Lead Machinist

About the role

Based in White Salmon, Washington, we are a publicly traded space and defense manufacturer with advanced manufacturing sites across the country. Our White Salmon site builds precision composite structures, structural tubes, and machined components used on military and commercial aircraft, launch vehicles, spacecraft, and missile systems. Several of the largest U.S. defense primes have recognized us for supplier excellence, and our hardware has supported award-winning NASA deep-space programs.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run CNC equipment producing complex aerospace components, tooling, and fixtures, while serving as the go-to technical resource for the machine shop.
• Perform complex CNC setups and machining operations; determine tooling, workholding, machining sequences, and setup strategies.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specs, and GD&T; perform precision measurements and verify dimensional conformance.
• Support program prove-out and first-part production, working closely with CNC Programming, Engineering, and Quality.
• Coordinate daily machining priorities; train and mentor less-experienced machinists through difficult setups and troubleshooting.
• Drive improvements in setup and cycle time, machine utilization, scrap and rework, and standardized machining practices.

Requirements

• CNC machining experience with a focus on complex, tight-tolerance components.
• Senior Machinist through Lead Machinist level considered, with experience training or providing technical guidance to other machinists.

Qualifications

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
• Multi-axis / 5-axis CNC machining experience.
• CNC programming / CAM experience.
• AS9100 quality environment experience.
• Prior Lead Machinist responsibilities.
• Fixture and workholding design experience.
• Setup reduction and continuous improvement experience.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement plan.
• PTO accrual up to 120 hours, plus 10 paid holidays.
• Ancillary benefits: hospital indemnity, accident, critical care, identity theft, and legal insurance.

Pay

$35–$50 per hour (with potential bonus)

Schedule

Four 10‑hour shifts, Monday through Thursday (occasional Fridays or weekends as needed)