CNC Lead Machinist – Aerospace & Defense

About Tinker Manufacturing

Tinker Manufacturing is a growing precision CNC machine shop serving the aerospace and defense industries. We specialize in challenging, tight-tolerance components and are looking for an experienced CNC machinist who wants to continue developing their technical skills and grow into greater responsibility as the company expands.

This is not a CNC programming position. Programs will generally be provided. We are looking for someone who understands machining, can independently set up and prove out CNC equipment, maintain control of a job through production, and recognize problems before they become quality issues.

For the right individual, this position offers a path toward a future lead role as they learn our equipment, customers, processes, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently set up, prove out, and operate CNC milling machines.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Review programs, tooling, workholding, and setup information before beginning production.
• Safely prove out new and existing programs and identify potential tooling, workholding, or process concerns.
• Make appropriate tool offsets and process adjustments to maintain dimensional control.
• Select and install appropriate cutting tools and workholding.
• Understand and apply proper speeds, feeds, cutting conditions, and machining practices.
• Troubleshoot tooling, dimensional, surface-finish, and machining issues.
• Manufacture tight-tolerance aerospace and defense components from a variety of materials.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection using appropriate precision measuring equipment.
• Monitor critical dimensions throughout production and make adjustments before product becomes nonconforming.
• Properly deburr and finish components without damaging controlled dimensions, surfaces, or features.
• Identify questionable conditions and stop production when requirements are unclear or product quality may be at risk.
• Maintain accurate setup and production documentation.
• Work closely with programming, quality, and management to improve manufacturing processes.
• As experience with Tinker's processes develops, assist with training and supporting less-experienced operators and machinists.

QualificationsRequired

• 5 years of CNC machining experience.
• Strong CNC setup experience.
• Ability to independently set up and prove out CNC equipment.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience producing tight-tolerance precision components.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, and machining fundamentals.
• Leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to use micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gages, bore gages, thread gages, and other precision inspection equipment.
• Ability to make offsets and machining adjustments based on inspection results.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of proper deburring and workmanship practices.
• Ability to recognize when something does not look or measure correctly and stop before producing additional nonconforming product.
• Dependable, organized, and able to take ownership of assigned work.

Preferred

• Aerospace or defense machining experience.
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steel, and other challenging materials.
• Experience with complex, multi-operation precision components.
• Experience working with tight geometric and dimensional tolerances.
• Previous experience helping train or mentor less-experienced employees.

CNC programming experience is helpful but is not required for this position.

Growth Opportunity

Tinker Manufacturing is continuing to expand, and we want to develop future leadership from within the company.

The ideal candidate is an experienced machinist who is ready for the next stage of their career — someone who wants to continue improving technically while gradually taking on additional responsibility for troubleshooting, supporting other machinists, improving processes, and helping maintain standards on the production floor.

Advancement will be based on demonstrated technical ability, judgment, reliability, quality, communication, and leadership.

What We Value

We place a high value on machining judgment and personal ownership.

We want someone who understands that making a quality part involves more than pressing cycle start. The right machinist pays attention to the entire process, recognizes potential problems, asks questions when something doesn't make sense, and takes pride in sending quality work to the next operation.

Why Tinker Manufacturing?

• Challenging aerospace and defense work
• Small-team environment where your contribution matters
• Opportunity to work on a variety of precision components
• Direct access to management
• Opportunity to develop into a future leadership role
• ISO 9001 certified
• Growing manufacturing operation with opportunities for advancement

Work Location: In person – Bedford, NH

Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $35