Skilled Trades Recruiter

About the role

ALIGN’s Skilled Trades Recruiter focuses on full-cycle recruitment for CNC Machinists and related skilled trades positions supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. The Recruiter is responsible for sourcing and managing candidates from initial outreach through offer and onboarding, partnering with Manufacturing and Human Resource leaders at each of our nine sites. This is an onsite position. Candidates must be located in Arundel, ME, Philadelphia, PA, Clearwater, FL or Tuscaloosa, AL.

Responsibilities

• Manages full-cycle recruitment for CNC Machinists (CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, 5-Axis, Swiss-style), Machine Operators, Tool & Die Makers, CNC Programmers, Manufacturing engineers, and related skilled trades roles.
• Partners with site Manufacturing, HR, Production, and Engineering leaders to understand staffing needs, technical skill requirements, and program timelines.
• Sources active and passive candidates through job boards, trade schools, technical/vocational programs, apprenticeship programs, veteran transition programs, industry associations, and employee referrals.
• Screens resumes and conduct initial phone/video interviews to assess technical competency (blueprint reading, GD&T knowledge, CNC programming/setup experience, relevant machine tool experience — e.g., Haas, Mazak, Okuma, DMG Mori).
• Coordinates technical/skills assessments and shop floor interviews with hiring managers.
• Manages candidate pipeline and applicant tracking system (ATS) data with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensures compliance with ITAR/EAR requirements when applicable, including verifying U.S. Person status for export-controlled positions.
• Extends offers, negotiate compensation within approved bands, and manage the pre-employment process (background checks, drug screening).
• Builds and maintains relationships with local trade schools, community colleges, technical training centers, and veteran/military transition programs to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
• Tracks and reports recruiting metrics (time-to-fill, source of hire, offer acceptance rate, pipeline health) to leadership.
• Stays current on machining labor market trends, regional wage benchmarks, and competitor hiring practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 4+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, with demonstrated experience recruiting for manufacturing, machining, or skilled trades roles.
• Experience using an ATS (preferably UKG or UltiPro).
• Experience using sourcing tools (LinkedIn Recruiter, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc.).
• Strong communication and relationship-management skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage a high-volume requisition load in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in skilled trades field and 4 years of recruiting experience.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining terminology, machine types, and manufacturing processes sufficient to screen technical candidates.
• Prior experience recruiting in aerospace, defense or other regulated manufacturing industries (AS9100, ITAR environments).
• PHR/SHRM-CP certification or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Long periods of sitting.
• Extended screen time.

Travel

Occasional travel to job fairs, trade schools or ALIGN business units.