OD/ID CNC Grinding Machinist

A day in your life at Barber-Nichols

You start your shift with a review of the router, pulling the right tools, materials, and setup documents. At your station, you prep a CNC cylindrical or surface grinder, confirm preventive maintenance is current (coolant levels, spindle oil), and verify your gauges are in calibration. You load the program, make at-control edits for accuracy, and document any program changes to ensure repeatable future runs. With drawings and GD&T in hand, you dial in the setup, grind the first article, and partner with an inspector to verify it before proceeding. Throughout the run, you measure, adjust offsets, and maintain surface finish and dimensional tolerances. When the job wraps, you deburr, break down and store tooling and inspection equipment correctly, sign off the router, complete your time card, and protect finished parts in the specified bins and materials. Along the way, you flag improvement ideas, support 5S, and lend your voice to root cause discussions when needed.

What you'll handle

• Set up and operate CNC cylindrical and surface grinding machines to produce precision parts and fixtures to print.
• Interpret engineering drawings and process documentation; meet critical specifications and GD&T requirements.
• Program at the machine and modify existing CNC grinding programs; record changes for traceability and repeatability.
• Confirm cutting tools and grinding wheels are in proper condition; manually dress wheels as required.
• Measure parts, adjust machines, and follow the Detailed Inspection Plan (DIP) to validate tolerances and visual criteria.
• Perform in-process inspection using height gauges, micrometers, indicators, dial bore gauges, and related tools.
• Collaborate with inspectors to verify first articles before running production.
• Maintain QMS awareness; assist with documenting procedure changes and participating in root cause analysis teams.
• Support safety practices and proper PPE use; keep preventive maintenance current.
• Drive continuous improvement, apply 5S/lean concepts, and implement approved ideas to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Order needed tools and supplies; properly store parts, tooling, and inspection equipment after each job.

About Barber-Nichols (BN)

BN is a premier provider of custom turbomachinery solutions supporting Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics, and Energy. Our engineers and machinists partner with industry leaders on high-impact programs—from the blower for NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Saturn’s moon Titan to critical components for the U.S. Navy’s MK-48 program. We offer a results-driven environment where innovation is encouraged, growth is supported, and achievements are recognized.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC machines.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret GD&T callouts.
• Proficiency with manual inspection tools (height gauges, micrometers, indicators, dial bore gauges, etc.).
• Willingness to work overtime as required.

Preferred

• Two-year degree/certification in machining or equivalent vocational training.
• Experience with cylindrical grinders and manual wheel dressing.
• Experience programming CNC controls at the machine.

Core skills

• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to follow established policies and safety programs.
• Organized, reliable time management, and high attention to detail.
• Plan and execute objectives to schedule; analyze problems and craft practical solutions.
• Consistent with company values; works independently as a self-starter and contributes in a team setting.

Physical, mental, and work environment

• Physical: Frequently lift/move up to 20 lbs; occasionally up to 50 lbs; close/distance/color/peripheral/depth vision and focus; clear verbal communication.
• Mental: Read, write, analyze data/reports; exercise judgment; develop plans and goals; present information; work under pressure.
• Environment: Indoor manufacturing with temperature changes; high equipment noise; exposure to hazardous materials, fumes/airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.

Compensation and benefits

The hourly range for this role is $25.00 - $30.00and is commensurate with the applicant’s experience. This range represents the anticipated minimum and maximum base for this position. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• FSA and HSA with company paid HSA quarterly contributions
• Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match and Profit Sharing
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (NYSE: GHM)
• Generous PTO and Paid Holidays with an option to purchase additional PTO
• Tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based bonus program
• Paid Parental Leave, Military Leave, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave

To view our full list of benefits, please visit Careers | Barber-Nichols.

Tools and technology you'll use

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• Surface Grinder
• Manual Grinder
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)
• CNC Grinder
• Cylindrical Grinder Machine

Legal and eligibility

***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 not required for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

*Barber-Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type. 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 other protected status as defined by law. Barber-Nichols will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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*Barber-Nichols participates in E-Verify, the federal program for electronic verification of employment eligibility.
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