Hourly Machinist Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview

CNC MACHINIST (AT):

We are seeking a skilled and motivated CNC Machinist to join the fabrication team at NSWC Indian Head. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of hands-on experience operating CNC machines and water jets in a collaborative, fast-paced prototype shop environment. This individual must be able to interpret engineering drawings—including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)—use basic metrology equipment, and work closely with engineers and fellow machinists to support rapid development and iteration.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain CNC machining centers, manual mills/lathes, and water jet cutting machines to produce prototype components.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications to ensure accurate part fabrication.
• Use basic metrology equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators) for in-process and final inspection of parts.
• Collaborate with engineers and other team members to resolve design and manufacturability issues during the prototyping process.
• Perform inspections to verify tolerances and ensure conformance to specifications.
• Follow established shop safety procedures, maintenance protocols, and material handling guidelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and job status.
• Keep workstations clean and organized in a team-based shop environment.
• Ensure compliance with security protocols and quality standards in a government facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; trade school or technical certification in machining preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in a machine shop setting, specifically with CNC machines and water jet cutting equipment.
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T principles.
• Familiarity with basic metrology tools and inspection procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in a DoD or government fabrication/prototyping environment.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks CAM.
• Understanding of material properties and machining techniques for metals, plastics, and composites.
• Work Environment & Conditions:
• 100% on-site position at NSWC Indian Head, no remote or hybrid work.
• Hands-on shop environment requiring PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
• Physical requirements include lifting materials and standing for extended periods.

Physical Demand:

• Frequent walking, standing, and moving between workstations in the machine shop environment.
• Ability to lift and move materials or parts weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Regular exposure to noise, dust, and vibrations typical of a machine shop.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and reaching to access materials or equipment.

Target hourly range is between $35 - $45 commensurate with experience.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC's Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant's resume/application may be subject to verification.

Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status EOE/D/V. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and subject to other state and federal requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity posters here .

All candidates must apply online at www.uicalaska.com , and submit a completed application for all positions they wish to be considered. Once the employment application has been completed and submitted, any changes to the application after submission may not be reviewed. Please contact a UIC HR Recruiter if you have made a significant change to your application. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), persons unable to complete an online application should contact UIC Human Resources for assistance www.uicalaska.com/careers/recruitment/ .

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

UIC Government Services (UICGS / Bowhead) provides innovative business solutions to federal and commercial customers in the areas of engineering, maintenance services, information technology, program support, logistics/base support, and procurement. Collectively, the fast-growing Bowhead Family of Companies offers a breadth of services which are performed with a focus on quality results. Headquartered in Springfield, VA, we are a fast-growing, multi-million-dollar company recognized as a top Alaska Native Corporation providing services across the Department of Defense and many federal agencies. Bowhead offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as a paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.

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ID 2026-25107

Category Engineering

Location : Location US-MD-Indian Head

Min USD $35.00/Hr.

Max USD $45.00/Hr.

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Secret

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Travel Requirement Less than 10%