Machinist

Responsibilities:

The Valves, Actuators, and Ducts division of the Propulsion Engineering department is  searching for a Machinist to support the Component Development Area (CDA).  The CDA is a world-class small fabrication shop and testing laboratory supporting development and testing of space flight components and systems.  This position primarily provides machining fabrication of parts and components to support propulsion system component ground testing and flight hardware.  The successful candidate will be safety conscious, able to work independently as well as in a team environment, and possess good customer relationship skills.  The selected candidate must have practical experience and demonstrate knowledge in a wide range of machining methods to support the CDA.

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Work integrally with design engineers at design phase of projects
• Set up and operation of MAZAK Quickturn and Integrex machines as well as manual lathes, mills, and grinders for close and stacked tolerances of precision components
• Fabricate parts, holding fixtures, and tools necessary to produce flight type hardware
• Produce component parts to tight tolerances and check precision parts to specifications
• Troubleshoot for complex project fabrication
• Maintain machine shop inventory consisting of bits, measurement tooling, raw stock, and fixtures
• Wear and utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing during performance of work duties, to include safety glasses/goggles, hard hats, gloves, masks, respirators, coveralls, harnesses, etc.
• Notify Supervisor and Management of any hazards or unsafe conditions in the workplace and advise on potential corrective actions
• General shop housekeeping including cleanup and organization of parts

Physical Requirements:  Requires standing for extended periods of time while working in a machine shop performing fabrication tasks, and will necessitate wearing appropriate PPE including safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection when required (80%).  Requires sitting for short periods of time working at a computer and participating in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at MSFC facilities to discuss technical issues (10%).  Limited lifting or work on ladder is required (10%).  Work will be performed onsite at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (100%).  Requires use of stairs or elevators to gain access to buildings.

Work Environment:  Work will be performed indoors at the Component Development Area Machine Shop (85%) and in a general office environment (15%).  Requires ability to interact effectively with co-workers, managers, and clients.  Requires ability to provide clear, concise, and accurate communications, both verbally and in writing.

Equipment and Machines:  Requires the ability to operate hand tools and power equipment, including forklifts and overhead cranes, to support tasks at CDA (85%).  Requires ability to operate a personal computer, telephone, task related software, and other general office equipment (15%).

Attendance:  Work assignments are normally 10-hour shifts, 4 consecutive days per week.  Normal workday is 6:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday but may be adjusted to meet customer requirements or needs of employee. Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory for meetings and other planned occasions.

Other Essential Functions: 

Ability to communicate effectively and work under supervision is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.  Must comply with all “drug free workplace” requirements as mandated by directives issued by the appropriate federal contracting officer and the company, which requires drug testing for use of illegal drugs by employees in sensitive positions.  Must pass all applicable physicals required for this position.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Typically, educational requirement is a High School diploma or GED or equivalent; and at least 6 years of relevant previous experience and continuing education or an Associate's Degree or equivalent and at least 2 years of relevant previous experience that proves technical aptitude and ability to work effectively without direct supervision.

Required:

• Ability to set up and operate manual lathes, mills, grinders, and other machine shop equipment
• Proficiency in CNC conversational programming for MAZAK machines
• Understanding of the working properties of stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, brass, aluminum, Inconel, and various soft good sealing materials
• Understanding of applied Trigonometry for fabrication of parts, holding fixtures, and tools necessary to produce flight type hardware
• Ability to use inspection and measuring tools as necessary to produce component parts to tight tolerances and check precision parts to specifications
• Must exhibit good communication skills and detailed understanding of machining practices to interact directly with design engineers at design phase of projects
• Perform training assignments including on-the-job training designed to develop professional working knowledge and abilities
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Safety-conscious mindset
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

Desired:

• Proficient in Mastercam software to program toolpaths for complex geometries
• Experience in a bid shop or estimating working hours per part or project
• Ability to machine one-off, unique, high-profile, or difficult parts

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Benefits

Qualis is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.