Sheet Metal Technician

About the role

The Sheet Metal Technician fabricates, modifies, assembles, and repairs complex sheet metal, machined, and prototype components supporting aeronautical research hardware and flight-related systems. This position requires advanced CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, blueprint interpretation, precision measurement, and manufacturing skills. The technician works independently from complex engineering drawings, solid models, mechanical sketches, and verbal instructions to produce quality components within specified dimensions and tolerances. Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment. Cherokee Nation Armored Solutions, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, modernizes aging systems, delivers care where it’s needed most, and keeps missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair complex sheet metal parts, machined components, prototypes, research hardware, and airframe-related components.
• Interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, mechanical sketches, CAD models, specifications, and verbal work instructions.
• Compute and establish dimensions, tolerances, layouts, tooling requirements, and machining methods for complex assemblies and components.
• Use three-dimensional CAD software to analyze assemblies, evaluate solid models, and determine manufacturing requirements.
• Import CAD .dxf files and solid-model files into CAM software to support CNC machining and fabrication activities.
• Develop, edit, troubleshoot, and validate Level 2 G-code and M-code programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining operations.
• Program, set up, and operate CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, CNC CO2 laser machines, and CNC wire EDM equipment.
• Perform precision machining and three-dimensional contouring operations to produce components that meet required dimensions and tolerances.
• Use precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment to verify component quality, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Follow established safety, quality-control, housekeeping, and equipment-maintenance procedures in support of manufacturing operations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of recent, relevant manufacturing and machinist experience.
• Demonstrated experience fabricating, machining, assembling, or modifying complex components, prototypes, research hardware, airframe components, or similar precision products.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing, machining, sheet metal fabrication, assembly, and prototype-development processes.
• Strong ability to interpret complex blueprints, drawings, mechanical sketches, solid models, and verbal instructions.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, tolerances, machining parameters, layouts, and material requirements for complex components.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC programming principles.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, and work in a manufacturing or machine-shop environment for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding as required to perform assigned work.
• Ability to perform considerable arm movement and work in awkward positions while setting up machinery, assembling components, and installing assemblies.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects