Job Description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

2nd Shift CNC Machinist

Union Position | Beloit, Wisconsin

Fairbanks Morse Defense

Own the Setup. Hold the Tolerance. Build for the Fleet.

Fairbanks Morse Defense is looking for experienced CNC setup machinists who know how to read a print, select tooling, establish offsets, prove out a program, and produce precision parts they’re proud to put their name behind.

The components you machine will support the engines and propulsion systems powering the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and allied defense fleets around the world.

If you enjoy challenging setups, tight tolerances, complex parts, and working with skilled tradespeople in a stable union environment, we want to hear from you.

The Job at a Glance

• Starting pay: $35.86–$37.06 per hour
• Shift: Permanent 2nd Shift
• Hours: 3:00 PM–11:30 PM
• Training: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM on 1st Shift
• Workweek: Standard 40-hour week
• Environment: Union manufacturing facility
• Location: Beloit, Wisconsin
• Additional pay: 2nd-shift differential - $1.00
• Pay may increase after completing approximately 520 hours worked.

Why Machinists Join Fairbanks Morse Defense

• Competitive union wages
• 2nd-shift differential
• Excellent benefits beginning on Day One
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Tuition reimbursement
• Stable, long-term work supporting national defense
• Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career
• Voluntary overtime opportunities
• A team that values precision, craftsmanship, and doing the job right

What You’ll Do

As a CNC Machinist, you will set up and operate CNC equipment to manufacture precision components for critical marine engines and defense systems.

You will:

• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, machining centers, and other precision equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Select and install tooling, cutters, inserts, fixtures, and work holding devices.
• Establish machine reference points, work offsets, and tool offsets.
• Perform program prove-outs and first-piece inspections.
• Machine complex components to precise engineering tolerances.
• Monitor part quality throughout the production process.
• Inspect work using micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Make machine or offset adjustments to maintain quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Complete deburring and secondary operations as needed.
• Operate multiple CNC machines when production requirements call for it.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues.
• Safely move materials using cranes, hoists, and other material-handling equipment.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Follow all safety procedures, work instructions, and standard operating practices.

Equipment You May Work With

• CNC vertical machining centers
• CNC horizontal machining centers
• CNC lathes
• Mills
• Multi-axis machines
• Fixtures, chucks, cutters, inserts, and specialized tooling
• Micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other precision inspection equipment
• Cranes, hoists, and material-handling equipment

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for machinists who understand that quality begins with the setup. Successful candidates take pride in solving problems, holding tolerances, and producing reliable parts, not simply keeping a machine running.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Three to five years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience setting up and operating CNC equipment
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
• Strong understanding of machining tolerances and quality requirements
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a team
• Commitment to safe work practices and high-quality craftsmanship

Preferred Qualification

• Experience editing or programming CNC equipment at the machine

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand or sit for extended periods.
• Move throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Handle materials using appropriate lifting devices.
• Safely operate cranes, hoists, and material-handling equipment.
• Perform the physical activities required in a machining and manufacturing environment.

Overtime

• Overtime opportunities are available.
• Overtime is generally voluntary rather than mandatory.
• Occasional Saturday work may be offered.
• Employees typically sign up for available overtime opportunities.

Security Requirements

Because this position supports U.S. Government naval defense contracts:

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Candidates must be able to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
• Employees must be able to work in compliance with requirements governing Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NOFORN).

Put Your Machining Skills Behind a Mission That Matters

For more than 150 years, Fairbanks Morse Defense has built and supported the engines, propulsion systems, and technologies that keep America’s fleets mission ready.

Here, you won’t be machining disposable parts or watching the same simple production run all day. You’ll help manufacture critical components where precision, reliability, and craftsmanship matter.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled