Journeyman Machinist

Journeyman Machinist

Albany, GA, United States (On-site)

Location: Albany, GA

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority

Prepared Date: 10/8/2026

Position Summary:

The Journeyman Machinist is responsible for performing advanced machining operations to manufacture, repair, and modify precision components in support of maintenance and production objectives. This role includes setting up and operating conventional and CNC machine tools, interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications, and producing parts to exact tolerances. The machinist works independently on complex assignments, ensuring all work meets established quality, safety, and schedule requirements.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Journeyman Machinist: $25-$30.00 per hour

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security

• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage

• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

• Professional development, training, and certification support

• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

• Provide journeyman-level machinist support for the disassembly, repair, modification, fabrication, and overhaul of motor transport, ordnance, engineer, general-purpose, and related support equipment.

• Perform precision machining, cutting, and heat-treating operations to support maintenance and production requirements.

• Fabricate new components from raw materials such as bulk stock, castings, and forgings; reclaim and repair worn parts using machining and thermal spray/metalizing techniques.

• Produce parts to exacting standards, maintaining precision tolerances up to 0.0001 inches.

• Set up and operate a broad range of conventional and CNC/NC machine tools, including lathes, vertical and horizontal mills, boring mills, grinders, drills, saws, and multi-axis machining centers.

• Complete new job setups, ensuring proper alignment and configuration to maintain required tolerances.

• Troubleshoot and resolve machining issues, including editing CNC programs and correcting machine malfunctions.

• Select appropriate machines, tooling, attachments, and operational sequences to efficiently complete assignments.

• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, specifications, sketches, and verbal instructions to plan and execute machining tasks.

• Apply shop mathematics, including algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric formulas, to calculate dimensions, angles, and tolerances.

• Determine proper speeds, feeds, coolants, lubricants, and abrasives for cutting, drilling, milling, boring, grinding, and finishing operations.

• Machine a variety of materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, plastics, and synthetic materials.

• Design and fabricate custom jigs, fixtures, clamps, mandrels, and other specialized tooling to support complex or non-standard machining operations.

• Perform ancillary repair tasks such as removing broken fasteners or tooling and installing threaded inserts.

• Continuously monitor machining processes and verify dimensional accuracy using precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gauges, and comparator gauges).

• Perform preventive maintenance on machinery and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

• Ensure all work meets or exceeds established quality and schedule standards.

• Analyze processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Collaborate with engineering and technical personnel to develop and implement improved machining methods and procedures.

• Maintain independent supervision of assigned tasks and manage work efforts in accordance with contract requirements.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications:

• Journeyman-level machinist experience with demonstrated proficiency operating conventional and CNC/NC machine tools.

• Ability to independently interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical instructions to plan and execute work assignments from start to finish.

• Comprehensive understanding of metals, alloys, plastics, and material behavior during machining and heat-treating processes.

• High level of precision and proficiency in the use of metrology equipment to verify tight tolerances.

• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to design and fabricate custom tooling and fixtures for specialized applications.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in selecting work methods and procedures.

• Effective collaboration skills to coordinate with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Security Clearance and a Government Contractor Common Access Card (CAC).

• This position requires a Common Access Card (CAC), the ability to pass the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) clearance to acquire a Common Access Card (CAC).

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.

• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Solutions Link, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-CW2

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at careers@cherokee-federal.com.