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Posted June 10, 2026
BAE Systems

CNC MILLING OPERATOR 3

Aiken, SC 29805-9320, United States Full Time
Compensation: $52,108 to $83,373 Annually
Reference: BAE Systems_125901BR

Job Description
What's it like working for a company that makes a national impact? Inspiring. As part of our manufacturing team, you can help us ensure the integrity and reliability of some of our most important products. Our Combat Mission Systems business is currently looking for a machine operator that is ready to rise to the challenge to deliver products that help protect the lives of those who serve.
Here, we value our workforce, and that means providing our employees with competitive salary and benefit packages and plenty of resources for career growth. Most importantly, with our culture of safety and innovation, and the chance to make an impact on our business, you'll build a career you can be proud of.
BAE Systems is looking for a CNC Machinist III to join our team in Aiken, SC. As a leader in the defense industry BAE Systems provides vehicle and weapons systems for the U.S. military.

* 2nd shift: Monday to Thursday, 3:15 PM - 1:45 AM
* Weekends: Friday to Sunday, 5:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Must be capable of setting up and operating a wide range of machine tools. Included but not limited to: multi axis CNC milling machines.

As a CNC Machinist III, you will:

1. Responsible for working from process sheets, engineering drawings/specifications, sketches and written/oral instructions to machine various end product items. Works to extremely close tolerances and inspects work using precision measuring instruments. Completes manufacturing/quality control reports and tag discrepant parts.
2. Responsible for independently performing tasks requiring accuracy and mental application in the use of advanced shop mathematics.
3. Responsible for suggesting and working with Manufacturing Engineering and others in developing alternate methods and procedures which contribute toward more efficient and economic product manufacturing.
4. Responsible for performing work assignments which require accomplishing untried tasks, first run complex machining, method process prove out, etc. in consultation with Manufacturing Engineering or others as required.
5. Responsible for making complex setups and accomplish precise alignment of work piece in machine and manufacturing to extremely close tolerances on parts of high complexity, such as gun barrels and other parts, as well as parts of low to medium complexity.
6. Responsible for independently performing tasks requiring accuracy and mental application in the use of shop mathematics, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and Feeds & Speed calculations.
7. Cleans/deburrs parts as conditions permit utilizing machine tools, power tools or hand tools.
8. Maintains and returns all equipment such as tooling, jigs, fixtures and gages to the proper storage area.
9. Performs routine operator maintenance functions such as chip removal, and the cleaning of machines, table, surrounding area as required.
10. Rigs/loads/unloads parts or equipment from machines utilizing special handling equipment as needed.
11. Employee is responsible for maintaining/improving housekeeping standard in his/her work area and adhering to established safety rules and practices.
12. Train other machinists as required.
13. Works under the supervision of a Team Leader who gives minimal instructions. Team Leader is available for consultation.
14. Must understand shop floor computerized time and attendance system and independently execute assigned responsibilities. Examples of those responsibilities are: clocking in and out upon arrival and departure from work, close shop order sequences when work is complete, etc.
15. Able to be moved to different machining centers or areas to fill in as needed.

Physical Demands:

The work requires employee to stand for long periods, stoop, bend, reach, and climb. Frequently handles objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Occasionally lifts objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Cranes, hand trucks, and other lifting and moving equipment are available for heavier loads.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Must have a HS or GED with a minimum of 5 years of strong knowledge of Fanuc, Siemens, KT and G&L controls, CNC programming code including G-code, M-code, etc. machining experience.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Able to read, interpret, programming as required to mitigate production delays/risks.
  • Experience and understanding of GD&T application.
  • Must have the knowledge and skill to set, use, and read precision layout and measuring instruments.
  • Must have the knowledge of, and the ability to apply algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric functions to blueprint dimensions in the machining of products.
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret multi-paged complex machining product blueprints.
  • Must possess the knowledge, skill, and ability to setup and operate major machine tools.
  • Must have the ability, confidence, and self-motivation to apply talents independently and with good judgment.
  • Assist others in obtaining solutions to quality issues.
  • Assist other machinists in complex set-ups.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $52108 - $83373

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.

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