Aerospace Gantry CNC Milling Specialist (Zimmermann)

Immediately Hiring

Location: Grand Prairie, TX
Compensation: $25.39 per hour
Schedule: 2nd shift, 1:30 PM–10:00 PM

A day in the life

At 1:30 PM, you power up a large-format gantry mill and load the day’s programs. You’ve reviewed the prints, verified the G/M-code, and selected tooling for a complex aerospace component. As chips fly, you’re watching spindle load, dialing in offsets, and confirming tolerances with micrometers and a CMM check. A program hiccup? You trace the line, tweak the path, and get back to cycle. You’ll log performance, coordinate preventive maintenance, and huddle with engineering and quality to keep delivery on track. Before handoff, you mentor a junior operator on best practices you’ve learned on Zimmermann high-speed portal systems.

What you’ll do

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC milling centers—especially large gantry/portal platforms (Zimmermann experience strongly preferred)
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD/CAM outputs to define machining strategy
• Create, edit, and refine CNC programs (G-code/M-code) for complex geometries and multi-axis moves
• Select tools, manage offsets, and validate dimensional accuracy through first-article and in-process inspections
• Use precision instruments (calipers, micrometers, CMM) to verify critical features
• Troubleshoot machine alarms, tooling wear, and code errors proactively
• Perform routine maintenance and coordinate scheduled service
• Maintain thorough production records, inspection logs, and utilization reports
• Follow HSE policies rigorously to ensure a safe, clean work environment
• Collaborate across engineering, quality, and planning; support and mentor junior operators

What you bring

• High School Diploma or GED (required); Technical/Vocational certificate or Associate’s in Machining, Mechanical Engineering, or related (preferred)
• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining in production environments
• Background with large-format or gantry-style CNC milling; familiarity with 5-axis workflows
• Strong understanding of CNC control systems and programming
• Expert knowledge of GD&T and precision metrology
• Comfort machining a range of materials, including acrylic
• Solid command of feeds, speeds, and cutting parameters
• Preferred: Direct experience on F. Zimmermann platforms (e.g., FZ Series); aerospace manufacturing; lean/CI (Kaizen, 5S)
• Soft skills: Analytical problem-solver, detail-obsessed, clear communicator, team-oriented, able to prioritize in a fast-paced production setting

Disclaimer:

We ask that you have the use of, or access to, information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.

All applicants must provide one of the following forms of identification as part of their application:

(1) Passport, (2) Birth Certificate, (3) Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS Form N-550 or N-570), or (4) Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551.

Life at PPG

PPG protects and beautifies the world through innovation, sustainability, and color leadership across industrial, transportation, consumer goods, and construction markets. Learn more at www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

• We are customer champions — We listen, move fast, and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges.
• We act with purpose and speed — Agile, data-driven, and empowered to take smart risks that create value.
• We are excellent operators — Productive, collaborative, and accountable; we own problems and deliver solutions.
• We compete to win — Future-focused, ambitious, and tech-forward to deliver results.
• We are PPG proud — Safe, united, and inclusive; we celebrate achievements and our shared impact.

How we hire and reward

• We leverage AI to streamline steps of the hiring process; AI tools do not make hiring decisions. Learn more: Candidate Resources.
• Pay ranges and benefits vary by location to stay competitive. We consider skills, experience, education, certifications, and organizational needs when making compensation decisions. Additional incentives may apply.
• Our benefits are designed to support your health and well-being and are governed by applicable plan documents. Your recruiter will review details during the hiring process.
• We welcome your feedback on our recruiting process—share on Glassdoor so we can improve.
• By applying and providing your mobile number, you consent to receive recruitment-related text messages (e.g., scheduling, status updates). Message and data rates may apply; frequency varies; you can opt out at any time.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.