ShopFloorJobs
GD

CNC Programmer

General Dynamics Mission Systems · Cullman, AL

Apply on General ↗
Level
Technician
Team
Manufacturing
Degree
Preferred
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at General Dynamics Mission Systems (aerospace & defense) in Cullman, AL.

They ask for
5+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, GD&T, CNC, Machining, Time studies

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$92k.

Median of the low and high ends of 77 live postings that list pay, out of 1240 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Alabama plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 21 other live manufacturing postings in Alabama.

Experience asked
Typical (5+ years)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • Tooling 77%
  • ✓ CNC 64%
  • ✓ Machining 59%
  • Team leadership 45%
  • 5S 23%
  • ✓ Lean 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Six Sigma, Time studies, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at General Dynamics Mission Systems

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
    • How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: General Dynamics Mission Systems in Cullman

2 other open roles at this site.

Full description from General Dynamics Mission SystemsAs posted on their careers site.Show

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Technology degree in Engineering or a related specialized area/field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience, plus 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus 3 years of experience.

Requirements

[Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire.] 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

Put your engineering talent to the ultimate test. At General Dynamics Mission Systems, we create the technologies, products and services that help our service members, intelligence analysts and first responders keep our nation safe. The work we do is so advanced our teams often redefine what’s possible for the world. If you want to be a leader with the company that delivers smart solutions for our nation’s challenges, this is your opportunity. 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.

Key responsibilities

  • ◆Develop and write CNC programs for machining aerospace components
  • ◆Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to create accurate programs
  • ◆Optimize tool paths and machining processes to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times
  • ◆Collaborate with design engineers and machinists to ensure manufacturability and production

requirements

  • ✓Troubleshoot and resolve programming issues and machine errors
  • ✓Maintain and update CNC program libraries and documentation
  • ✓Conduct trial runs and adjust programs as needed to ensure precision and quality
  • ✓Develop and optimize machining processes for aerospace components
  • ✓Conduct time studies and apply lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency
  • ✓Train and mentor production staff on new processes and equipment
  • ✓Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce costs
  • ✓Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
  • ✓Collaborate closely with the manufacturing shop floor to ensure the seamless integration of CNC programming with production operations
Show full description ↓

Basic

Role and position objectives

As a CNC Programmer for General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) Precision Structures & Optics (PSO), you’ll be a member of a cross-functional team responsible for developing and optimizing manufacturing processes that involve CNC machinery. The primary role includes creating precise programs that control machine tools, ensuring parts are produced accurately and efficiently. This role will focus heavily on CNC programming. At General Dynamics Mission Systems we manufacture Beryllium products used in the most demanding applications, across the aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries. Our products are used in high performance targeting and guidance systems, missile defense systems, space exploration, and satellites.

Skills / knowledge / abilities

  • •Proficiency in CAD/CAM software
  • •Strong understanding of CNC machine operation and G-code programming
  • •Knowledge of materials and machining techniques specific to aerospace components
  • •Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
  • •Experience with DNC (Direct Numerical Control) systems
  • •Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • •Strong attention to detail and precision
  • •Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • •Strong communication and documentation skills
  • •Experience with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies

Our Commitment to You

  • •An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning a development
  • •Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • •Flexible 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 more
  • •See 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

USD $96,289.00 - USD $106,821.00 /Yr.

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!

More Manufacturing roles nearby