
5-Axis CNC Machinist – 1st Shift (Mastercam / Heidenhain)
🔎At a Glance
Company: American Rheinmetall
Location: Lapeer, MI (On-Site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: Competitive Hourly Rate (DOE)
Shift: 1st Shift
Overtime: Available as Needed
Experience Level: Senior (5+ Years)
Work Authorization: Must be able to meet requirements for employment in a U.S. defense manufacturing environment
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Why This Role Exists
American Rheinmetall continues expanding its advanced machining capabilities at its Lapeer, Michigan facility to support growing defense and commercial manufacturing programs.
This position plays a key role in producing large, complex machined components used in military vehicle systems, fabricated structures, armored products, and mission-critical applications. We are seeking an experienced 5-axis machinist who enjoys solving complex machining challenges and wants to be part of a rapidly growing manufacturing operation.
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The Work You'll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
- Set up and operate large-format 5-axis CNC machining centers
- Program and optimize machining operations using Mastercam
- Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements
- Establish tooling, offsets, workholding, and compensation
- Prove out programs and perform first-piece inspections
- Align and locate large workpieces using stock models and tooling balls
- Fixture and machine large weldments, castings, forgings, and structural components
- Monitor machining operations and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency
- Troubleshoot tooling, machine, and process issues through root-cause analysis
- Complete production and quality documentation in Plex ERP
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, programming, and materials teams
- Support TPM and preventative maintenance initiatives
- Maintain compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards
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Machines, Controls & Software
Machines
- Zimmermann 5-Axis Machining Centers
- Apec 5-Axis Machining Centers
- FPT Machining Centers
- Mecof Machining Centers
Controls
- Heidenhain
- Fidia
CAM Software
- Mastercam
ERP
- Plex
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Materials You'll Work With
- Steel
- Alloy Steel
- Weldments
- Castings
- Forgings
- Plate Material
- Tubing
- Defense-grade structural materials
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What We're Looking For
Required
- High school diploma or GED
- 5+ years of CNC machining experience
- Minimum 2 years of Mastercam experience
- Experience with complex 5-axis machining applications
- Ability to read blueprints and interpret GD&T
- Strong understanding of tooling, workholding, offsets, and setup strategies
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems
- Understanding of 5S manufacturing practices
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Reliable attendance and strong communication skills
Preferred
- Experience with Zimmermann, Apec, FPT, or Mecof machining centers
- Experience with Heidenhain controls
- Experience with Fidia controls
- Crane operation experience
- Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
- Experience in defense, aerospace, heavy equipment, or large-part machining environments
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Why Machinists Like Working Here
Machinists choose American Rheinmetall because:
- Growing defense manufacturer supporting critical military programs
- Modern 5-axis machining technology and continuous investment in equipment
- Opportunity to work on large, complex, high-impact components
- Sign-on bonus opportunities after 90 days
- Quarterly bonus opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Structured Machining Development Program
- Long-term career growth opportunities
- Stable workload and expanding operations
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Pay, Benefits & Schedule
Pay
Competitive Hourly Rate (DOE)
Additional Compensation
- Sign-on bonus opportunities after 90 days
- Quarterly bonus opportunities
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Company contribution toward insurance premiums
- Benefits begin the first of the month following start date
- Machining Development Program
- Career advancement opportunities
Schedule
1st Shift
(Exact hours to be confirmed)
Overtime: Available as business needs require
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About American Rheinmetall
American Rheinmetall is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced military vehicle systems, tracked and wheeled platforms, fabricated structures, armored products, and mission-critical components supporting U.S. military modernization.
With facilities across Michigan, Ohio, and Maine, more than 1,500 employees, and over 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing space, American Rheinmetall delivers innovative solutions to the defense, industrial, construction, mining, and transportation sectors.
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Apply
Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.
👉 Apply Now or Save This Job to come back later.
Years of experience
- 2+ years of experience
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