Granite State Manufacturing is a leading contract manufacturer of large, complex, precision machined and welded components, supporting the US Navy in building submarines.
We specialize in high-mix, low-to-medium volume production, delivering precision, quality, and on-time performance on custom-engineered products. Our capabilities include:
- Large-format CNC machining
- Heavy fabrication and welding (MIG, TIG, FCAW, SAW)
- Assembly, inspection, and testing
- Program management for complex builds
We are known for handling tight tolerances, complex geometries, and demanding customer specifications.
Our work environment is supportive, providing what our people need to do great work.
Position Summary
The Manual / ProtoTRAK Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating manual mills, lathes, and ProtoTRAK-controlled machine tools to produce large, close-tolerance components and assemblies in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. This position supports the production of large CNC-machined and welded components for government and defense applications where quality, precision, repeatability, and strict adherence to specifications are essential.
The successful candidate will be comfortable interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and GD&T; selecting appropriate tooling and workholding; making machine adjustments and offsets; and independently determining the most effective machining approach for one-off and small-batch work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Set up and operate manual and ProtoTRAK mills, lathes, and related machine tools to produce precision components.
- Machine large, heavy, and complex parts from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other common engineering materials.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, process sheets, job travelers, and customer specifications.
- Determine machining sequences, workholding methods, tooling, speeds, feeds, and cutting strategies based on part requirements.
- Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, indicators, and other inspection tools.
- Make necessary machine adjustments, tool changes, and dimensional corrections to maintain part requirements.
- Use ProtoTRAK conversational programming to develop, modify, and execute machining programs.
- Perform manual machining operations when required, including turning, facing, boring, drilling, tapping, milling, reaming, and related operations.
- Set up and machine parts to specified dimensions and tolerances, including close-tolerance and geometric requirements.
- Safely rig, position, and secure large workpieces using cranes, hoists, lifting fixtures, and appropriate workholding equipment.
- Collaborate with CNC machinists, welders, fabricators, quality personnel, engineering, and manufacturing leadership to resolve production issues.
- Identify tooling, fixturing, material, drawing, or process problems and recommend practical solutions.
- Deburr, clean, and prepare completed components for inspection or subsequent manufacturing operations.
- Complete required production documentation, inspection records, job travelers, and timekeeping accurately.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and follow all applicable safety requirements.
- Protect controlled, proprietary, and customer-sensitive information in accordance with company procedures and applicable contract requirements.
- Support continuous improvement efforts involving machining methods, setup reduction, tooling, quality, productivity, and safety.
- Perform other machining and manufacturing duties as assigned.
- Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for creating a professional, safe, and clean environment evidenced by: being at work on time to perform assigned duties, following the policies of Granite State Manufacturing, always wearing safety glasses in designated areas, maintaining a neat and orderly work area, and following safety practices to prevent errors.
- Demonstrates commitment to teamwork by establishing effective relationships and networks with both managers/directors and workers, and collaborating with them to accomplish shared purposes and goals.
- Abides by GSM Code of Ethics and Business Conduct standards and strictly observes all U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.
Requirements
- High school diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and machining experience.
- 3+ years of relevant machining experience, preferably in a job-shop, high-mix/low-volume, or large-component manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to independently set up and operate manual mills and/or lathes.
- Experience with ProtoTRAK or similar conversational CNC controls.
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Proficiency using precision inspection and measurement equipment.
- Ability to calculate and apply basic shop math, including dimensions, tolerances, feeds, speeds, and geometry.
- Ability to safely work with large and heavy components.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining production schedules and quality requirements.
- Due to the nature and importance of GSM’s work, our positions require access to export-controlled information. Therefore, all candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control/ITAR regulations or otherwise be authorized to access such information under U.S. law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience machining large weldments or fabricated components.
- Experience working with large horizontal or vertical mills and/or engine lathes.
- Experience machining defense, aerospace, heavy equipment, energy, or other highly regulated components.
- Experience with tight-tolerance machining and complex setups.
- Experience interpreting ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
- Experience with crane/hoist operation and rigging of large workpieces.
- Familiarity with CNC machining, G-code, tooling selection, and CNC setup practices.
- Experience working under AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality systems.
- Prior experience supporting U.S. government or defense contracts is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the work shift.
- Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, pull, and position machining materials, tooling, and components.
- Ability to work around large machinery, moving equipment, cutting tools, metal chips, coolant, noise, and industrial manufacturing environments.
- Ability to use required personal protective equipment.
- Ability to safely access machine work areas, including bending, reaching, climbing steps/platforms, and working in various positions as required
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary/hourly rate
- Medical insurance
- Dental & Vision, Life insurance (Company paid)
- Disability benefits (Company paid)
- 401(k) & 401(k) company matching
- Paid time off and holidays
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings account
- Referral program
- Overtime opportunities (if applicable)
- Training and career growth in advanced manufacturing
- Employee assistance program
Why Join Us?
- Work on large-scale, one-of-a-kind projects
- Stable industry with strong customer demand
- Opportunity to grow in a flexible, high-skill environment
- Collaborative team focused on quality and craftsmanship
Skills Required
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and machining experience
- 3+ years of relevant machining experience
- Ability to independently set up and operate manual mills and/or lathes
- Experience with ProtoTRAK or similar conversational CNC controls
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
- Proficiency with precision inspection and measurement equipment
- Ability to calculate and apply basic shop math, dimensions, tolerances, feeds, speeds, and geometry
- Ability to safely work with large and heavy components
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently while maintaining production schedules and quality requirements
- Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control or ITAR regulations, or otherwise be authorized under U.S. law to access controlled information
- Experience machining large weldments or fabricated components
- Experience with large horizontal or vertical mills and/or engine lathes
- Experience machining defense, aerospace, heavy equipment, energy, or other highly regulated components
- Experience with tight-tolerance machining and complex setups
- Experience interpreting ASME Y14.5 GD&T
- Experience with crane or hoist operation and rigging large workpieces
- Familiarity with CNC machining, G-code, tooling selection, and CNC setup practices
- Experience under AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality systems
- Prior experience supporting U.S. government or defense contracts
Granite State Manufacturing Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Granite State Manufacturing and has not been reviewed or approved by Granite State Manufacturing.
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Affordable Benefits — Health coverage is described as having low employee contributions with the employer covering a substantial share in many cases. This reduces out-of-pocket costs alongside options like FSAs and wellness incentives.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision plans are offered together with company-paid short- and long-term disability and life/AD&D insurance. Additional programs such as an EAP and voluntary worksite benefits expand the protection set.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match is included to support long-term savings. The broader package is complemented by paid time off and holidays.
Granite State Manufacturing Insights
What We Do
Granite State Manufacturing (GSM) is a New Hampshire-based precision manufacturer with more than 85 years of history and a clear purpose: building complex systems that support the U.S. Navy submarine fleet. From our facilities in Manchester and Nashua, NH, our 170+-person team produces precision-machined components, certified weldments, electromechanical assemblies, and integrated systems for U.S. Navy programs, including submarine life support, sonar, & communications systems. We hold AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, and ITAR registrations — and we take those standards seriously, because the people who use what we build depend on them. GSM is a growing company. We've received Navy Supplier Development Funding across four programs, invested in advanced 5-axis machining, large-scale welding, and high-bay assembly capability, and helped build active training partnerships with Nashua Community College, Manchester Community College, and UMass Lowell — with machining and welding programs funded in full by the U.S. Navy. Machinists, welders, quality professionals, engineers, planners, and program managers are some of the roles we hire for. People who do their best work when the stakes are real. If that sounds like you, we'd like to talk.
Why Work With Us
We machine, weld, and assemble systems for U.S. Navy submarines. Not generic contract work — specific, high-consequence builds that have to be right. Family-owned for 85+ years. Two NH facilities. Work worth being good at.
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