Sr. Machinist

STS Technical Services is hiring a Sr. Machinist in West Point, Mississippi. This role is built for a highly skilled, lead-level manufacturing professional with hands-on experience setting up, operating and maintaining CNC and manual equipment, including vertical milling machines, press brakes and plasma cutting systems.
The Senior Machinist will serve as a technical resource on the shop floor, ensuring parts are produced to engineering specifications with a strong focus on quality, precision and on-time delivery. This position also supports junior machinists, continuous improvement initiatives and all applicable quality and safety standards.
Position Summary
The Senior Machinist is responsible for CNC and manual machining, press brake operations, plasma cutting, quality documentation, mentorship and shop floor safety. This role requires strong technical ability, leadership experience and the ability to work from complex drawings, GD&T requirements, work orders and traveler packages.
CNC and Manual Machining Set up, program and operate CNC vertical machining centers and manual mills
Troubleshoot CNC and manual machining issues as needed
Use conversational programming or G-code to produce precision components
Produce parts according to engineering drawings and specified tolerances
Perform first-article inspections and in-process dimensional verification
Use precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, CMM, height gauges and bore gauges
Select appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for accurate material removal
Work with a variety of metals, including steel, aluminum, stainless, titanium and alloys
Interpret and work from GD&T-annotated engineering drawings, work orders and traveler packages Press Brake Operations Set up and operate CNC and manual press brakes
Form sheet metal and plate components according to specified bend sequences, angles and tolerances
Select tooling, including punches and dies
Program bending sequences
Verify springback compensation and material allowances
Perform first-piece checks and in-process inspections to ensure dimensional compliance
Maintain die sets and tooling inventory
Inspect tooling for wear and report deficiencies Plasma Cutting Operations Set up and operate CNC plasma cutting tables
Operate hand-held plasma systems for profile cutting of ferrous and non-ferrous materials
Load and nest cut programs
Adjust amperage, standoff height and feed rates to optimize cut quality and minimize heat-affected zones
Inspect cut parts for dimensional accuracy, edge quality and conformance to drawing specifications
Perform routine maintenance on plasma cutting equipment
Replace consumables, including tips, electrodes and shields
Support water table upkeep Quality and Documentation Complete required production travelers, inspection records and non-conformance reports in accordance with the quality management system
Participate in first-article inspections
Support in-process audits and corrective action activities as needed
Maintain awareness of and compliance with applicable customer requirements, specifications and regulatory standards Mentorship and Team Leadership Provide on-the-job training and technical guidance to machinist apprentices, machinists and setup operators
Assist with workload planning and job sequencing to support on-time delivery goals
Communicate effectively with engineering, quality and production planning teams
Help resolve technical issues and disposition non-conforming material Safety and 5S Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations and PPE requirements
Maintain work areas in accordance with 5S standards
Participate in shop floor organization and improvement activities
Identify and report unsafe conditions, near misses and equipment malfunctions to supervision immediately Education and Experience High school diploma or GED required
Completion of a formal apprenticeship program, trade school or associate degree in machining technology strongly preferred
Minimum of 5 years of hands-on machining experience
At least 2 years in a senior, lead or setup machinist capacity
Demonstrated experience operating CNC vertical milling machines, press brakes and plasma cutting equipment in a production environment Technical Skills Proficient in G-code and M-code programming
Experience with conversational CNC controls, including Fanuc, Haas, Mazak or equivalent systems
Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, blueprints and work order documentation
Proficient with precision measurement instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, protractors and angle finders
Working knowledge of material properties and machinability of common metals and alloys
Familiarity with CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360 or equivalent is a plus Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to identify root cause and implement corrective action for machining and forming defects
Detail-oriented approach with a commitment to producing high-quality work within specified tolerances
Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to document work clearly and accurately
Professional, team-oriented attitude
Willingness to mentor and develop others Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk and work on concrete floors for extended periods, up to 10 hours per shift
Frequently lift and/or move materials, tooling and fixtures weighing up to 50 lbs.
Occasionally lift greater weights with mechanical assistance or team lift
Manual dexterity required for precision hand tool use and machine operation
Exposure to machine noise, coolant fluids, cutting oils, metal dust and UV/IR radiation from plasma cutting operations
Ability to wear appropriate PPE as required
Ability to read measuring instruments, engineering drawings and CNC displays
Color distinction may be required Work Environment
Work is performed in a manufacturing shop environment. Conditions include exposure to noise, metal particulate, coolants, lubricants and heat generated by cutting operations. Proper PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear and cut-resistant gloves, is mandatory at all times on the shop floor.
Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
About STS Technical Services
STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with leading organizations across aerospace, defense, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Our recruiting teams connect skilled trades and technical professionals with opportunities that require precision, accountability and hands-on expertise.
If you are ready to apply your senior machining experience in West Point, Mississippi, apply today.
STS Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer.
#IndeedSTS