The posting
2nd Shift CNC Machinist Union Position | Beloit, Wisconsin Fairbanks Morse Defense Own the Setup. Hold the Tolerance. Build for the Fleet. Fairbanks Morse Defense is looking for experienced CNC setup machinists who know how to read a print, select tooling, establish offsets, prove out a program, and produce precision parts they’re proud to put their name behind. The components you machine will support the engines and propulsion systems powering the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and allied defense fleets around the world. If you enjoy challenging setups, tight tolerances, complex parts, and working with skilled tradespeople in a stable union environment, we want to hear from you.
The Job at a Glance
Starting pay: $35.86–$37.06 per hour Shift: Permanent 2nd Shift Hours: 3:00 PM–11:30 PM Training: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM on 1st Shift Workweek: Standard 40-hour week Environment: Union manufacturing facility Location: Beloit, Wisconsin Additional pay: 2nd-shift differential Pay may increase after completing approximately 520 hours worked.
Why Machinists Join Fairbanks Morse Defense
Competitive union wages 2nd-shift differential Excellent benefits beginning on Day One 401(k) with company match Paid holidays and vacation Tuition reimbursement Stable, long-term work supporting national defense Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career Voluntary overtime opportunities A team that values precision, craftsmanship, and doing the job right
What You’ll Do As a CNC Machinist, you will set up and operate CNC equipment to manufacture precision components for critical marine engines and defense systems. You will:
Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, machining centers, and other precision equipment. Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, setup sheets, and work instructions. Select and install tooling, cutters, inserts, fixtures, and work holding devices. Establish machine reference points, work offsets, and tool offsets. Perform program prove-outs and first-piece inspections. Machine complex components to precise engineering tolerances. Monitor part quality throughout the production process. Inspect work using micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other precision measuring equipment. Make machine or offset adjustments to maintain quality and dimensional accuracy. Complete deburring and secondary operations as needed. Operate multiple CNC machines when production requirements call for it. Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues. Safely move materials using cranes, hoists, and other material-handling equipment. Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, organized work area. Follow all safety procedures, work instructions, and standard operating practices.
Equipment You May Work With
CNC vertical machining centers CNC horizontal machining centers CNC lathes Mills Multi-axis machines Fixtures, chucks, cutters, inserts, and specialized tooling Micrometers, calipers, indicators, gauges, and other precision inspection equipment Cranes, hoists, and material-handling equipment
What We’re Looking For We’re looking for machinists who understand that quality begins with the setup. Successful candidates take pride in solving problems, holding tolerances, and producing reliable parts, not simply keeping a machine running.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED Three to five years of CNC machining experience in a manufacturing environment Experience setting up and operating CNC equipment Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings Strong understanding of machining tolerances and quality requirements Proficiency with precision measuring instruments Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills Ability to work independently and contribute to a team Commitment to safe work practices and high-quality craftsmanship
Preferred Qualification
Experience editing or programming CNC equipment at the machine
Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to:
Stand or sit for extended periods. Move throughout the manufacturing facility. Handle materials using appropriate lifting devices. Safely operate cranes, hoists, and material-handling equipment. Perform the physical activities required in a machining and manufacturing environment.
Overtime
Overtime opportunities are available. Overtime is generally voluntary rather than mandatory. Occasional Saturday work may be offered. Employees typically sign up for available overtime opportunities.
Security Requirements Because this position supports U.S. Government naval defense contracts:
U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be able to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Employees must be able to work in compliance with requirements governing Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NOFORN).
Put Your Machining Skills Behind a Mission That Matters For more than 150 years, Fairbanks Morse Defense has built and supported the engines, propulsion systems, and technologies that keep America’s fleets mission ready. Here, you won’t be machining disposable parts or watching the same simple production run all day. You’ll help manufacture critical components where precision, reliability, and craftsmanship matter.



