Machinist (Engineering Technician III)

Machinist (Engineering Technician III) (EPFAB-2025-23429):

Bowhead is seeking a qualified Machinist to join the Machine Shop team at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in Virginia. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with the U.S. Navy in the development of prototypes and short-run production work, contributing to critical national defense projects. Our machinists are responsible for programming, setting up, and machining parts in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) specifications and models. The role involves working with a diverse range of materials, including a variety of aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, Inconel, and titanium.

We are particularly seeking candidates with substantial experience in CNC lathe programming and operation. While there will be a mix of mill and lathe work, our current project demands have shifted toward more lathe-focused machining.

We provide comprehensive in-house and at-home training on SolidWorks and CAMWorks, offering opportunities for continuous skill development and career advancement. Government-provided tools will be available to support your work.

This intermediate-level position requires a minimum of five years of experience in machining and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. There may be occasions where the machinist will be required to assist colleagues with programming or machining techniques.

Bowhead offers:

• Engineering Technician III position pays $30.98 per hour, plus $4.93 per hour for H&W (Health and Welfare)
• A total of 28 paid days off per year. (Described below)
• Paid vacation accrued up to 10 days a year.
• Paid sick leave accrued up to 7 days a year.
• Paid holidays 11 per year.
• Up to $175 for safety boots every two years.
• Up to $5250 for college tuition per year.
• Up to $5250 for training per year.
• Prescription safety glasses are provided yearly.

Machinists are required to program and operate both CNC lathes/mills, set tools in the machines, and create fixtures to hold uniquely shaped parts/components. (Most of the equipment in the shop is either Haas, Fadal, or ProtoTraks and is used daily.)

Comply with DoD drawings and hold tight tolerances on machined parts. Machinists will operate saws and occasionally use manual lathes and mills. They are expected to use standard measuring tools such as dial calipers and micrometers to inspect their parts.

• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have at least five (5) years of professional experience operating CNC milling machines and lathes. (Technical training may be considered as experience)
• Must be able to draw and program using CAD/CAM software.
• Basic level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Have a proficient understanding of reading and interpreting Machinist drawings including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Capable of using common precision measuring tools such as dial calipers and micrometers to inspect in-process and completed parts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees, customers, and management and respond to instructions/assignments. Be willing to assist other employees with Machinist-related issues. I.e., programming and set-ups.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds. 
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
• Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location. Acquiring a clearance will be done with the assistance of Bowhead upon hiring unless the candidate already possesses a clearance.

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