Senior Machinist (Machinist 4/5)

At a Glance

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Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
Location: Los Alamos, NM (On-Site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $80,400 – $143,000 per year (based on experience and level)
Shift: Day Shift
Overtime: As Needed
Experience Level: Senior (5+ Years)
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship Required for Security Clearance Eligibility
Clearance: Ability to Obtain and Maintain DOE Q Clearance

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Why This Role Exists

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Los Alamos National Laboratory's Prototype Fabrication Division supports some of the nation's most advanced scientific research and national security programs. As demand for highly specialized prototype and production components continues to grow, LANL is seeking experienced CNC machinists who can independently program, set up, and manufacture complex precision parts.

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This position is ideal for machinists who enjoy challenging work, advanced manufacturing processes, and the opportunity to contribute to projects that directly support critical national missions.

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Depending on qualifications and experience, candidates may be hired as either a Machinist Level 4 or Machinist Level 5.

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The Work You'll Be Doing

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In this role, you will:

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• Program, set up, and operate CNC mills, CNC lathes, wire EDM machines, and manual machine tools
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• Manufacture complex prototype and production components from engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications
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• Develop machining strategies, tooling packages, and fixturing solutions for challenging parts
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• Create and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM software
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• Hold tight tolerances on complex components made from both common and exotic materials
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• Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision measurement equipment
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• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and improve machining processes
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• Collaborate with engineers, designers, programmers, inspectors, and fellow machinists
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• Support classified and unclassified manufacturing projects
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• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and manufacturing best practices
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Additional Responsibilities – Machinist Level 5

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• Serve as a technical expert in machining processes and manufacturing strategy
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• Mentor and develop lower-level machinists
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• Lead complex machining projects and process development efforts
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• Provide advanced guidance on CAD/CAM programming, GD&T interpretation, tooling, and fixturing
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Machines, Controls & Software

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You'll work with equipment such as:

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Machines

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• CNC Mills
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• CNC Lathes
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• Wire EDM Machines
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• Manual Machine Tools
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CAD/CAM Software

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• Mastercam
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• SolidWorks
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Programming

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• CNC Programming
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• Advanced CAD/CAM Development
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• Process Development & Optimization
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Inspection Equipment

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• Calipers
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• Micrometers
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• Precision Inspection Equipment
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• Advanced Metrology Tools
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Materials You'll Work With

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• Aluminum
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• Stainless Steel
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• Alloy Steels
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• Titanium
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• Exotic Engineering Materials
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• Prototype and Research Materials
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What We're Looking ForRequired

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• Advanced CNC machining experience involving setup, programming, and operation of mills and lathes
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• Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, fixturing, and machining process development
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• Advanced knowledge of shop mathematics
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• Strong blueprint reading skills
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• Advanced GD&T interpretation to ASME Y14.5 standards
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• Advanced precision measurement and inspection experience
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• CAD/CAM programming experience in a manufacturing environment
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• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
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• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and craftsmanship
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Education & Experience

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Machinist Level 4

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• Associate Degree in Machining Technology (or equivalent) and 6+ years of experience
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OR

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• 8+ years of prototype machining experience
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OR

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• Journeyperson qualification plus 6+ years of experience
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Machinist Level 5

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• Associate Degree in Machining Technology (or equivalent) and 10+ years of experience
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OR

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• 12+ years of prototype machining experience
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OR

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• Journeyperson qualification plus 10+ years of experience
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Preferred

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• Wire EDM setup and operation experience
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• SolidWorks experience
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• Mastercam experience
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• Experience working directly with engineers on manufacturability improvements
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• Previous mentoring, leadership, or supervisory experience
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• Advanced prototype machining experience
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Why Machinists Like Working Here

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Experienced machinists choose Los Alamos National Laboratory because:

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• Work on highly technical, one-of-a-kind projects
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• Solve complex manufacturing challenges not found in traditional production environments
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• Utilize advanced machining technologies and equipment
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• Collaborate with engineers and scientists on mission-critical programs
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• Strong culture of craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement
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• Excellent career stability and growth opportunities
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• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
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• Outstanding retirement and benefits package
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Pay, Benefits & SchedulePay Range

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Machinist Level 4: $80,400 – $127,900 per year

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Machinist Level 5: $87,800 – $143,000 per year

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Benefits

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• Medical Insurance
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• Dental Insurance
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• Vision Insurance
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• Paid Parental Leave
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• Life and Disability Insurance
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• Award-Winning 401(k) with 6% Match + Additional Annual Contribution
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• Tuition Assistance and Professional Development
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• Paid Time Off and Holidays
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• Onsite Fitness and Wellness Programs
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• Relocation Assistance for Eligible Candidates
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Schedule

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• Full-Time
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• On-Site in Los Alamos, NM
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• Overtime as Needed
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Security Clearance Requirements

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This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required except under extremely limited circumstances. Selected candidates must successfully complete background screening and security clearance requirements.

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Apply Today

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If you're an experienced CNC machinist who enjoys programming, process development, prototype manufacturing, and solving complex machining challenges, Los Alamos National Laboratory offers an opportunity to work on some of the most technically advanced projects in the country.

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Apply through hireCNC today.