Job Description Summary

The Military DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences under Dept. of Defense Instruction 1322.29. Separating Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners after unit commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander in chain of command) provides written authorization and approval. GE Aerospace as a SkillBridge partner offers real-world training and work experience in in-demand fields of work while having the opportunity to evaluate the Service member’s suitability for the work. Military DoD SkillBridge participants are not eligible for compensation from GE Aerospace, as they continue to receive military compensation and benefits as active-duty service members.

Job Description

The First-Class CNC Machinist (CNC Lathes & Grinding) is responsible for advanced setup, operation, and troubleshooting of CNC turning and grinding processes to manufacture aerospace components to engineering drawings, specifications, and controlled process requirements. This role works with a high level of independence, maintains strict quality and traceability, and supports Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.

At GE Aerospace, we believe the world works better when it flies. As a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft, we are at the forefront of advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Joining GE Aerospace means bringing your unique perspective, innovative spirit, drive, and curiosity to a collaborative and diverse team that values your ideas and listens to your voice. You will be part of our ongoing LEAN transformation, working smarter, not harder, and contributing to work that truly matters. Here, you will elevate your future, share in our pride and purpose, and make a real impact on the lives of millions around the globe. If you believe in the power of flight and want to be part of a spirited and collaborative team, come aboard and help us lead the way.

Individuals selected for this internship will have the responsibility and authority to carry out all assigned tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety & compliance: Follow all EHS requirements, PPE, and safe machine operation practices; maintain an organized work area aligned to site standards.
• CNC lathe setup and operation: Perform complete independent setups on CNC turning centers (e.g., 2-axis and/or multi-axis with live tooling as applicable), including work holding/chucking, tooling setup, offsets, and first-piece validation.
• Grinding setup and operation: Set up and operate grinding equipment as applicable (e.g., OD/ID cylindrical grinding, surface grinding, centerless grinding); dress wheels, verify wheel selection/spec, and maintain process stability.
• Process execution and control: Run CNC programs and grinding cycles, make authorized offsets/adjustments, monitor tool/wheel wear and part growth, and maintain capable processes over production runs.
• Blueprint, GD&T interpretation, understanding of G code: Read and interpret routers, engineering drawings, GD&T, and inspection requirements to meet dimensional, concentricity/runout, and surface finish requirements, ability to make small changes in G Code.
• In-process inspection: Perform in-process and final inspection using precision measurement tools (e.g., micrometers, bore gages, indicators, height gages, profilometer/surface finish gage, thread gages as applicable). Document results per requirements.
• Troubleshooting and problem solving: Identify nonconformances (e.g., chatter, taper, lobing, burn, size drift, runout issues), stop work when required, escalate appropriately, and support containment and corrective actions.
• Documentation & traceability: Complete production and quality records accurately; maintain lot traceability, part identification, and required documentation/system transactions.
• Continuous improvement: Participate in kaizen/continuous improvement efforts to reduce scrap, rework, and cycle time; support standard work, 5S, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) initiatives.
• Equipment care (operator maintenance): Perform routine operator maintenance (cleaning, coolant concentration checks, basic TPM tasks) and promptly report abnormal machine conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Active Military personnel on their last 180 days of Military service
• High school diploma/GED/Vocational school certificate, with a minimum of 5 years machining experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Demonstrated CNC machining experience with the ability to perform independent setups on CNC lathes and/or grinding operations and/or multi-axis CNC turning and complex work holding, producing parts to tight tolerance.
• Strong understanding of turning and grinding fundamentals, tooling/wheel selection basics, fixturing/work holding, feeds/speeds, and process control.
• Inspection: Proficiency with precision measurement and recording results to requirements; ability to validate first-piece and monitor process capability.
• Experience collaborating with Manufacturing Engineering/Quality to support process improvements and corrective actions.
• Experience with FAI (e.g., AS9102)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance
• This role may encounter high risk or hazardous operations and/or include working shifts beyond a standard workweek. As such, a requirement of the role is to be at least 18 years of age by the time of joining. 

Desired Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing experience with controlled processes and strict documentation/traceability requirements
• Experience machining aerospace materials such as Ceramic Composites
• Experience in machining/precision components
• Experience with 3 and 5-axis vertical and horizonal machining center

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.