Lathe Machinist

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 Lathe Machinist, 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

Lathe Machinist

**THIS IS A WEEKEND SHIFT POSITION, FRI - SUN 6:00AM - 6:30PM**

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 and/or multi-axis machining centers to manufacture complex precision components

Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T requirements, work instructions, and manufacturing process documentation

Select and install cutting tools, workholding devices, and fixtures; establish tool and work offsets and verify setup accuracy

Review CNC programs, perform controlled prove-outs, and make authorized adjustments to offsets, feeds, speeds, and tool paths

Understand tolerances, material specs, and critical dimensions

Modify existing CNC programs using G-Code with supervision

Machine components to specified tolerances and surface finishes while controlling tool wear, burr formation, and part distortion

Monitor machining operations, identify process variations, and troubleshoot tooling, set up, and dimensional issues

Identify and report nonconforming conditions; support root-cause investigations and corrective actions

Handle, clean, and protect precision components in accordance with work instructions

Collaborate with engineers, CNC programmers, and quality personnel to improve manufacturability, repeatability, and production efficiency

Communicate effectively during shift handovers and team meetings

Contribute to continuous improvement efforts

Follow all safety procedures and use PPE

Perform routine equipment care and maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge:

Precision machining experience, preferably manufacturing aerospace or medical components

Ability to independently set up and operate assigned CNC equipment and produce tight-tolerance, complex geometry parts

Proficiency reading engineering drawings and applying GD&T, including datums, feature control frames, and positional requirements

Skilled use of precision inspection instruments, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, indicators, and height gauges

Working knowledge of CNC controls and G-code sufficient to understand programs, verify setups, and make authorized edits

Knowledge of cutting-tool selection, workholding methods, and feeds and speeds

Ability to recognize and control factors affecting dimensional accuracy and surface finish, including tool wear, thermal effects, vibration, and workholding distortion

Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and commitment to consistent workmanship

Ability to communicate clearly, maintain accurate records, and work effectively with production, engineering, and quality teams

Knowledge of machine-shop safety practices, including safe machine operation, and personal protective equipment

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.

Apply on General Dynamics Mission Systems Applications go directly to General Dynamics Mission Systems. Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr.

About General Dynamics Mission Systems

General Dynamics Mission Systems

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

Ready to apply?
Apply on General Dynamics Mission Systems (opens in a new tab) You'll be redirected to careers-gdms.icims.com to complete your application.

Not the one? Get new DEFENSE roles by email, weekday mornings, only when something new lands.

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.

SONY HONDA MOBILITYFISKERSHRM-CP1,000+ HIRES

Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)

Read Larry's guides →
Job no longer open? Let me know

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.