CNC Machinist II

Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 24, 2026. To ensure full consideration, please submit a complete application by the posted deadline.

This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data. Candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required. This role is onsite in Danville, VA.

Work schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm & Friday 7:00 am - 11:00 am. Overtime, weekends, holidays, or alternate shifts may be required based on business needs.

The Pay, Perks, & Benefits

- Hourly pay: $29.50 - $33.00. Starting pay will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and determined based on market benchmarks and internal equity.

- Virginia Retirement System (VRS) retirement benefits with employer match.

- Vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.

- Paid holidays, including a two-week paid winter break.

- Anthem PPO and HSA medical plans with excellent dental options.

What You Will Do IALR is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to support the Center for Manufacturing Advancement's industry-facing advanced manufacturing projects. This hands-on role operates in a first-article manufacturing environment, where exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and the application of knowledge gained through prototype and low-volume production are essential. The ideal candidate is comfortable setting up complex CNC operations and thrives in an environment where precision, quality, safety, adaptability, and continuous process refinement are critical to success.

Responsibilities will include:

- Set up and operate CNC equipment, including multi-axis milling machines, dual-spindle lathes, Wire EDM equipment, tool pre-setters, vertical band saws, and related technologies.

- Conduct pre-process, in-process, and post-process inspections using 3D scanners, precision hand tools, gauges, and other inspection equipment.

- Perform CAD/CAM work using Autodesk Fusion 360 and Siemens NX to support CNC operations.

- Perform basic preventative maintenance, including coolant maintenance and machine calibrations.

- Help document machining procedures, processes, and technical workflows.

- Maintain a safe, orderly, and professional shop environment.

- Follow applicable data privacy, export-control, quality, and manufacturing requirements, including ITAR, ISO, and ANSI standards.

- Work with CMA staff, external stakeholders, and technology partners to complete machining projects accurately and on schedule.

- Perform other related duties as assigned.

How You Will Help the Team You will turn concepts, drawings, and designs into precise, high-quality components that support real-world advanced manufacturing projects. Working with machinists, engineers, technologists, operations staff, and industry partners, you will:

- Safely execute complex and sometimes new machining processes.

- Troubleshoot machining, setup, tooling, and process challenges.

- Maintain quality throughout the manufacturing process.

- Meet customer specifications, schedules, and project requirements.

- Contribute to continuous improvement and strong documentation practices.

- Help CMA deliver innovative manufacturing solutions for the organizations and industries it serves.

Qualifications

Your Knowledge and Expertise You bring hands-on CNC machining experience and take pride in producing high-quality work.

Required Qualifications

- An associate degree or diploma in Precision Machining Technology, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

- At least three years of experience setting up complex CNC operations.

- Strong knowledge of precision machining principles and practices.

- Experience with advanced CNC equipment, particularly multi-axis machining and dual-spindle turning.

- CAD/CAM experience or working knowledge, preferably with Autodesk Fusion 360 and/or Siemens NX.

- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, organization, and attention-to-detail skills.

- Effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in an ITAR-regulated manufacturing environment.

- Experience using precision inspection equipment, including 3D scanners, gauges, and precision hand tools.

- Experience documenting machining procedures, processes, and technical workflows.

Physical Requirements The position may require extended periods of standing or sitting, movement between facilities, regular lifting of up to 50 pounds, keyboard use, and wearing hearing protection for extended periods.

What Makes Working Here Different This is not a role where you simply stand at a machine and make the same part every day. At CMA, you will work on varied, technically challenging projects for real customers. You will have opportunities to use sophisticated CNC technologies, develop new processes, solve complex machining challenges, and see how your craftsmanship contributes directly to advanced manufacturing projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.