour shifts, 6:00 PM – 6:30 AM).
• Training Period: Monday–Thursday, 1st shift.
• Flexibility to work weekends, overtime, and alternate shifts as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience operating and setting up large 3 to 5 axis CNC Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) and/or CNC Gantry Milling machines.
• Understanding of geometric tolerances.
• Proficiency with advanced math (e.g., trigonometry).
• Experience operating basic machine shop support equipment, such as overhead cranes and forklifts.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• 401(k) match plus additional employer contribution.
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible work environments.
• For most salaried employees: "9/80 schedule," providing every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.