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

Manual Machinist II

Bird-Johnson | A Fairbanks Morse Defense Company

Your Craft. Your Pride. Our Nation’s Readiness.

You know the satisfaction of getting a challenging setup right, holding a tight tolerance, and producing a part you’re proud to put your name behind. At Bird-Johnson, that craftsmanship serves a larger purpose.

As a Fairbanks Morse Defense company, Bird-Johnson manufactures and supports marine propulsion systems that help power naval vessels and keep critical missions moving. Our work supports the people who serve—and every precision component matters. Join a team where your experience is valued, your craftsmanship makes a difference, and you can take pride in what you help build.

Benefits That Invest in You

We value the skill and dedication you bring to the shop—and we invest in your future.

• Benefits beginning on your first day of hire.
• A robust 401(k) plan to help you build long-term financial security.
• 100% tuition reimbursement after 12 months of employment to support your continued education.
• An annual 5% company performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career with Bird-Johnson and the broader Fairbanks Morse Defense organization.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Inside Manual Machinist II to fabricate, rework, and repair high-precision metal components supporting defense and specialized industrial applications.

Working primarily in a controlled indoor shop environment, you will bring hands-on expertise to conventional machining equipment, solve challenging machining problems, and produce work that meets demanding quality and security standards. This is an opportunity for a skilled machinist who takes ownership of every setup, every measurement, and every finished part.

Key Responsibilities

• Machining Operations: Set up and operate manual lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and boring mills to manufacture precision components to blueprint specifications.
• Blueprint & Drawing Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, defense specifications, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and shop routing sheets.
• Setup & Tooling: Select, align, and secure cutting tools, attachments, workholding fixtures, and raw stock. Calculate appropriate speeds, feeds, and depths of cut for materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and high-temperature alloys.
• Quality & Precision Inspection: Perform in-process and final dimensional inspections using micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators. Maintain tight tolerances as specified by engineering drawings and job requirements.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform daily preventive maintenance on assigned equipment. Identify and resolve machining issues to protect part quality, equipment, and shop safety.
• Security & Documentation: Maintain accurate material traceability, job routing sheets, and quality records. Follow all applicable facility security requirements and classified material handling protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: At least five years of experience operating manual machine tools in a precision manufacturing or defense-oriented environment.
• Clearance & Eligibility: U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required. An active DoD Confidential clearance is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in GD&T, precision measurement, shop mathematics—including trigonometry—and manual machine setup.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work safely around heavy rotating equipment.
• Forklift & Crane: Current certification or the ability to obtain certification.
• Craftsmanship & Teamwork: A commitment to quality, safe work practices, and productive collaboration with fellow machinists, engineering, and quality teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship program or possession of a Journeyman card.
• Experience machining defense-grade alloys.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems.

Build Work You’re Proud Of—and a Career You Can Grow.

Bring your experience, attention to detail, and pride in your trade to Bird-Johnson. Help us deliver the precision our customers depend on while building your future with a team that values skilled craftsmanship.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse.

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