Direct Hire | $80,000–$110,000/year | 1st Shift | Hampton, VA
Kelly Services is hiring an experienced CNC Programmer for a direct-hire opportunity with a defense and aerospace manufacturer in Hampton, VA.
If you have strong CNC programming experience, understand complex machining requirements, and enjoy working with precision parts, tight tolerances, and regulated quality systems, this could be a strong next move.
You’ll develop, validate, and improve CNC programs used to manufacture critical aerospace and defense components while working closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production.
Location: Hampton, VA
Salary: $80,000–$110,000 annually, based on experience
Shift: 1st Shift
Employment Type: Direct Hire
$80K–$110K annual salary
Direct-hire opportunity
Consistent 1st-shift schedule
Work in a specialized defense and aerospace manufacturing environment
Program mills, lathes, and multi-axis CNC equipment
Work with complex parts, tight tolerances, and high-performance materials
Collaborate directly with Engineering, Quality, and Production
Opportunity to improve machining strategies, cycle times, tooling, and repeatability
Exposure to AS9100, AS9102, ITAR/EAR, and defense-contract manufacturing requirements
High level of ownership over programming and process development
As a CNC Programmer, you’ll develop and maintain machining programs that produce repeatable, accurate, and fully documented aerospace and defense components.
Your day may include:
Developing and maintaining CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines
Creating new programs from engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications
Editing and optimizing existing CNC programs
Working with complex tolerances and GD&T
Selecting tooling, fixtures, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies
Creating and maintaining setup sheets and tooling documentation
Verifying program revisions and configuration control
Supporting machine setup and prove-out activities
Troubleshooting machining, tooling, and dimensional issues
Improving machining efficiency without sacrificing quality or compliance
Supporting first article production and validation
Maintaining traceability of programs, revisions, and process changes
You’ll work closely with Quality and Engineering to ensure machining processes consistently meet customer and contractual requirements.
Responsibilities may include:
Supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) activities
Working within AS9100 quality requirements
Supporting AS9102 documentation and validation
Investigating machining-related nonconformances
Participating in corrective actions and root-cause investigations
Reviewing dimensional and inspection results
Updating programs or processes when required
Supporting internal, customer, government, and third-party audits
This could be a strong fit if you have:
5–7+ years of CNC programming experience
Strong CNC machining knowledge
Experience programming mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis equipment
Strong knowledge of tooling, feeds, speeds, workholding, and machining strategies
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings
Strong knowledge of GD&T
Experience working from CAD models
Experience using CAM software
Strong G-code knowledge
Experience troubleshooting machining and programming issues
Strong attention to detail and documentation
Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:
Mastercam
Fusion 360
GibbsCAM
Other advanced CAM platforms
G-code programming
3-, 4-, or 5-axis CNC programming
CNC mills
CNC lathes
Multi-axis machining centers
Candidates with experience in regulated manufacturing environments are especially encouraged to apply.
Experience with any of the following is valuable:
AS9100
ISO 9001
AS9102 First Article Inspection
Aerospace manufacturing
Defense manufacturing
Government or prime defense contractor work
ITAR / EAR-controlled environments
Configuration control
Document and revision control
Experience machining difficult or high-performance materials is a strong plus, including:
This role requires someone who can balance precision, productivity, and compliance.
You’ll need to be able to:
Develop reliable machining processes from engineering requirements
Think through complex setups and tooling strategies
Troubleshoot dimensional and machining problems
Maintain disciplined documentation and revision control
Communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, and quality personnel
Support production directly on the shop floor when needed
Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, quality, and repeatability
Work effectively within controlled manufacturing processes
High school diploma or GED required
Technical degree, machining program, apprenticeship, or related technical education preferred
5–7+ years of CNC programming experience in a regulated manufacturing environment preferred
Because this position supports defense and aerospace manufacturing, candidates must be able to comply with applicable:
Export-control requirements
Data-security policies
Confidentiality requirements
Background screening requirements
U.S. Person status may be required for work involving ITAR-controlled technical data.
Candidates should be comfortable:
Working in an active CNC manufacturing environment
Spending time both at a computer workstation and on the production floor
Standing and walking as needed to support machining operations
Working around CNC machinery and manufacturing equipment
Occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
If you’re an experienced CNC Programmer who enjoys multi-axis machining, complex geometry, tight tolerances, advanced materials, and solving difficult manufacturing problems, this is an opportunity to apply those skills in a demanding defense and aerospace environment.
Apply today for this direct-hire CNC Programmer opportunity with Kelly Services in Hampton, VA.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources.
Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.
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About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
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