Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Machinist

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Machinist is an experienced aerospace machinist responsible for programming, setting up, operating, and inspecting precision machining equipment to produce high-tolerance components used in jet engines and aircraft systems. This role requires mastery of CNC and manual machining, blueprint/GD&T interpretation, inspection using CMM and precision metrology tools, and strict adherence to aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP). The ideal candidate combines hands-on manufacturing expertise with process improvement capabilities, safety-first mindset, and the ability to document and communicate technical details clearly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Machinist / Trade School Graduate (Machining Technology)
Manual Machinist (lathe/mill) with basic CNC exposure
Tool & Die or Fabrication Technician transitioning to aerospace

Advancement To:

Senior Jet Machinist / Lead Machinist
CNC Programmer / Process Engineer (Aerospace)
Machining Supervisor or Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Inspector / CMM Technician
Maintenance Technician for CNC/robotics
Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret, and apply complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements to produce precision jet engine components within specified tolerances and surface finish requirements.
Program, set up, and operate multi-axis CNC machines (mills, lathes, and mill-turn centers) using Fanuc, Siemens, or Haas controls and CAM software such as Mastercam or GibbsCAM to produce high-value turbine, compressor, and accessory components.
Produce first articles and prototype parts by developing and validating CNC programs, selecting proper tooling, feeds, speeds, and cutting strategies to meet aerospace material constraints (titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, nickel alloys).
Perform close-tolerance manual machining operations (engine lathe, vertical/horizontal mills, precision grinders) when required for one-off adjustments, fixtures, or assemblies that cannot be fully automated.
Set up, operate, program, and maintain electrical discharge machining (EDM) and wire EDM systems to machine complex features and maintain part integrity for high-temperature alloys used in jet engines.
Perform in-process inspection and final inspection using calibrated micrometers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, optical comparators, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to verify tolerances and geometric features.
Create, maintain, and update work instructions, process routings, setup sheets, and tooling lists to ensure repeatable production of aerospace components in accordance with AS9100 and company procedures.
Troubleshoot machining issues such as chatter, tool wear, part deflection, thermal growth, and burr formation and implement corrective actions (tooling changes, fixturing improvements, program edits) to restore process capability.
Utilize statistical process control (SPC) data, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and first pass yield metrics to monitor machining performance and drive continuous improvement in quality and throughput.
Maintain and calibrate precision tooling, fixtures, and probes (tool presetter, Renishaw probes) and coordinate with maintenance to sustain CNC reliability and repeatability for mission-critical engine parts.
Conduct root cause analysis for non-conforming parts and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives, documenting findings in nonconformance reports and implementing containment actions.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, design engineering, inspection, and supply chain to expedite changes, clarify drawings, and support the introduction of new parts and revisions for jet engine programs.
Demonstrate strict adherence to safety, environmental, and clean-room protocols when handling hazardous coolants, composite materials, and exotic alloys used in aerospace machining.
Perform toolpath verification, dry-runs, and high-accuracy probe cycles prior to live cutting runs to minimize scrap on high-cost aerospace forgings, castings, and wrought materials.
Program and validate multi-step operations for complex components (shafts, blisks, nozzle segments) including multi-fixture indexing, on-machine probing, and in-process inspection stops.
Support NADCAP and customer audits by providing machining records, inspection data, and evidence of calibration and process control for parts destined to major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
Operate and interpret results from surface finish measurement equipment and determine appropriate finishing operations (polishing, belt grinding, lapping) to meet aerodynamic and sealing requirements on turbine components.
Set and maintain inventory of cutting tools, inserts, tool holders, and gauge items; manage tool life cycles and reorder critical tooling to avoid production interruptions on engine builds.
Mentor and train junior machinists and apprentices on best practices for high-precision aerospace machining, safe machine operation, and correct interpretation of engineering documentation.
Apply knowledge of heat treatment effects, material stress relief, and post-machining processes to ensure final part stability and conformance with engine assembly requirements.
Execute tight-tolerance assembly operations, press fits, spline fits, and interference fits as required for sub-assembly fabrication in the engine module area.
Participate in first-piece inspections, in-process audits, and final part certifications, ensuring traceability, material certifications, and full documentation of each production lot.
Adjust and optimize machining strategies for difficult-to-machine materials (Inconel, titanium) to reduce cycle time and extend tool life while preserving surface integrity and metallurgical properties.
Coordinate with programming and fixturing teams to design and implement specialized fixtures, soft jaws, and workholding solutions enabling efficient and repeatable machining of asymmetric engine components.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement projects such as Lean, 5S, and Kaizen events to reduce waste, improve cycle time, and raise shop floor efficiency for jet engine manufacturing.
Assist in developing process validations, capability studies, and PPAP/FAI documentation for new or revised aerospace components.
Provide technical input to purchasing and supply chain regarding preferred tooling standards, material lead times, and vendor qualifications for machining consumables.
Participate in cross-functional problem-solving teams to resolve production bottlenecks related to machining, inspection, or assembly handoffs.
Document machining lessons learned and best practices in a knowledge base to accelerate ramp-up of new parts and improve troubleshooting response time.
Support scheduling and production planning by providing accurate machine run-times, setup estimates, and tooling changeover information.
Help maintain compliance with environmental, safety, and hazardous chemical handling protocols, including coolant management and PPE requirements.
Serve as a backup resource for machine maintenance diagnostics and liaise with maintenance technicians to prioritize repairs that impact critical path components.
Assist quality engineering with audit preparation and follow up on action items generated during internal or customer audits.
Engage in occasional overtime or shift adjustments to meet urgent delivery schedules for aircraft engine overhaul and repair work.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Mastery of CNC programming and operation on multi-axis mills and lathes (Fanuc, Siemens, Haas); ability to write and edit G-code and M-code for complex toolpaths.
Proficient with CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Siemens NX CAM) for generating multi-axis toolpaths, post-processing, and simulation.
Strong blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) interpretation skills for aerospace drawings and engineering change notices (ECNs).
Experience with Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) programming and operation (PC-DMIS or equivalent) to validate complex geometries.
Hands-on experience with precision metrology tools: micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, height gauges, profilometers, and optical comparators.
Practical knowledge of machining aerospace alloys (Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, nickel-based superalloys) and associated tooling strategies.
Familiarity with EDM and wire EDM processes, including electrode fabrication and process parameter selection for tight-tolerance features.
Competence in process documentation: work instructions, setup sheets, first article inspection (FAI), SPC data collection, and traceability records.
Knowledge of aerospace quality systems and standards such as AS9100, NADCAP requirements, and customer-specific inspection criteria.
Ability to perform root cause analysis and corrective action documentation (8D, 5 Whys) related to machining defects and nonconformances.
Experience with probing systems, tool presetters, and on-machine inspection cycles (Renishaw or equivalent).
Basic PLC/CNC fault diagnostics and machine troubleshooting to minimize downtime and coordinate with maintenance teams.
Familiarity with finishing processes (polishing, grinding, deburring) and surface treatment impacts on fatigue life and aerodynamic performance.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy under strict tolerance and documentation requirements.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions quickly.
Clear verbal and written communication skills to interact with engineers, inspectors, suppliers, and production planners.
Team-oriented mindset with experience mentoring junior staff and collaborating within cross-functional aerospace teams.
Time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple setups, changeovers, and urgent production needs.
Continuous improvement mentality with experience participating in Lean, Kaizen, or process optimization initiatives.
High level of professionalism and integrity when handling sensitive aerospace technical data and proprietary work instructions.
Safety-first approach with demonstrated adherence to shop safety rules, lockout/tagout, and hazardous material handling.
Adaptability to changing production schedules, engineering revisions, and new manufacturing technologies.
Customer-focused attitude with an understanding of delivery commitment and quality expectations in aerospace supply chains.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED with completion of a precision machining vocational program, trade school, or equivalent military technical training.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or certificate in Machining Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or Aerospace Manufacturing.
Certified CNC Machinist credentials or certifications in GD&T, CMM programming, or AS9100 fundamentals.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Precision Machining / Tool & Die
Manufacturing Technology / CNC Programming
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Mechatronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3 to 8 years of hands-on machining experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environments.

Preferred:

5+ years of aerospace or jet engine component machining experience with demonstrable work on turbine, compressor, or accessory parts; prior exposure to AS9100/NADCAP-controlled processes; proven experience programming and operating multi-axis CNC machines and performing CMM inspection for engine components.