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
About Us
Bird Johnson, a Fairbanks Morse Defense Company, is a trusted provider of critical power and propulsion solutions for Naval Defense. Our Pascagoula facility supports mission-critical manufacturing, including precision CNC machining of large-scale defense components. Safety, quality, and craftsmanship drive everything we do.
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry to mid-level CNC Machinist to join our production team on 2nd or 3rd shift. The machinist will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining advanced CNC equipment, including 5-axis and 6-axis milling and turning centers, to produce complex components such as hubs, impellers, FPP and CPP propellers. This role requires strong technical skill, precision, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. Machinists play a direct role in supporting US Navy readiness by producing mission-critical parts to exacting defense-grade standards.
Shift Schedule
Training will be provided short-term on 1st Shift Schedule as follows: 6AM - 2:30PM
- 2nd Shift: 2PM - 10:30PM
- 3rd Shift: 10PM - 6:30AM
- Candidates must be able to work assigned shift and occasional overtime as production needs require.
- Shift differential may apply.
Responsibilities
- Efficient setup and operation of CNC mills, lathes, and other complex multi-axis (5-axis/6-axis) machining centers to produce component parts in accordance with engineering drawings, internal sketches, or other specifications provided by engineering/USN
- Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions while understanding GD&T requirements
- Select tooling, adjust offsets, and verify machine parameters for complex geometries
- Perform quality checks using micrometers, calipers, gauges, CMM, and other precision instruments
- Perform some follow-up operations, such as deburring, polishing, and grinding
- Maintain safe and clean work environment in compliance with company and DoD standards
- Document production, quality, and maintenance logs
- Collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and fellow machinists to resolve production issues
- Communicate with team members to produce quality parts to specification
- Other duties as assigned within required scope of work
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or CNC Machining Technology certification (2-year program)
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- Able to properly wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Able to stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, lift, reach above shoulders, pull, push, climb up/downstairs
- 3+ years’ experience as a Machinist
- Knowledge of machining fundamentals, G-code, M-code and shop mathematics (Ability to perform basic arithmetic, geometric and algebraic calculations)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
- Proficiency with precision inspection tools
- U.S. Citizenship required (defense contract work)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
- Ability and willingness to work 2nd or 3rd shift, including overtime, weekends, and schedule adjustments as required to support production demands.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in defense manufacturing
- Active Security Clearance (Confidential or higher)
- Experience with Fanuc or Siemens CNC controls
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or TPM principles
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
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
