Machining Technician

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips, rocket motor throats and nozzles. Our materials are used in ground-breaking space initiatives like the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles.

About the role

FMI is seeking a Machining Technician to play a pivotal role in our R&T department, developing machining operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards, and helping build robust processes for machining. As a Machining Technician, you will work primarily with carbon fiber composites and some metals, performing duties relating to component and material manufacturing including CNC programming/operation, metrology programming/operation, cutting tool design, CNC/CMM fixture design, process/machine troubleshooting, and more. You will work from schematics, routes, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions. You will operate related equipment in low-volume production scenarios, conduct tests, report data, perform calibration and alignment checks, and make adjustments or replacements as necessary. The role also involves providing design-for-manufacturing input and facilitating first-article process reviews.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines to manufacture precision aerospace components from carbon fiber composites and some metals
• Ensure all parts meet stringent aerospace and defense specifications, conducting inspections using precision measuring tools and techniques
• Identify and implement improvements to machining processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality
• Develop and troubleshoot CNC programs using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Edgecam, Solidworks, or equivalent)
• Select appropriate tooling for materials and applications, and manage routine machine maintenance to ensure optimal performance
• Maintain strict adherence to workplace safety standards, ITAR/EAR compliance, and AS9100 or equivalent quality standards
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to meet project timelines and resolve technical challenges

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 3+ years of machining experience
• Knowledge of machining process types (milling, turning, grinding, etc.) with technical expertise in at least one discipline
• Understanding of manufacturing processes/techniques, gaging, fixturing, and custom tooling
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on troubleshooting and process improvement
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Technical certification or associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field
• Experience with CNC machines, manufacturing processes, metrology, and fixturing
• Familiarity with composite material machining challenges, including fiber alignment and tool wear management
• Expertise in machining carbon fiber composites, metals, and other advanced materials
• Proficiency in precision manufacturing, CAD/CAM processes, and G-code programming

Benefits

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on Day 1
• 401k with company match
• Tuition reimbursement

Pay

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $25–$35, dependent on experience.