Posted today
Machine Tool Operator
AI Summary
Sets up and operates machine tools and hand tools to shape, fit, finish and repair metal parts, tools, gauges and dies to close tolerances at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Performs advanced machining with minimal supervision.
About this role
Machine Tool Operator
Location: Huntsville, AL
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center – Redstone Arsenal)
Contract: METTS III
Travel: Up to 10%
US Citizen. Public Trust Only
Shift: 1st shift 4/10s 6-4:30
Astrion is seeking a skilled Machine Tool Operator to support the Marshall Engineering Technicians and Trades Support (METTS) III contract at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
The METTS III contract provides a broad range of engineering technician and trade skill support, along with professional and management oversight of technical staff in direct support of NASA missions.
Key Responsibilities
This position will set up and operate machine tools, and use hand tools to make or repair (shape, fit, finish, assemble) metal parts, tool, gauges, models, patterns, mechanism, and machines.
This position specializes in operating one or more than one type of machine tool (e.g., jig borer, grinding machine, engine lathe, milling machine) to machine metal for use in making or maintaining jigs, fixtures, cutting tools, gauges, or metal dies or molds used in shaping or forming metal or nonmetallic material (e.g., plastic, plaster, rubber, glass). Work typically involves:
• Planning and performing difficult machining operations which require complicated setups or a high degree of accuracy, setting up machine tool or tools (e.g., installing cutting tools and adjusting guides, stops, working tables, and other controls to handle the size of stock to be machined.
• Determining proper feeds, speeds, tooling, and operation sequence or selects those prescribed in drawings, blueprints, or layouts).
• Using a variety of precision measuring instruments, making necessary adjustments during machining operation to achieve requisite dimensions to very close tolerances.
• Selecting proper coolants and cutting and lubricating oils to recognize when tools need dressing, and to dress tools.
Required Experience
- Extensive knowledge of machine shop and tool room practices
- Experience typically gained through significant hands-on, on-the-job training
- Demonstrated ability to perform advanced machining operations with minimal supervision
Work Environment
- Office, laboratory, and test environments
- Test stands and possible confined spaces
Physical Requirements
- Ability to bend, stoop, and lift occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods as required by job tasks
Other Essential Functions
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a technical team
Medical Requirements
All positions supporting the METTS III contract are contingent upon successful completion of NASA medical screenings at the start of employment and annually thereafter. Screening requirements are based on the Safety, Health, and Environmental Job Assessment Questionnaire.
Security Clearance Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Public Trust clearance required
- Applicants selected for positions requiring a security clearance will be subject to a background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information
#CJ
#LI-CK1
Skills
Explore related jobs
More jobs at Careers - Astrion
- CSr. Manufacturing EngineerCape Canaveral, Florida
- CVice President of Capture Management - Layered Defense, Autonomous Warfare & Integrated FiresArlington, Virginia
- CSenior Modeling and Simulation EngineerBedford / Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts
- CLaboratory ManagerEgg Harbor Township, New Jersey
- CCommunications Specialist IIWashington, Washington
- CStructural Strength Instrumentation/Electrical Engineering Technician level IIIHuntsville, Alabama
Similar Hand Tools jobs
- LAdjunct Faculty - Industrial Blueprint ReadingLorain County Community College · Elyria, OH
- N
Interior Systems/ Blueprint Reading Instructor - P/TN Y C District Council Carpenters Welfare Fund · New York, New York - SElectrician (OCONUS)SOSi · Reston, VA
- M
Tooling and Fixtures AssociateMotor Coach Industries · Winnipeg, Manitoba - S
Heavy Equipment Operator (3+ yrs experience)Slusarski Excavating & Paving · Adrian, Michigan - T
Mechanical Supervisor / EstimatorTaft Electric · Bloomfield, United States
Jobs in Huntsville
- H
Accounting/Accounts Payable Assistant - TOC - HSVHuntsville Hospital Health System · Huntsville, AL - H
HRIS Specialist InternHuntsville Hospital Health System · Huntsville, AL - L
ServerLevity Entertainment Group · Huntsville, Alabama - I
Weapons Systems Specialist (E6B Subject Matter Expert / SME)Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) · Huntsville, AL - I
Autonomous Systems Project Engineer- Launched EffectsIntegration Innovation, Inc. (i3) · Huntsville, AL - L
Laundry AttendantLBA Hospitality · Huntsville, Alabama
Browse these categories
Market data for this role
All reports →- SeriesRole reportsOne role family at a time: how many openings, what changed this week, who is hiring, what it pays.
- SeriesSalary reportsWhat employers publish in job postings, by level and workplace. Not self-reported pay.
- Market overviewState of tech hiring, September 2026: up 4.8%Tech hiring rose 4.8% month over month in September 2026, with 411,122 new listings. Customer support and account executive roles led the growth.