What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Machinist: CNC / GD&T / G&M Code / Setup position at iRocket?
Junior CNC Machinist / CNC Operator
Role overview
We’re hiring a Junior CNC Machinist to support the production of precision aerospace components. Working alongside experienced machinists and engineers, you’ll operate CNC milling and turning equipment, assist with setups, inspect parts, and develop your machining skills through hands-on work.
This role is ideal for a recent technical school graduate or an early-career machinist with a strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
What you’ll do
- Read engineering drawings, setup sheets, and work instructions; develop your understanding of dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T.
- Operate CNC milling and turning equipment using established programs and procedures.
- Assist experienced machinists with machine setups, tooling installation, workholding, and fixtures.
- Load and unload parts, monitor machining cycles, and identify visible defects or unusual machine behavior.
- Measure parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision inspection tools; document results as required.
- Make basic tool and work offset adjustments after training and with appropriate supervision.
- Support first-piece inspections and new program prove-outs under the guidance of experienced machinists.
- Help with deburring, finishing, and preparing completed components for inspection or assembly.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and perform routine machine care, including chip and coolant management.
- Follow shop safety procedures and support both prototype builds and short production runs.
Required qualifications
- 0–2 years of machining, CNC operation, or related manufacturing experience. Recent trade school, technical program, and community college graduates are encouraged to apply.
- Basic familiarity with machining through coursework, shop experience, internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on projects.
- Ability to read basic mechanical drawings and understand dimensions and tolerances.
- Familiarity with basic measuring tools, such as calipers and micrometers.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to producing quality work.
- Willingness to learn CNC setups, tooling, G-code and M-code, and inspection techniques.
- Ability to follow instructions, communicate clearly, and ask questions when something is unclear.
- U.S. Person status required due to access to export-controlled technical data.
Preferred qualifications
These skills are helpful but are not required—we’re looking for someone eager to learn.
- Completion of a machining, CNC, manufacturing technology, or related technical program.
- Experience operating CNC mills or lathes.
- Basic understanding of G-code, M-code, or GD&T.
- Exposure to Okuma CNC machines and controllers.
- Familiarity with multi-axis machining, live tooling, or mill-turn equipment.
- Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, or other engineering materials.
- Exposure to CAD/CAM software, CMM inspection, waterjet equipment, or additive manufacturing.
- Experience with deburring, part finishing, or post-processing.
About the team
The CNC Machining team works directly with engineering and manufacturing to produce precision components for propulsion and aerospace systems. You’ll work alongside experienced team members and build practical skills in CNC operation, setup, inspection, and manufacturing.
About iRocket
Founded in 2018, Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) develops propulsion technologies and manufactures aerospace hardware. Our team combines engineering, precision machining, automation, and additive manufacturing to turn designs into real hardware. Join us to build your skills while contributing to challenging aerospace projects.
Benefits
- Benefits: [Health / Dental / Vision / 401(k) / PTO]
- Hands-on training and opportunities to develop CNC machining and setup skills
- Meaningful work on real aerospace hardware
- Direct collaboration with engineering, test, and manufacturing teams
- Opportunities to take on greater responsibility as your skills grow