Machinist - Level 2/3

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Goleta, CA +1 · Manufacturing and Production

Machinist role at Northrop Grumman focused on operating, programming, and setting up CNC machines to fabricate complex aerospace components. Requires expertise in reading blueprints, CAD drawings, GD&T, and using CAM software like Mastercam. Involves quality assurance through precision measurements and adherence to AS9100/ISO standards. Collaboration with engineers and designers is key for process optimization and meeting production deadlines.

What you'd actually do

  1. Operate, program, and set up CNC mills, lathes, or other machining equipment to produce aerospace-grade components.
  2. Read and interpret aerospace engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and technical specifications.
  3. Perform precision measurements using calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine).
  4. Troubleshoot and optimize machining processes to improve cycle times, efficiency, and part quality.
  5. Work closely with engineers, designers, and project managers to resolve issues, refine designs for manufacturability, and meet production deadlines.

Skills

Required

  • CNC machining
  • CAM software (Mastercam)
  • Blueprint reading
  • GD&T
  • Precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM)
  • Material understanding (metals, alloys, composites)
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork

Nice to have

  • 5-axis machining
  • Associate degree or technical certifications in machining or manufacturing
  • Aerospace-related machining or programming certification
  • AS9100C familiarity

What the JD emphasized

  • rigorous engineering specifications
  • quality standards
  • tight tolerances
  • safety regulations
  • AS9100
  • ISO standards
  • aerospace cleanliness
  • safety standards