Lead Production Machinist

Karman Space & Defense

Karman Space & Defense

Wilsonville, OR, USA

Posted on May 27, 2026

SUMMARY

Sets up and runs CNC machines, cutting raw materials into parts, according to customer specifications. Works with Lead Programmer to troubleshoot issues with programing. Consults with the Machine Shop Manager to manage shop schedule and daily operations. Reports to the Machine Shop Manager

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for training and mentoring team members.
  • Responsible for immediately addressing part non-conformances, either correcting or elevating as required.
  • Interfaces with Supervisor/Manager to prioritize work in the department.
  • Maximize machine utilization.
  • Adjusts machine assignments or assigns task to team members in their department to meet production needs.
  • Trouble shoot equipment/program issues and elevate, as necessary.
  • Collaborates with Engineering, Quality and Operations on continuous improvement efforts.
  • Ensures that machined parts meet customer specifications, drawings and STP files
  • Loads and unloads raw materials into CNC machines, performs in-process part inspection, deburring of parts
  • Oversees daily Machine Shop schedule
  • Keeps work areas clean, organized and free of debris and scrap
  • Maintains equipment, shop cleanliness, and tooling inventory


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Required Education: High School Diploma
  • 2+ years of machining experience
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively operate shop related tools and equipment
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, drawings and/or technical diagrams – easily hold +/-.001” tolerance
  • Strong communication skills
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No travel required for this position.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.