Northrop Grumman Aeronautic Systems is looking for a Milling Machinist Level 2/3. The ideal candidate will have experience performing a variety of machinist responsibilities. Willing to work ANY SHIFT.
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 DoD Clearance prior to starting work.
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) prior to starting work.
US Citizenship
Willing to work ANY SHIFT
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 DoD Clearance prior to starting work.
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) prior to starting work
US Citizenship
Willing to work ANY SHIFT
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 and 2 years additional education and/or related experience (Level 2)
- High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience (Level 3)
- Experience in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
- Ability to work from drawings/solid models
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD clearance prior to starting work
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) prior to starting work
- U.S. Citizenship
- Willingness to work any shift
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds and stand for 4 hours at a time
- Advanced proficiency in Mastercam programming for milling and turning
- Working knowledge of Haas controls (NextGen or Classic)
- Ability to design and fabricate custom fixtures and tooling
- Experience with 4th/5th-axis machining and digital manufacturing workflows
- Familiarity with inspection tools, CMM processes, or laser tracker systems
- Associate's degree or vocational certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field
- Background in aerospace, tooling, or high-precision prototype manufacturing
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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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
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.








