CNC Machinist - Various Levels

Tessera is expanding our Aerospace Manufacturing team in Auburn, WA, and is seeking multiple CNC Machinists across various shifts.

Benefits of a full time Aerospace CNC Machinist Level I, II, or III include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Elective 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 90-days of employment. Tessera will match 0.5% for every 1% up to 6%. Funds are subject to vesting.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
• 11 paid holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

CNC Machinist I

Location: Auburn, Washington (In-Person)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-time, Day Shift, Second Shift

Compensation: $21.63 - $28.85 per hour (Dependent on Experience)

The CNC Machinist I is an entry-level role responsible for operating CNC machines under close supervision to produce parts that meet quality and safety requirements. This position focuses on learning shop processes, reading basic engineering drawings, and performing routine inspections. The CNC Machinist I supports production goals by following established work instructions and maintaining an organized, safe work area.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Operate CNC machines under supervision in compliance with Tessera QMS quality procedures and AS9100
• Follow documented work instructions, travelers, and routers to ensure full traceability
• Load and unload parts, tools, and fixtures while protecting product and machinery from damage
• Read and interpret basic aerospace engineering drawings and manufacturing notes
• Perform basic dimensional inspections using calibrated measurement equipment
• Complete in-process inspection steps as defined by quality plans
• Accurately record production, inspection results, and lot traceability documentation
• Identify, segregate, and report nonconforming material per Tessera Quality procedures
• Handle ITAR-controlled technical data and hardware in accordance with company policy
• Maintain clean, organized work areas consistent with 5S and FOD prevention practices
• Follow all safety, EHS, and ITAR-control requirements at all times
• Participate in ongoing training related to aerospace quality, compliance, and machining
• Be willing to work overtime if/as required
• All Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent, required
• 0–3 years of CNC machining experience or completion of a recognized machining training program
• Basic understanding of CNC machine operation and shop safety practices
• Ability to read basic engineering drawings and follow written work instructions
• Familiarity with common measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges)
• Ability to accurately complete production and inspection documentation

• Willingness to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment and eligibility to work in an ITAR-controlled setting
• Completion of a technical machining certificate or apprenticeship, preferred
• Introductory exposure to aerospace quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001), preferred
• Familiarity with GD&T fundamentals, preferred
• Experience working with aluminum or common aerospace alloys, preferred
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety
• Be willing to work overtime if/as required

CNC Machinist II

Location: Auburn, Washington (In-Person)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-time, Day Shift, Second Shift

Compensation: $24.04 - $33.65 per hour (Dependent on Experience)

The CNC Machinist II independently sets up and operates CNC equipment to produce precision components in accordance with engineering specifications. This role requires proficiency in blueprint interpretation, in-process inspection, and basic troubleshooting of machining issues. The CNC Machinist II actively contributes to continuous improvement efforts and may assist in training or mentoring CNC Machinist II employees.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently set up and operate CNC machines producing aerospace components
• Interpret complex aerospace drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements
• Verify correct program revisions, tooling, and documentation prior to production
• Perform first- part, in-process, and final inspections per Quality System requirements
• Use advanced measuring tools and ensure all equipment is properly calibrated
• Make machining adjustments to maintain tight tolerances and flight-critical quality
• Troubleshoot common machining, tooling, and dimensional issues
• Ensure complete and accurate production, inspection, and traceability records
• Identify and contain nonconforming product in accordance with QMS procedures
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, yield, and efficiency
• Assist in training and mentoring CNC Machinist I employees on aerospace requirements
• Comply with ITAR, export controls, and controlled data handling requirements
• All Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent

• Journeyman Machinist certification or equivalent experience, preferred
• 3-5 years of CNC machining experience in an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment
• Intermediate understanding of CNC machine operation and shop safety practices
• Familiarity with common measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges)
• Ability to accurately complete production and inspection documentation
• Completion of a technical machining certificate or apprenticeship, preferred
• Proven ability to independently set up and operate CNC machines
• Proficiency reading aerospace engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T
• Experience performing first-article, in-process, and final inspections
• Strong understanding of AS9100 documentation, traceability, and nonconformance control
• Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and dimensional issues

• Willingness to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment and eligibility to work in an ITAR-controlled setting
• Experience working with aluminum or common aerospace alloys, preferred

• Experience working in an AS9100 certified shop, preferred
• Experience machining hard metals, tight-tolerance, flight-critical components, preferred
• Familiarity with customer-specific aerospace requirements (e.g., Boeing BAC, Airbus, DoD), preferred
• Experience mentoring or training entry-level machinists, preferred
• Be willing to work overtime if/as required

CNC Machinist III

Location: Auburn, Washington (In-Person)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-time, Day Shift, Second Shift

Compensation: $28.85 - $40.87 per hour (Dependent on Experience)

The CNC Machinist III is a senior-level role responsible for complex setups, advanced machining operations, and solving challenging manufacturing problems. This position partners closely with engineering and quality to optimize processes, improve cycle times, and ensure first-pass yield. The CNC Machinist III serves as a technical leader on the shop floor, mentoring others and driving best practices in safety, quality, and efficiency.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead complex CNC setups and advanced machining operations across the plant
• Optimize CNC programs, tooling strategies, and machining processes for aerospace applications
• Interpret and apply advanced GD&T, customer specifications, and aerospace standards
• Diagnose and resolve complex machining, tooling, and process-capability issues
• Partner with engineering and quality to support new product introductions and FAI approval, as needed
• Drive process improvements to enhance first-pass yield, cycle time, and repeatability
• Establish standard work and best practices aligned with AS9100 requirements
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to CNC Machinist I and CNC Machinist II employees
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for nonconformances
• Ensure strict adherence to traceability, configuration control, and documentation standards
• Act as a subject-matter expert for aerospace machining and quality compliance
• Uphold and model ITAR compliance standards
• All Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED required
• Journeyman Machinist certification, Master Machinist, or equivalent, preferred
• Completion of a technical machining certificate or apprenticeship, preferred
• Advanced GD&T certification, preferred
• 5+ years of CNC machining experience, primarily in aerospace manufacturing, required
• Demonstrated expertise in complex setups, multi-axis machining, and tight-tolerance work
• Expert understanding of CNC machine operation and shop safety practices
• Advanced proficiency in GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and aerospace specifications
• Experience working with aluminum or common aerospace alloys, preferred
• Strong working knowledge of Aerospace Quality and process control requirements (AS9100) and experience working in an AS9100 shop.
• Familiarity with common measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges)
• Ability to accurately complete production and inspection documentation
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex machining and quality issues
• Experience collaborating with engineering and quality on first part runs and process validation

• Willingness to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment and eligibility to work in an ITAR-controlled setting
• Horizontal mill and hard metal experience, preferred
• CNC programming experience (e.g., Mastercam, NX, or similar), preferred
• Experience supporting DoD, space, or flight-critical programs, preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience in mentoring and technical problem-solving, preferred

Physical Requirements:

Employees must have the ability to meet the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis. 

• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
• Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
• Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements:

• A valid state driver’s license is preferred with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance.
• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Tessera is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

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*** Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.

Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

To Apply: Visit our website at www.tessera.org to complete an application.

Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process. 

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at

(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or email [email protected].