Lathe Machinist at Mission Systems – Cullman, Alabama

Lathe Machinist

ID: 2026-70113
USA-AL-Cullman
Required Clearance: No clearance
Posted Date: 1/15/2026
Category: Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full Time
Hiring Company: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Basic Qualifications

Technical Certificate plus 2 years or equivalent experience is required.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

At General Dynamics Mission Systems, we create the technologies, products and services that help our nation’s heroes keep our nation safe. The work we do is so advanced, we are continuously moving the boundaries of what’s possible. Here you’ll work with the best and your talent will be front and center on projects that impact the world. Are you up to the challenge?

We apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cloud Native and Quantum Physics to solve our customers’ missions in cyber, RF, undersea, interstellar and everything in between.

As a Machinist for General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) Precision Structures & Optics (PSO) located in Cullman, AL, you’ll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for manufacturing Beryllium products for use in the most demanding applications, across the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. Our products are used in high performance sensing systems for targeting and acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and are hardened for the battlefield environment.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills:

Experience in the manufacture of tight tolerance, complex geometry precision products, particularly within an aerospace or medical component machine shopAbility to work from blueprints, advanced drawings, process sheets and sketches to perform machining operations with precision, quality, and safetyAnalytical and problem-solving skills; able to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a quick, effective manner

Representative Duties:

Set up and operate CNC machines to produce precision partsAs a Lathe machinist within our Diamond Turn department, you will specialize in ultra-precision machining using diamond-tipped toolsAbility to operate highly specialized equipment, such as ultra-precision lathes, to achieve extremely tight tolerances and optical-quality surface finishes.Expertise in handling sensitive equipment, controlling environmental factors (temperature, vibration), and working with challenging materials like optical crystals or metals.Select and install appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and machine attachmentsLoad programs into CNC machines and make necessary code editsRead and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and GD&TUnderstand tolerances, material specs, and critical dimensionsModify existing CNC programs using G-CodeRecommend tooling and programming improvements to increase efficiency and reduce scrapFollow all safety procedures and use PPEWork with engineers, quality inspectors, and supervisors to solve machining issuesCommunicate effectively during shift handovers and team meetingsContribute to continuous improvement efforts

What sets you apart:

People who are detail-oriented and strive for perfectionStrong interpersonal skills to cooperate and work effectively with othersMaintaining a high level of craftsmanshipAbility to find safe, effective, and economical ways to improve productivityDriven and motivated, willingness to go beyond normal scope of position when requested

Our Commitment to You:

An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning a developmentResearch oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s securityFlexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and moreSee more at com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:

This position is fully on-site.

While on-site, you will be a part of the Cullman, AL facility.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $31.98 - USD $35.07 /Hr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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