Sr. Machinist

STS Technical Services is hiring a Senior Machinist in West Point, Mississippi, to set up, program, operate and maintain CNC and manual manufacturing equipment.

This lead-level position supports precision machining, sheet metal forming and plasma cutting operations. The Senior Machinist will serve as a technical resource on the shop floor, mentor less experienced team members and help ensure components are completed accurately, safely and on schedule.

Position Overview

The Senior Machinist is responsible for producing precision components using CNC vertical machining centers, manual mills, press brakes and plasma cutting systems.

This role requires advanced machining experience, strong blueprint and GD&T interpretation skills and the ability to troubleshoot equipment, tooling and production issues. The Senior Machinist will also support first-article inspections, quality documentation, workload planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

CNC and Manual Machining Responsibilities

• Set up, program, operate and troubleshoot CNC vertical machining centers and manual milling machines
• Use conversational programming or G-code to produce components according to engineering drawings and specified tolerances
• Select appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for each application
• Machine steel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and other metal alloys
• Interpret engineering drawings, work orders, traveler packages and GD&T requirements
• Perform first-article inspections and in-process dimensional checks
• Use calipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines, height gauges and bore gauges to verify part dimensions
• Identify and correct machining issues that could affect quality or production schedules

Press Brake Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC and manual press brakes
• Form sheet metal and plate components according to specified bend sequences, angles and tolerances
• Select the appropriate punches, dies and tooling for each job
• Program bending sequences and account for springback and material allowances
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections
• Verify dimensional compliance on formed components
• Maintain press brake tooling and die inventories
• Inspect tooling for wear and report damaged or deficient equipment

Plasma Cutting Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC plasma cutting tables and handheld plasma cutting systems
• Cut ferrous and non-ferrous materials according to engineering specifications
• Load and nest cutting programs
• Adjust amperage, standoff height and feed rates to improve cut quality
• Minimize the heat-affected zone during cutting operations
• Inspect cut parts for dimensional accuracy and edge quality
• Verify that completed parts conform to drawing requirements
• Perform routine plasma cutting equipment maintenance
• Replace consumables, including tips, electrodes and shields
• Maintain water tables and related equipment

Quality and Documentation Responsibilities

• Complete production travelers, inspection records and non-conformance reports
• Maintain documentation according to the established quality management system
• Participate in first-article inspections, in-process audits and corrective action activities
• Follow applicable customer specifications and requirements
• Maintain compliance with relevant quality and regulatory standards
• Communicate with Engineering, Quality and Production Planning to resolve technical issues
• Assist with the evaluation and disposition of non-conforming materials

Leadership and Mentorship Responsibilities

• Provide on-the-job training to apprentices, machinists and setup operators
• Offer technical guidance on machining, forming and cutting processes
• Support workload planning and job sequencing
• Help the production team meet quality and on-time delivery goals
• Promote consistent machining and inspection practices
• Mentor less experienced employees and support their technical development

Safety and Housekeeping Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations and PPE requirements
• Maintain the work area according to 5S standards
• Support shop organization and continuous improvement activities
• Identify and report unsafe conditions
• Report near-misses, equipment malfunctions and safety concerns immediately
• Maintain a clean and organized production environment

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• At least five years of hands-on machining experience
• At least two years of experience in a senior, lead or setup machinist position
• Experience operating CNC vertical milling machines in a production environment
• Experience operating press brakes and plasma cutting equipment
• Proficiency with G-code and M-code programming
• Experience using conversational CNC controls such as Fanuc, Haas, Mazak or equivalent systems
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints and GD&T
• Proficiency with micrometers, calipers, height gauges, protractors and angle finders
• Working knowledge of metal properties and machinability
• Strong machining and forming troubleshooting skills
• Ability to identify root causes and support corrective actions
• Ability to work independently and prioritize assignments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to document production and inspection work accurately
• Willingness to mentor and support other team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a formal machining apprenticeship
• Trade school training in machining or manufacturing
• Associate degree in machining technology or a related discipline
• Experience with CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360 or an equivalent platform

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to stand and walk on concrete floors for up to 10 hours per shift
• Ability to lift and move materials, tools and fixtures weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to move heavier items using mechanical assistance or a team lift
• Manual dexterity required to operate machines and precision hand tools
• Ability to read engineering drawings, measuring instruments and CNC displays
• Ability to distinguish colors when required
• Ability to work around machine noise, coolant, cutting oils and metal dust
• Ability to work around ultraviolet and infrared radiation generated by plasma cutting operations
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment

Work Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing environment and involves regular work around CNC machines, manual equipment, press brakes and plasma cutting systems.

Employees may be exposed to machine noise, coolant fluids, cutting oils, metal dust and radiation associated with plasma cutting. Required personal protective equipment must be worn at all times.

About STS Technical Services

STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with leading aerospace, manufacturing, defense and industrial organizations across the United States. We connect skilled professionals with career opportunities where their experience can make an immediate impact.

Apply Today

If you have advanced machining experience and are ready to support precision manufacturing operations in a senior technical role, apply today to join STS Technical Services as a Senior Machinist in West Point, Mississippi.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STS Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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