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

CNC Technical Lead

Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company

Job Summary

Bring your machining expertise. Lead from the shop floor. Build your future with Bird Johnson.

Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, offers a great opportunity for professional growth for an experienced CNC professional ready to make an impact. We are seeking a highly skilled CNC Technical Lead to oversee daily CNC machining floor operations and bridge the gap between engineering and production.

In this dual technical and leadership role, you will work directly alongside our Design and Manufacturing Engineers to translate CAD/CAM designs into efficient, repeatable production processes. You will serve as the hands-on technical expert on the shop floor—troubleshooting complex setups, optimizing programs, mentoring machinists, and ensuring production meets high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Grow your career with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health benefits starting on your first day of hire.
• Eligibility for 100% tuition reimbursement after 12 months.
• A 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match.
• An annual company performance-based bonus.
• Opportunities for professional growth while applying your expertise, developing others, and collaborating closely with engineering and production teams.

This position requires DOD clearance.

Key Responsibilities

Machining Operations & Technical Leadership

• Daily Operations Support: Guide and support CNC machinists on daily shift setups, tool selections, speeds/feeds optimization, and complex machining operations.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, tool life, fixture designs, and machining strategies (3-axis, 5-axis, mill-turn, or precision lathes).
• Setup & Production: Set up, prove out, and debug new or high-complexity CNC programs (G-code, NX, Mastercam, Fusion 360, or SolidCAM) before handing off to operators.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical machining issues, machine alarms, tooling wear, and dimensional non-conformances directly on the shop floor.

Engineering Collaboration

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Partner closely with Engineering to review drawings, models, and prototypes, providing practical feedback on manufacturability and tolerances.
• CAM/G-Code Interface: Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to refine tool paths, program logic, and post-processors to eliminate bottlenecks.
• First Article Inspection (FAI): Work with Quality Assurance and Engineering to inspect First Article parts and validate new tooling/fixtures.

Team Coaching & Shop Floor Standards

• Mentorship & Training: Train, mentor, and up-skill junior and mid-level CNC operators in proper setups, blueprint reading, GD&T, and precision measurement tools.
• Quality & Continuous Improvement: Enforce quality standards, 5S practices, and Lean manufacturing methodologies to minimize scrap and rework.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure all floor personnel adhere to shop safety policies, proper machine guarding, and OSHA requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications

Must-Haves

• Experience: 10+ years of hands-on precision CNC machining experience, including at least 2+ years in a lead, supervisory, or senior setup role.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain the required DOD security clearance.
• CNC Programming & Controls: Advanced understanding of G-code/M-code programming and manual editing at the control, including Haas, Fanuc, Mazak, Heidenhain, or similar systems.
• Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Proficiency in interpreting complex engineering blueprints and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Precision Measurement: Extensive experience using high-precision measurement tools, including micrometers, bore gauges, and height gauges, and interpreting CMM outputs.
• Machining & Work-holding: Hands-on expertise with multi-axis milling and turning machines, tooling selection, and custom work-holding/fixturing.
• Engineering & Software Literacy: Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as NX, Master-cam, Solid Works, or Fusion 360, and experience working directly with engineering 3D models.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, machinists, and upper management.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with 5-axis machining or live-tooling lathes.
• Background in aerospace, medical device, automotive, or high-precision job-shop manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma practices.
• Associate degree or vocational certification in Precision Machining/Manufacturing Technology.
• Experience working with large castings.

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