Master Machinist
Full-time 50 - 60 USD per-hour-wageJob Overview
The Master Machinist is the senior technical lead responsible for the fabrication of high-precision aerospace components and specialized tooling. This role bridges the gap between complex engineering designs and physical hardware, requiring mastery of both manual and CNC machining disciplines. The person in this position is responsible for the entire production lifecycle within the machine shop, from programming and custom fixture design to the final machining and finishing of exotic materials, while ensuring all parts meet rigorous flight-grade quality and safety standards.
The Master Machinist is the senior technical lead responsible for the fabrication of high-precision aerospace components and specialized tooling. This role bridges the gap between complex engineering designs and physical hardware, requiring mastery of both manual and CNC machining disciplines. The person in this position is responsible for the entire production lifecycle within the machine shop, from programming and custom fixture design to the final machining and finishing of exotic materials, while ensuring all parts meet rigorous flight-grade quality and safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Advanced Machining and Fabrication: Perform high-complexity setups and operations on manual mills and lathes, as well as CNC 3+ axis mills. Maintain precision tolerances for critical flight-grade hardware.
- GD&T Interpretation and Application: Expertly interpret complex engineering drawings and CAD models per ASME Y14.5 standards. Apply GD&T principles to ensure part functionality, proper alignment, and assembly stack-up requirements are met.
- Programming and G-Code Mastery: Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot complex toolpaths using Mastercam. Perform manual G-code and M-code programming at the controller to refine processes on the fly if necessary.
- Exotic Material Manufacturing: Develop and document specialized machining strategies (including speeds, feeds, and tool coatings) for exotic alloys such as Inconel, Titanium, hardened metals, etc.
- Custom Fixturing and Tooling: Design and fabricate bespoke work-holding solutions, alignment jigs, and specialized assembly hardware to support unique manufacturing requirements.
- Procurement and Resource Planning: Project upcoming machine shop needs by forecasting material requirements and specialized tooling. Manage the procurement of raw stock, hardware, and cutting tools to ensure uninterrupted shop operations.
- Technical Process Development: Collaborate with the engineering team to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback. Help define manufacturing sequences and generate formal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Rapid Turnaround Execution: Manage high-priority workflows and deliver high-quality results under tight R&D timelines without sacrificing precision.
- Flexibility: Maintain the flexibility to pivot between tasks to accommodate shifting priorities and urgent engineering changes that require immediate, high-quality turnaround.
- Quality and Inspection: Conduct detailed self-inspections and support the metrology team in validating first-article components using manual tools and advanced inspection equipment.
- Shop Stewardship: Oversee the regular maintenance and calibration of all machinery. Enforce company safety standards. Ensure the shop maintains 5S standards, including tool control, inventory management, and organization of digital assets.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Act as the primary technical resource for the shop, assisting with problem-solving, process development, and sharing advanced machining techniques for documentation. Provide regularly scheduled production reports to assess workload turnaround and deviation from scheduled timeliness.
Qualifications
- Experience: 15+ years of professional machining experience, specifically in aerospace, defense, or high-precision industrial environments.
- GD&T Knowledge: Advanced proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5. Must be able to translate complex symbology into practical machining and inspection strategies.
- Software Proficiency: Expert-level mastery of Mastercam or Fusion360 machine programming processes; experience with SolidWorks or similar modeling software for fixture design is highly preferred.
- Technical Expertise: Extensive experience with manual machining (boring, threading, and complex manual setups). Mastery of CNC 3-axis milling (experience with 4th and 5th axis is a plus). Deep knowledge of the chip-making characteristics of aerospace-grade exotics.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to coordinate with engineering and quality departments and project managers effectively.
- Education: Journeyman Machinist certification, trade school diploma, or equivalent verified professional experience.
Physical Requirements
- Agility and Dexterity: High level of hand-eye coordination for precision manual work and fine tool adjustments.
- Lifting: Ability to lift and transport materials or tooling weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
- Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and work comfortably in a fast-paced shop environment.
*Note: Position requires access to a federal facility. Successful candidates must possess a “REAL ID” compliant Identification or an acceptable federal alternative (e.g., passport) to pass security screening.
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
- Background check clearance
- DOT/Drug Test clearance wherever applicable
- Clean driving record
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.