BAE Systems, one of the world's leading defense contractors and a stable Fortune 500 company, is seeking a Prototype Master Machinist or Machinist/Sub-assembly Fabrication Technician. This role is critical to the development of our combat vehicles, specifically supporting tracked vehicle prototype assembly.
The successful candidate will support design engineering through the CNC machining fabrication using CNC mills, Waterjet, Prototrak/Bridgeport manual mills, Lathe, and Brake press machines for prototype components and assemblies. Responsibilities of this job classification include some sub assembly fabrication & tool usage, inspection, test, and field support, as well as the ongoing maintenance and rework of prototype vehicles & parts within the Sterling Heights Prototype Shop.
This position requires advanced technical skill in Mastercam programming for Haas VF-11 CNC mill use, prototyping machinery, tool usage, and some maintenance for military ground combat vehicles. Candidates must apply comprehensive machinist fabrication skills (Tool & Die Maker) and mechanical knowledge to ensure all products, processes, and workmanship meet strict technical specifications.
The Master Machinist, Machinist or Tool & Die Maker Responsibilities Include:
- Programming CNC or Waterjet machines with Master CAM (MUST for Interview)
- Paint Booth Experience (Plus for Interview)
- Weld experience Aluminum, Steel or Both (Plus for Interview)
- Operation of basic fabrication, lathe & milling machines.
- Experience with drill presses, band saws, and other standard machine shop equipment.
- Systems assembly and integration skills that includes sub-component fabrication, assembly, inspection, test, vehicle maintenance and field support tasks alongside Sterling Heights Prototype shop personnel are part of this job skillset.
- Performs layout of vehicle repairs in depth from blueprint reading capability and handbook or technical manual data.
- Works from and reads engineering drawings, sketches, samples and understands & executes prototyping language & verbal instructions.
- Uses hand tools and hand power tools. Sets up and operates equipment for: shearing, sawing, routing, punching, drilling, forming, rolling and grinding, etc.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
The Master Machinist, Machinist or Tool & Die Maker Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Include:
- High School Diploma and six years of relevant machinist work experience if no military machinist experience
- Programming CNC or Waterjet machines with Mastercam
- Can operate basic fabrication equipment such as lathe & milling machines.
- Experience with drill presses, band saws, and other standard machine shop equipment.
- Uses hand tools and hand power tools. Sets up and operates equipment for: shearing, sawing, routing, punching, drilling, forming, rolling and grinding, etc.
- Performs layout of vehicle repairs in depth from blueprint reading capability and handbook or technical manual data.
- Works from and reads engineering drawings, sketches, samples and understands & executes prototyping language & verbal instructions.
- Systems assembly and integration skills that include sub-component fabrication, assembly, inspection, test, vehicle maintenance and field support tasks alongside Sterling Heights Prototype shop personnel are part of this job skillset.
- Receive assistance and guidance on only the most complicated work.
- Selects all tools and materials necessary and sets up and operates all prototype shop equipment necessary to complete tasks and performs all necessary maintenance on equipment with minimal supervision.
- Notes and reports variances or discrepancies in drawings or work and report them to the supervisor or appropriate person(s).
- Operates forklift, overhead cranes, jib cranes and hoists.
- Repairing & operating military track vehicles may be included in job skillset.
- Full attention is given to the prevention of personal injury and prevention of injury to others.
- MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN SECRET CLEARANCE
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Paint Booth Experience or CARC Paint Experience (Plus for Interview)
- Weld experience Aluminum, Steel or Both (Plus for Interview)
- Experience with CREO, JT2GO or other model reading & manipulation software skills (Plus for interview but must be a machinist).
- Heavy diesel engine mechanics & troubleshooting experience on military tracked vehicles as a Field Service Repair (FSR) Technician with machinist skills may fit narrow hiring requirements
- Previous experience working on military tracked or wheeled military from below listed Military Occupational Skills are a plus for Interview:
- Previously held Army MOS of: 91E - Allied Trade Specialist with Basic Machinist Crs A142156 or US Marine MOS 2161 Machinist or Weapons Fabricator
- Previously held Navy NEC U31A or rate of Machinery Repairman (MR) or Machinist Mate (MM-3385)
- Previously held Army MOS of: 91H - Track Vehicle Repairer, or, 91P- Artillery Mechanic but must have follow on machinist experience
- Previously held USMC MOS of: 2146 - Main Battle Tank Repairer/Technician, 2147 - Light Armored Vehicle Repairer, 2141 - Assault Amphibious Vehicle Repairer but must have follow on machinist experience
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $66017 - $105628
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Skills Required
- High school diploma
- Six years of relevant machinist work experience if lacking military machinist experience
- Mastercam programming for CNC or waterjet machines
- Ability to operate lathes, milling machines, and basic fabrication equipment
- Experience with drill presses, band saws, and standard machine shop equipment
- Ability to use hand tools and hand power tools
- Ability to set up and operate shearing, sawing, routing, punching, drilling, forming, rolling, and grinding equipment
- Blueprint and engineering drawing reading capability
- Prototype subassembly fabrication, assembly, inspection, testing, vehicle maintenance, and field support skills
- Ability to select tools and materials and operate prototype shop equipment with minimal supervision
- Ability to identify and report drawing or work discrepancies
- Ability to operate forklifts, overhead cranes, jib cranes, and hoists
- Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
- Paint booth or CARC paint experience
- Aluminum or steel welding experience
- Creo, JT2GO, or similar model-reading and manipulation software experience
- Heavy diesel engine mechanics and troubleshooting experience on military tracked vehicles
- Military machinist, weapons fabrication, tracked vehicle repair, or armored vehicle technician experience
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is broad with medical, dental, and vision options, plus mental health and EAP resources, and U.S. eligibility that can begin quickly. Materials also reference wellbeing programs designed to support employees and their families.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a U.S. 401(k) savings plan with company match information highlighted in benefits summaries. Global materials also reference pension contributions in some regions, indicating solid long-term financial support.
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Parental & Family Support — Programs include paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and back-up child and elder care for U.S. employees. Family resources and caregiving support are emphasized across benefit materials.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.
Why Work With Us
We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.








