Demo

Machinist

Kratos Defense
Birmingham, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 8/5/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/4/2025
Job Description:


GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for a variety of assigned machining tasks including machining, documenting, and analyzing machined product to insure usable samples and/or hardware for engineering research. This position must program more complex CAM functionality and document procedures and techniques for each machining project.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform close tolerance and high-quality machine work in a timely and cost-effective manner on the most complex tasks.
  • Independently determine and develop approach to solutions by applying standard machining techniques.
  • Program complex CAM functionality.
  • Document procedures and techniques accurately for all assigned projects.
  • Machine all hardware and specimens in exotic and one-of-a-kind materials to precise tolerances.
  • Ensure final product meets design specifications.
  • Make recommendations on ways to improve design and repeatability.
  • Perform other duties as may be required by supervisor.
  • Keep work area organized – apply 6S principles to assigned areas and actively assist shop supervisor in shop-wide implementation.
  • Others may be added.

Position Specific

  • Perform work with shop equipment including lathe, mills, grinders, and measuring tools.
  • Interpret blueprints, sketches, and verbal instructions.
  • Maintain shop equipment and cleanliness of shop area.
  • Maintain safe conditions in work area.
  • May provide training to less experienced machinists.
  • Estimate cost of jobs, select materials, lay out work, and make inspections.
  • Make recommendations to engineers on ways to improve specimen and/or hardware.

Perform other duties as required by supervisor.

Experience and Skills:

Minimum Qualifications

  • US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance
  • Associate degree or Trade/Vocational Certification in Machining plus 5 years of applicable machining experience, or HS/GED plus 10 years of applicable machining experience.
  • Experience with a broad application of principles, theories, concepts and techniques, plus a working knowledge of other related fields.
  • Demonstrated ability to precision machine all hardware and specimens in difficult to machine materials.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous applicable experience working with precision machining equipment including lathes, mills, grinders, and measuring tools in a research environment.

Job Specific Behaviors

  • Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives
  • Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system, records data accurately and in a timely manner, and ensures accuracy of data.
  • Technical Expertise – Possesses and applies professional/technical knowledge, skills, experience, and judgment to accomplish a result, serve customers better, and contribute to organization’s intellectual capital.
  • Communicates with Impact – Expresses thoughts and ideas effectively in individual and group situations; adjusts language to the needs of the audience. Ideas are clearly defined in grammatically correct written communication.

Work Environment & Conditions

  • This position involves work in a high bay area using a variety of machining apparatus. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required including:
    • Safety glasses
    • Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)
    • Safety shoes
    • Respirator as required
    • Current tetanus shot required.

Physical Demands

In performing the work for this position, the technician must be able to:

  • Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
  • Stand for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
  • Climb ladders and stairs in performing the work.
  • Walk for reasonable distances in performing the work.
  • Lift / carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.
  • Pull or push objects weighing up to 50 lbs. in performing the work.
  • Grasp objects utilizing the fingers (fine motor manipulation).
  • Reach for objects above the head or below the waist.
  • Stoop or crouch by bending at the waist or by bending the legs.
  • Withstand exposure to constant or intermittent high noise levels.

(No phone calls please)

#LI-JC1
#LI-Onsite
Job Benefits:

What We Can Offer You
Rest and Relaxation - Generous vacation to start plus company paid holidays.
Comprehensive Health Benefits –Medical (BCBS & Cigna), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts, and Wellness
Prepare for the Future - 401(k) with generous company match
Professional Development - Tuition assistance program, Employee recognition program, and Leadership development program
Employee Resource Groups - Local and Enterprise employee-led volunteer groups to create community, awareness, impact, and to support a culture where everyone belongs.

Relocation: - This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement


Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency
The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice
For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.



From: Kratos Defense

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