Machine Shop Helper Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

At a Glance

Company: Collins Machine Works
Location: Portsmouth, VA (On-site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $30–$38/hour (based on experience)
Schedule: Day Shift (Overtime available as needed, including evenings and weekends)
Experience Level: 3–5+ years CNC programming experience preferred
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship Required (Access to DoD facilities required. Visa sponsorship is not available.)

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Program Complex CNC Projects at One of America's Premier Heavy Machining Shops

For more than 60 years, Collins Machine Works has tackled some of the world's largest and most complex machining and fabrication projects. Our continued investment in advanced CNC technology—including 5-axis machining centers, large horizontal boring mills, bridge mills, and mill-turn equipment—allows us to solve manufacturing challenges that many shops simply can't.

We're looking for an Experienced CNC Programmer to help support our growing workload by developing efficient, accurate CNC programs for large, complex components serving industrial and defense customers.

If you enjoy challenging work, modern equipment, and seeing your programs produce precision parts on world-class machines, we'd like to hear from you.

$2,000 Sign-On Bonus

Receive a $2,000 sign-on bonus after six months of satisfactory employment.

We also offer a $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus for successful referrals who complete six months of employment.

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What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Develop and modify CNC programs from customer drawings and engineering models
• Program and troubleshoot CNC machines to produce precision components
• Assist machinists with machine setup and prove-out of new programs
• Select tooling, fixtures, workholding, and machining strategies
• Optimize machining processes for quality, efficiency, and repeatability
• Monitor machining operations and resolve programming or machining issues
• Perform first-piece verification and support in-process inspection
• Track jobs and production through JobBOSS and Travelers
• Safely operate cranes and lifting equipment when required
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Collaborate with machinists, engineering, and production teams to deliver quality work on schedule

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Machines, Software & Equipment

You'll work with advanced CNC equipment and programming tools including:

CAM Software

• Mastercam

Programming

• G-Code & M-Code
• GD&T interpretation
• Milling
• Turning
• Mill/Turn
• Wire EDM

Shop Equipment

• CNC Mills
• CNC Lathes
• Mill-Turn Machines
• Manual Mills
• Manual Lathes
• Drill Presses
• Hydraulic Presses
• Band Saws

Material Handling

• Overhead Cranes
• Forklifts (preferred)

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Types of Projects

Collins Machine Works specializes in large-scale industrial machining and repair work including:

• Large industrial components
• Ship propeller shafting
• Ship steering gear
• Heavy mechanical assemblies
• In-place machining projects
• Custom one-off and low-volume precision components

If you enjoy programming challenging parts rather than repetitive production work, this position offers exceptional variety.

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What We're Looking ForRequired

• High school diploma or GED
• 3–5 years of CNC programming experience preferred
• Strong Mastercam experience
• Ability to read blueprints and solid models
• Understanding of GD&T
• Experience programming CNC mills and lathes
• Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, and machining strategies
• Ability to inspect precision components using measuring equipment
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to work overtime as needed
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred

• Mill-Turn programming experience
• Wire EDM programming
• Large-part machining experience
• In-place machining experience
• Forklift and overhead crane experience
• Experience with JobBOSS

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Why CNC Programmers Like Working at Collins Machine Works

• Over 60 years of machining excellence
• Challenging, one-of-a-kind industrial machining projects
• Modern CNC equipment and continued investment in new technology
• Stable workload serving industrial and defense customers
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced machinists and programmers
• Overtime opportunities
• Annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities
• Strong benefits package
• Team-oriented culture where craftsmanship matters

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Pay, Benefits & SchedulePay

$30–$38 per hour depending on experience

Additional Compensation

• $2,000 Sign-On Bonus
• $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus
• Annual bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• Overtime opportunities
• Night shift differential (where applicable)

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Short-Term Disability
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Coverage
• Voluntary Life & AD&D
• Long-Term Disability

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Day Shift
• Overtime available as needed, including evenings and weekends

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Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and climb ladders throughout the shift
• Use overhead cranes and lifting devices
• Perform precision measuring and computer-based programming work

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Apply Today

Interested in programming some of the largest and most complex machining projects in the industry?

Apply today through hireCNC and join the team at Collins Machine Works.