Finisher III
Finisher III – Nickel Aluminum Bronze (NiAlBr) & Stainless Steel
Bird Johnson – A Fairbanks Morse Defense Company
📍 Pascagoula, MS
About Bird Johnson
Bird Johnson, a proud Fairbanks Morse Defense company, delivers precision manufacturing, repair, overhaul, and shipyard support services for the U.S. Navy and defense maritime industry. From valve manufacturing to propulsion system support, our work directly impacts fleet readiness and national defense.
If you take pride in skilled trades, hands-on work, and being part of something bigger than yourself, this is where your work matters.
What to Expect – Read This First
This is a hands-on, physically demanding role in a true defense foundry and shipyard environment.
- You will work in high-heat conditions — this is not a climate-controlled facility
- You will be expected to perform grinding and finishing work for extended periods
- You will travel overnight to shipyards including:
- Mississippi
- Jacksonville, FL
- Chesapeake, VA
- You must be comfortable working in tight spaces, at heights, and around heavy industrial equipment
This role is best suited for individuals who embrace hard work, take pride in craftsmanship, and want a long-term career in defense manufacturing.
Why This Role is Worth It
For the right candidate, this is a rewarding, stable career with a company that values skill, accountability, and teamwork.
We offer:
- Competitive pay
- 401(k) with strong company support
- 100% tuition reimbursement
- Annual performance bonus
- Long-term, stable defense work
- Career growth opportunities
- $200 annual safety boot allowance
- Full PPE provided
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled Finisher III to grind and finish Nickel Aluminum Bronze (NiAlBr) and stainless-steel components used in critical naval applications.
This role is essential to ensuring components meet strict military-grade tolerances and performance standards.
What You’ll Do
- Perform grinding, rough finishing, excavation, and polishing of NiAlBr and stainless steel
- Work on ship propellers, stators, housings, and related components
- Remove defects using arc gouging and plasma cutting
- Conduct dye penetrant inspections for defects and imperfections
- Use precision measuring tools to meet exact tolerances
- Operate forklifts and other equipment safely
- Work collaboratively with production and quality teams
- Travel to shipyards for on-site repair and overhaul work
What We’re Looking For
- Hands-on experience grinding NiAlBr and stainless steel (strongly preferred)
- Experience working on ship propellers or similar marine components is highly valued
- Ability to work in physically demanding, high-heat environments
- Strong attention to detail and pride in quality work
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in various positions (standing, bending, climbing)
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Must meet DoD requirements (including NOFORN access compliance)
- High school diploma or GED (technical training preferred)
- Valid driver’s license
- Willingness to travel and work flexible shifts
Preferred Background
- Defense, foundry, or shipyard experience
- Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings
- Familiarity with OSHA and industrial safety standards
Work Environment
- Foundry and shipyard setting
- Exposure to heat, noise, dust, and vibration
- Summer conditions can be extremely hot
- Required use of Flame-Resistant Clothing (FRC) and full PPE (provided)
Who Succeeds Here
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has grit and work ethic
- Takes pride in precision craftsmanship
- Understands the demands of industrial and defense environments
- Wants a long-term career, not just a job
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
