Lead Night-Shift CNC Operations That Power Space, Sea, and Energy
At Barber-Nichols (BN), we engineer custom turbomachinery that flies on NASA missions, drives innovation for the U.S. Navy, and advances cryogenic and energy systems. Join a results-driven team that rewards initiative, cultivates growth, and partners with world-class customers on complex, meaningful programs.
What your night looks like
The shop lights hum, the schedule is set, and you lead the charge. You assign work across multi-axis mills and lathes based on skill and priority, confirm materials and tooling are queued, and make sure pre-setups are right the first time. When a tough feature or unexpected vibration challenges the plan, you jump in—coaching machinists through setups, troubleshooting cycle-time bottlenecks, or even running a machine to keep pace. You monitor SQDC metrics in real time, drive 5S and safety, and clear roadblocks so quality parts flow to assembly on time, every time.
How you create impact
- Lead, engage, and develop the night-shift machining team—set goals, coach through quarterly check-ins, recognize wins, and address issues with fair, consistent accountability.
- Coordinate daily work to meet schedule commitments; balance capacity, manage cycle times, and optimize utilization across the shop.
- Standardize and improve processes; provide technical direction and root-cause analysis on difficult machining problems.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to reduce setup times and increase throughput; ensure production prep is complete and accurate.
- Track SQDC performance; ensure procedures are followed and quality parts move to assembly without rework.
- Collaborate cross-functionally on routings, machine status, labor times, materials, and constraints; flag shortages early and realign plans quickly.
- Support Operational Excellence (OPEX) events; champion sustained improvements, 5S, and safety culture.
- Pitch in on machines when needed to supplement capacity or cover absences.
Supervisory scope
You will interview, hire, train, schedule, and direct machinists; set expectations, appraise performance, reward and discipline, resolve concerns, and build a respectful, growth-minded team in line with BN policies and values.
What you bring
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 5+ years in CNC setup, programming, and operation in an ISO/AS/MIL-STD prototype/job-shop environment, working from complex documentation and written/verbal instructions.
- Fluency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Proficiency with office, project management, ERP, and database tools.
- Clear written and verbal communication, strong organization and time management, high attention to detail, and the ability to plan and deliver to timelines.
- Problem-solver who develops practical fixes at both strategic and hands-on levels; values-driven; self-starter who thrives independently and in a team.
Nice to have
- Two-year machining degree/certification or vocational training.
- Prior lead or people-management experience.
Schedule, travel, and other details
- Role leads the Night Shift; overtime as required.
- Travel up to 10%.
Tools and technologies you’ll oversee
- CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) and CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)
- CNC Lathe (2–4 axis) and CNC Lathe (5+ axis)
- CAM software and G-code environments
Core proficiencies
- GD&T
- CNC Programming
- G-Code
- Equipment Troubleshooting
Physical and environmental factors
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical: periods of sitting/standing/walking/stooping/bending; clear communication; lift/carry up to 25 lbs occasionally, 10 lbs frequently, 5 lbs constantly; corrected vision 20/20 or adequate; color differentiation.
- Mental: read/write, analyze data/reports, exercise judgment, develop plans/procedures/goals, present information, work under pressure.
- Environment: manufacturing floor with elevated noise, temperature changes, hazardous materials, fumes/airborne particles, and moving/vibrating machinery.
Compensation and benefits
Hourly range: $40/hr – $50/hr. Night shift pays a 15% differential over base, and time worked over 40 hours is paid at time-and-a-half once on night shift. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of anticipated base + bonus; final compensation depends on education, training, and experience, and may fall outside this range. Explore benefits: Careers | Barber-Nichols.
Compliance
ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber-Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158.
Security clearance is required for this position
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.