What are the responsibilities and job description for the CNC Machinist (2nd & 3rd Shift) position at fairbanksmorse?
About Us
Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is a trusted provider of critical power and propulsion solutions for Naval Defense. Our Pascagoula facility supports mission-critical manufacturing, including precision CNC machining of large-scale defense components. Safety, quality, and craftsmanship drive everything we do.
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry to mid-level CNC Machinist to join our production team on 2nd or 3rd shift. The machinist will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining advanced CNC equipment, including 5-axis and 6-axis milling and turning centers, to produce complex components such as hubs, impellers, FPP and CPP propellers. This role requires strong technical skill, precision, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. Machinists play a direct role in supporting US Navy readiness by producing mission-critical parts to exacting defense-grade standards.
Shift Schedule
Training will be provided short-term on 1st Shift Schedule as follows: 6AM - 2:30PM
- 2nd Shift: 2PM - 10:30PM
- 3rd Shift: 10PM - 6:30AM
- Candidates must be able to work assigned shift and occasional overtime as production needs require.
- Shift differential may apply.
Responsibilities
- Efficient setup and operation of CNC mills, lathes, and other complex multi-axis (5-axis/6-axis) machining centers to produce component parts in accordance with engineering drawings, internal sketches, or other specifications provided by engineering/USN
- Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions while understanding GD&T requirements
- Select tooling, adjust offsets, and verify machine parameters for complex geometries
- Perform quality checks using micrometers, calipers, gauges, CMM, and other precision instruments
- Perform some follow-up operations, such as deburring, polishing, and grinding
- Maintain safe and clean work environment in compliance with company and DoD standards
- Document production, quality, and maintenance logs
- Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and fellow machinists to resolve production issues
- Communicate with team members to produce quality parts to specification
- Other duties as assigned within required scope of work
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or CNC Machining Technology certification (2-year program)
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- Able to properly wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Able to stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, lift, reach above shoulders, pull, push, climb up/downstairs
- 3 years’ experience as a Machinist
- Knowledge of machining fundamentals, G-code, M-code and shop mathematics (Ability to perform basic arithmetic, geometric and algebraic calculations)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
- Proficiency with precision inspection tools
- U.S. Citizenship required (defense contract work)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
- Ability and willingness to work 2nd or 3rd shift, including overtime, weekends, and schedule adjustments as required to support production demands.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in defense manufacturing
- Active Security Clearance (Confidential or higher)
- Experience with Fanuc or Siemens CNC controls
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or TPM principles
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills