CNC Operator III

About the role

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a skilled Composite Machinist Operator to support the precision machining and finishing of composite flight hardware. In this role, you will operate CNC and manual machining equipment to trim, drill, route, and finish carbon fiber composite components used on launch vehicles, spacecraft, and ground systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC routers, CNC mills, trim routers, saws, drill presses, and other machining equipment used to process composite components.
• Machine carbon fiber composite parts to engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
• Perform precision trimming, drilling, routing, countersinking, sanding, and finishing operations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, work orders, and GD&T requirements.
• Inspect finished hardware using precision measuring equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, and templates.
• Verify dimensions and maintain tight tolerances on flight hardware.
• Identify machining defects, delamination, fiber breakout, or dimensional nonconformances and communicate issues to Manufacturing Engineering and Quality.
• Maintain tooling, fixtures, cutting tools, and machine cleanliness.
• Support first article builds, prototype development, and production improvements.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cycle time reduction.
• Follow all PPE, FOD prevention, and composite dust control procedures.
• Work safely with overhead cranes, forklifts, and other production equipment.
• Support overtime and weekend production when required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of machining or manufacturing experience.
• Experience operating CNC routers, CNC mills, manual mills, lathes, or similar production equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Comfortable standing, bending, and working on your feet for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining carbon fiber or fiberglass composite materials.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Experience with 3-axis or 5-axis CNC machining.
• Familiarity with Mastercam, Siemens NX, Vericut, or other CAM software.
• Knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5.
• Experience using vacuum fixtures and composite-specific tooling.
• Understanding of composite layup, cure processes, and trimming operations.
• Experience with CMM inspection or first article inspections.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Frequent lifting of materials up to 40 pounds. Work in a manufacturing environment around moving machinery. Wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators (when required), and steel-toed boots. Exposure to composite dust, cutting fluids, and production equipment while following all safety procedures.

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Quality-focused mindset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Benefits

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, relocation assistance (where applicable), short-term disability, and flexible PTO options.