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Defense Industry Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Defense Industry information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$57.4K

$90K

$132.7K

How much do defense industry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense industry in Raleigh, NC is $89,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $100,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense industry job?

A Defense Industry job involves working for companies or organizations that develop, produce, and maintain military technologies, equipment, and services. These roles can include engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, intelligence, and project management. Jobs may be with government contractors, defense agencies, or private firms supporting national security. Many positions require security clearances and specialized technical expertise. The industry plays a crucial role in national defense and global security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the defense industry?

To excel in the defense industry, strong backgrounds in engineering, project management, security clearance, and a thorough understanding of defense regulations are essential. Familiarity with specialized tools such as CAD software, simulation systems, and industry certifications like PMP or ITAR compliance is highly valued. Attention to detail, ethical integrity, teamwork, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart. Mastery of these areas ensures that professionals can contribute to complex defense projects while maintaining strict safety, quality, and compliance standards.

What opportunities for career advancement exist within the defense industry?

The defense industry offers a diverse range of career advancement paths, often allowing professionals to move into roles such as project management, systems engineering, technical leadership, or executive positions. Many organizations provide mentorship programs, skills training, and support for further certifications, allowing employees to deepen their expertise or pivot to new specialties. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to take on larger, more complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Advancement often depends on a mix of technical proficiency, leadership abilities, and successful completion of large-scale projects.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Industry jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Defense Industry jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Defense Industry jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Defense Industry job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Industry job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,986 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

CNC Machinist - Aerospace & Defense Industry!

Costello/April Design, Inc.

Raleigh, NC

$20 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Set up, prove out new programs, and operate various types of CNC equipment to manufacture precision machined components and brazed chassis assemblies.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical, quality, and process issues related to CNC machining operations.

  • Perform in-process inspections, interpret CMM data, and make process adjustments to ensure quality and customer requirements are met.


Job description

SUMMARY:

The CNC Machinist will be responsible for ensuring production of both precision machined components along with brazed chassis assemblies for the Aerospace and Defense industries in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role will be expected to work collaboratively with other CNC machinists, CNC programmers, quality inspectors, production control personnel and management in the completion of their daily activities. This role will support the setup and operation for both existing and new product introduction (NPI) components and processes in the production of machined components and assemblies while ensuring customer quality requirements are being met and maintained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Setup, prove out new programs, and operate manufacturing processes on various types of CNC equipment including vertical, horizontal and 5 axis milling machines in the manufacture of precision machined components and brazed chassis assemblies.
  • Work collaboratively with CNC programming in the launching and development (proving out) of CNC processes on the manufacturing floor for piece part components and brazed assemblies.
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve technical (cutting tool, offset related, program, workholding)

quality and process related issues on across various types of CNC equipment and processes

  • Manufacture, assemble, and accurately load parts into various types of machine workholding (vises, vacuum chucks, mechanical fixturing) for CNC process completion.
  • Perform in-process inspection using mechanical and optical measurement tools (micrometer, calipers, thread gaging, surface plates, height gaging, and comparator) as required to ensure quality and customer compliance.
  • Interpret and verify coordinate measurement machine (CMM) data to make process modifications for part and quality compliance.
  • Maintain production of multiple CNC machining centers in daily activities as required
  • Establish and adjust cutting tool and coordinate work offsets as required to maintain process quality during production.
  • Setup cutting tools and toolholder assemblies and perform machine tool changes as required for initial machine setup and continued production.
  • Perform manual machining operations using handtools, manual mills, engine lathes, surface grinders and other equipment as required
  • Perform edits to CNC programs as required for tool and offset numbers, speeds and feeds, etc…
  • Perform post-machining secondary operations (deburring, cleaning) as required.
  • Ensure all 5s standards are being met and sustained for safety, organization, cleanliness and maintenance for assigned workstations.
  • Accurate data entry and completion of all administrative tasks related to production (clocking in and out of operations on the job traveler, recording the # of parts completed per shift, updating lean daily management boards, etc…)
  • Train and support other employees in the completion of tasks and activities
  • Perform minor maintenance activities related to CNC operation (fill coolant, monitor chip bins, maintain vacuum systems, etc…)
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum 5 years CNC setup experience. 
  • Minimum 3 years experience in a manufacturing environment.   
  • Mandatory 4th axis machining experience. 
  • Prototyping and first piece development with programs experience a plus. 
  • Capable of running and setting up all CNC machines in the department.  
  • Understands and can modify basic CNC programs.  
  • Ability to make basic fixtures and jigs. 
  • Ability to use micrometers, calipers, height gauges and dial indicators.  
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints a must. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Additional 40 hours of Sick Time
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Competitive 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
  • Education reimbursement program for professional development
  • Relocation assistance for eligible roles
  • Climate-controlled facility
  • Subsidized vending and on-site break areas
  • Complimentary coffee and refreshments
  • Clean, modern work environment with advanced equipment and technology
  • Opportunities for career growth within a stable, growing aerospace manufacturing organization

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
  • Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate machine controls, tools, and measuring instruments.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and components weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as required to load, unload, and inspect parts and equipment.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, and arms.
  • Ability to visually inspect parts, interpret and read blueprints, technical drawings, work instructions, and use gauges, and measuring devices.
  • Ability to distinguish colors, dimensions, and surface defects when performing quality inspections.
  • Ability to hear and communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to safely operate equipment in a fast-paced production setting while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, and other equipment as required.
  • Ability to work in an environment with exposure to machine noise, metal chips, cutting fluids, lubricants, and varying temperatures.
  • Ability to maintain regular attendance and work scheduled shifts, including overtime as required.

Work Environment

  • Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment.
  • Frequent interaction with machine tools, raw materials, and finished products.
  • Compliance with all company safety policies, housekeeping requirements, and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention practices.
  • Required use of appropriate PPE and adherence to all safety procedures.

Essential Functions Disclaimer:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ABOUT HEICO: 

Heico has a history of success. Since its founding over 40 years ago The Heico Companies has grown from a single business to over 80 separate companies through a strategic acquisition policy, and by reinvesting its earnings into internal growth and new prospects. Historically talented at restoring distressed companies, Heico now strategically targets acquisitions that will complement its ever-growing portfolio of companies in manufacturing, construction, and industrial services.

 These four core operations are organized into groups: Metal Processing Group, Construction Solutions Group, Applied Solutions Group, and Industrial Technologies Group. Once acquired, new Heico companies are assigned to a group and run on a stand-alone basis, allowing for great independence as well as the opportunity to share knowledge about markets, production processes, and management practices across other Heico groups and companies. Each Group has its own corporate team.

 Heico continues to seek out new opportunities and maintain its standard of success. The Heico Companies has remained a privately held company since its creation and maintains a majority ownership in each of its operations, which generates more than $3.3 billion dollars in revenues. Many of our businesses are certified Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBE).

More information about the holding company and overall organization can be found at www.heicocompanies.com.