CNC Machinist Programmer

CNC Machinist/Programmer & Fabrication Lead
Location: Sterling, VA

Join a respected Federal contractor's Hardware Service team as the go-to expert for CNC programming, fabrication, and shop operations. This is a hands-on role where your technical skills directly shape the quality of computer-based integrated systems and COTS products used in high-stakes environments.

Why This Role Stands Out:

- Real ownership: Drive CNC programming, setup, and fabrication from first concept to finished part.
- Visible impact: Your work supports critical systems for a Federal client, where precision matters.
- Growth path: Step into a leadership role, train and guide junior fabrication staff, and help shape team standards.
- Variety: Move between CAD/CAM design, hands-on machining, prototyping, quality inspection, and team training. No two days look the same.

What You Will Do:

Design and Programming
- Build and maintain CAD models, drawings, and CAM toolpaths in Fusion 360 and SolidWorks
- Translate approved designs into controlled manufacturing files and setup instructions

Machining and Fabrication
- Program, set up, and operate CNC milling equipment, including the Langmuir MR-1
- Select tooling, establish offsets, and prove out new setups before production runs
- Machine, drill, deburr, and finish aluminum and polycarbonate components to precise tolerances
- Design and prototype brackets, mounts, and fixtures, complete with drawings and BOMs

Leadership and Training
- Train team members on CNC operation and proper tool use
- Document procedures and verify readiness before operators work independently
- Provide daily direction to assigned fabrication staff

Quality and Safety
- Lead day-to-day safety practices in the fabrication area
- Inspect first articles and production parts, documenting results and coordinating corrective action
- Maintain tooling inventory and recommend equipment upgrades

Cross-Functional Support
- Support assembly, repair, and testing of COTS hardware
- Coordinate fabrication priorities with engineering and QA
- Identify opportunities to cut scrap, rework, and cycle time

What Success Looks Like:

Within your first year, you will be the trusted authority on CNC fabrication for the team, with documented processes, trained operators, and a track record of clean, on-spec parts delivered on schedule.

- Must be able to obtain a DHS Public Trust
- Demonstrated hands-on experience independently setting up and operating CNC machines, including tooling, work-holding, offsets, program verification, and troubleshooting.
- Experience creating and modifying CNC programs and CAM toolpaths, selecting cutting parameters, and producing repeatable parts from drawings and specifications.
- Proficiency in Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM and SolidWorks for part modeling and drawings, including basic bracket and mount design.
- Experience drilling and machining aluminum and polycarbonate or comparable plastics, with an understanding of material-specific tooling and work-holding needs.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, bills of materials, and assembly instructions, and verify parts using calipers, micrometers, or other appropriate inspection tools.
- Proficiency with hand and power tools and demonstrated commitment to safe machine-shop practices, equipment care, and organized work areas.
- Ability to train and guide others in machine operation and proper tool use, communicate clear work instructions, and coordinate daily fabrication activities.
- Strong troubleshooting, verbal and written communication, and teamwork skills; ability to work across engineering, assembly, and QA to meet production goals.