Advanced Machinist (Diamond Turn)

Cullman, AL DEFENSE Full-time Posted Nov 3, 2026
Apply on General Dynamics Mission Systems (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-gdms.icims.com · Posted 2026-11-03

About this role

General Dynamics Mission Systems is hiring a Advanced Machinist (Diamond Turn), full-time, on-site in Cullman, AL, in the DEFENSE sector.

Basic Qualifications

Technical certificate or 3 years of experience or equivalent is required.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

Diamond Turn Lathe Machinist

**THIS IS A 2ND SHIFT POSITION**

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

As a Machinist for General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) Precision Structures & Optics (PSO) located in Cullman, AL, you’ll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for manufacturing Beryllium products for use in the most demanding applications, across the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. Our products are used in high performance sensing systems for targeting and acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and are hardened for the battlefield environment.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills:

Experience in the manufacture of tight tolerance, complex geometry precision products, particularly within an aerospace or medical component machine shop

Ability to work from blueprints, advanced drawings, process sheets and sketches to perform machining operations with precision, quality, and safety

Analytical and problem-solving skills; able to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a quick, effective manner

Representative Duties:

Set up and operate CNC machines to produce precision parts

As a Lathe machinist within our Diamond Turn department, you will specialize in ultra-precision machining using diamond-tipped tools

Ability to operate highly specialized equipment, such as ultra-precision lathes, to achieve extremely tight tolerances and optical-quality surface finishes.

Expertise in handling sensitive equipment, controlling environmental factors (temperature, vibration), and working with challenging materials like optical crystals or metals.

Select and install appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and machine attachments

Load programs into CNC machines and make necessary code edits

Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and GD&T

Understand tolerances, material specs, and critical dimensions

Modify existing CNC programs using G-Code

Recommend tooling and programming improvements to increase efficiency and reduce scrap

Follow all safety procedures and use PPE

Work with engineers, quality inspectors, and supervisors to solve machining issues

Communicate effectively during shift handovers and team meetings

Contribute to continuous improvement efforts

What sets you apart:

People who are detail-oriented and strive for perfection

Strong interpersonal skills to cooperate and work effectively with others

Maintaining a high level of craftsmanship

Ability to find safe, effective, and economical ways to improve productivity

Driven and motivated, willingness to go beyond normal scope of position when requested

Our Commitment to You:

An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning a development

Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security

Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)

Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more

Workplace Options:

This position is fully on-site.

While on-site, you will be a part of the Cullman, AL facility.

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range
USD $33.66 - USD $36.10 /Hr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Description from General Dynamics Mission Systems's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

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About General Dynamics Mission Systems

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Company in the mobility sector tracked nightly on the Mobility Jobs board.

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Larry Sherwood Jr.

About Larry Sherwood Jr.

Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.

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Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.