Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Component Machinist

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Component Machinist is a skilled aerospace tradesperson responsible for producing, inspecting and supporting repair of precision jet engine components (turbine blades, disks, shafts, cases, combustors) using multi‑axis CNC equipment, manual machines and finishing processes. This role requires deep knowledge of superalloys (Inconel, titanium), tight tolerance machining, GD&T, CMM inspection, and compliance with AS9100/FAR/FAA requirements. The ideal candidate delivers repeatable, documented results, supports continuous improvement, and collaborates closely with engineering, quality and production planning to meet on‑time, on‑spec delivery for OEM and MRO customers.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

CNC Machinist (3‑axis or 4‑axis production shops)
Manual Machinist / Tool & Die Maker
Aircraft Maintenance Technician or Maintenance Machinist

Advancement To:

Senior/Lead Jet Component Machinist
CNC Programmer / CAM Specialist (Mastercam, GibbsCAM)
Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer (aerospace)
Production Supervisor or Shop Manager
Quality Manager / Metrology Lead

Lateral Moves:

Quality/Inspection Technician (CMM operator)
Fixture/Tooling Designer
Repair & Overhaul Technician (MRO specialist)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, program, and operate multi‑axis CNC machining centers (3, 4 and 5‑axis mills and multi‑tasking lathes) to machine jet engine components to drawing specifications, achieving geometric tolerances and surface finishes required for flight hardware.
Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T callouts to develop machining sequences, verify tolerances and determine manufacturing approaches that meet aerospace quality and safety requirements.
Write, edit and optimize CNC toolpaths using CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Siemens NX, CATIA) and validate NC code through simulation and first‑part verification to prevent scrapped parts and ensure cycle time efficiency.
Perform precision manual operations (surface and cylindrical grinding, lapping, hand finishing, deburring, routing) for thin‑section turbine blades and complex aerofoil geometries while maintaining fatigue‑critical surface integrity.
Program, set up and operate EDM and wire‑EDM equipment for intricate cuts, cooling hole formation or repair of hard superalloy features in accordance with process qualifications.
Execute in‑process and final inspections using calibrated metrology equipment (CMM—Zeiss/Hexagon, optical comparator, micrometers, calipers, profilometers) and record measurement data to ensure traceability and conformance to AS9100/FAR standards.
Balance rotating components and assemblies using dynamic balancing equipment and document balancing results to meet vibration and service life requirements for engine assemblies.
Machine and repair components fabricated from exotic aerospace materials such as Inconel, Waspaloy, titanium alloys and stainless steels, applying correct speeds, feeds, tooling and cutting fluids to minimize work hardening and thermal damage.
Follow and maintain work instructions, routings, traveler documentation and electronic job cards to ensure full traceability of production and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
Execute heat‑treat preparatory operations (pre‑machining/post‑machining allowances), and coordinate with heat treat and surface treatment (shot peening, anodizing, plating) shops to meet metallurgical specifications and fatigue life requirements.
Troubleshoot process deviations, root cause defect sources (tool wear, machine calibration, fixture deflection) and implement corrective actions in partnership with quality and engineering to reduce scrap and rework.
Create and maintain tooling, fixtures and workholding solutions; assess fixture wear and recommend or fabricate tooling modifications to improve part stability and repeatability.
Perform first article inspections (FAI) and support MRB/NG disposition for nonconforming parts, ensuring accurate documentation and cross‑functional sign‑off per AS9102 and internal procedures.
Maintain machine maintenance logs, perform routine preventive maintenance and escalate complex mechanical or control faults to maintenance/PLC technicians to sustain uptime and precision.
Support production planning by estimating cycle times, reporting daily progress, escalating schedule risks, and participating in capacity planning to meet customer delivery commitments.
Train, mentor and qualify junior machinists and apprentices on safe handling of engine components, proper machining techniques, inspection methods and documentation practices.
Apply and document torque, fastening and assembly processes for subassemblies per manufacturer specifications, ensuring correct orientation, fastener class and thread engagement on flight‑critical components.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to streamline machining operations, improve tooling life and optimize scrap reduction.
Validate and maintain measurement system analysis (MSA) and calibration records for precision instruments, ensuring measurement capability and reliability for critical dimensions.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to qualify new processes, demonstrate capability (CPK), update control plans and develop standard work for novel jet component families.
Ensure strict adherence to shop safety programs, PPE requirements, hazardous material handling (cutting fluids, solvents) and maintain a clean, organized workspace to protect delicate aero components and tooling.
Support aircraft OEM and MRO audits by providing process documentation, inspection data, nonconformance reports and process flow evidence; implement audit corrective actions promptly.
Coordinate with supply chain and receiving to inspect and quarantine incoming forgings, castings or customer‑returned parts, generating receiving reports and ensuring material conformity before machining.
Maintain confidentiality and configuration control around proprietary tooling, programs and customer blueprints in accordance with contractual and export control requirements.

Secondary Functions

Assist engineering with prototype machining, quick‑turn quotes and feasibility studies for new jet component designs.
Participate in cross‑functional problem solving sessions (Root Cause Corrective Action — RCCA) and document containment actions.
Support continuous learning by attending vendor trainings, certification programs and maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of CNC control updates and cutting tool technology.
Aid quality team with periodic calibration cycles, gauge R&R studies and sample audits for process validation.
Support documentation and implementation of environmental, health, and safety improvements related to machining fluids, particulate control and noise reduction.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced CNC programming and operation for 3/4/5‑axis milling and multi‑tasking turning centers (Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain).
Proficiency with CAM packages (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Siemens NX CAM, CATIA) and post‑processor optimization.
Deep understanding and application of GD&T and aerospace drawing interpretation.
CMM programming and operation (Zeiss, Hexagon, Mitutoyo) including FAI reporting (AS9102).
Experience machining superalloys and exotic materials (Inconel, titanium, Hastelloy) with knowledge of correct tooling, coolant strategies and feed rates.
Hands‑on skill with manual grinding, lapping, polishing, honing and finishing to achieve aerofoil profiles and critical surface finishes.
EDM and wire‑EDM operation and programming for repair and detail cuts.
Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, FAA/FAR requirements and aerospace traceability practices.
Metrology and inspection proficiency: optical comparators, profilometers, micrometers, bore gauges and surface roughness measurement.
Competence in fixture design, workholding strategies and basic jigs/fixtures fabrication.
Experience with balancing equipment and vibration testing for rotating assemblies.
Familiarity with heat treat processes, shot peening, brazing and other post‑processing relevant to jet components.
SPC, MSA and data‐driven quality methods to monitor process capability and part compliance.
Strong familiarity with shop floor controls, ERP/MES systems data entry and traveler documentation.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a relentless focus on dimensional accuracy and surface integrity.
Strong problem solving and analytical thinking to diagnose machining and inspection issues quickly.
Clear verbal and written communication to document processes, nonconformances and corrective actions.
Team orientation with the ability to collaborate across engineering, quality and production teams.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance multiple jobs and meet critical delivery dates.
Continuous improvement mindset with willingness to suggest and lead efficiency gains and defect reduction.
Patience and manual dexterity for delicate finishing tasks on thin‑walled aerofoils.
Teaching and mentoring ability to develop junior machinists and share best practices.
Compliance and safety mindset to operate in a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.
Adaptability to new controls, tooling innovations and evolving customer specifications.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED with vocational training or apprenticeship in machinist trades.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or technical diploma in Machining Technology, Precision Manufacturing, or Aerospace Manufacturing.
Certifications such as NIMS, PMMI, AS9100 internal auditor, or CMM certification are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machining Technology / Precision Manufacturing
Aerospace Manufacturing Technology
Tool & Die / Mechanical Engineering Technology
Materials Science / Metallurgy (desired)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–10 years of precision machining, with at least 3 years in aerospace or jet engine component work preferred.

Preferred:

5+ years of direct experience machining and inspecting jet engine components, proven experience with multi‑axis CNC and CMM, and documented familiarity with AS9100 or FAA regulated manufacturing environments.

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