Northrop Grumman Aeronautic Systems is looking for a Milling Machinist Level 2/3 (A, B or C-Shift) . The ideal candidate will have experience performing a variety of machinist responsibilities.
The Milling Machinist Level 2/3 supports aerospace tooling and flight hardware manufacturing through precision machining, tool design, and fixture development. This position requires a self-directed machinist capable of taking projects from concept to completion — programming, setup, machining, inspection, and final verification. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced Mastercam skills, experience with Haas CNC mills and lathes, and a strong foundation in manual machining and fixture design.
Role Description & Responsibilities:
- Program, set up, and operate Haas CNC mills and lathes for precision tooling, fixtures, and production support parts.
- Create and modify Mastercam programs, including complex 2D and 3D toolpaths, using supplied CAD models and engineering drawings.
- Design and build custom fixturing, jigs, and tooling for one-off or prototype applications to support assembly and flight hardware operations.
- Perform manual machining (mills, lathes, drill press, surface grinders) for tool repair, modifications, or prototype development.
- Read and interpret detailed blueprints, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models.
- Select tools, calculate feeds/speeds, and verify machining parameters for accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.
- Conduct self-inspection and first article verification to ensure part compliance before release to Quality.
- Collaborate with engineers, planners, and quality personnel to refine processes and resolve manufacturing challenges.
- Maintain work area organization, documentation, and adherence to 5S and FOD standards.
Basic Qualifications:
Milling Machinist Level 2:
- High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years additional education and/or related experience
- Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
- Must be able to work from drawings/solid models.
- Ability to obtain and maintain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance per company and business needs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) per company and business needs.
- US Citizenship
- Must be able to lift & carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
Milling Machinist Level 3:
- High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience
- Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
- Must be able to work from drawings/solid models.
- Ability to obtain and maintain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance per company and business needs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) per company and business needs.
- US Citizenship
- Must be able to lift & carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced proficiency in Mastercam programming for milling and turning.
- Strong working knowledge of Haas controls (NextGen or Classic).
- Demonstrated ability to design and fabricate custom fixtures and tooling.
- Deep understanding of feeds, speeds, cutter geometry, and material behavior.
- Capable of performing setups, first articles, and in-process inspections independently.
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and planning skills.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or vocational certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field.
- Background in aerospace, tooling, or high-precision prototype manufacturing.
- Experience with 4th/5th-axis machining, setup documentation, and digital manufacturing workflows.
- Familiarity with inspection tools, CMM processes, or laser tracker systems.
- Work Environment
- Fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume environment supporting aerospace tool fabrication and flight hardware assembly. Machinists are trusted to take ownership of their projects and deliver precision results that directly support production and test operations.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Two years of additional education and/or related experience for Level 2
- Four years of additional education and/or related experience for Level 3
- Experience programming Mastercam for milling and turning
- Ability to work from drawings and solid models
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds and stand for four hours at a time
- Advanced proficiency in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
- Working knowledge of Haas NextGen or Classic controls
- Experience designing and fabricating custom fixtures and tooling
- Knowledge of feeds, speeds, cutter geometry, and material behavior
- Ability to independently perform setups, first articles, and in-process inspections
- Associate degree or vocational certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field
- Aerospace, tooling, or high-precision prototype manufacturing experience
- Experience with 4th- or 5th-axis machining, setup documentation, and digital manufacturing workflows
- Familiarity with inspection tools, CMM processes, or laser tracker systems
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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