Cypress Lake Solutions Machinist | Weapons Energetics Specialist Redstone Arsenal, AL · Full time Company website

Apply for Machinist | Weapons Energetics Specialist

Cypress Lake Solutions is a mission-driven small business based in North Alabama near Redstone Arsenal, serving the heart of the U.S. defense and aerospace community. Our mission is to serve with integrity, lead with compassion, and deliver with excellence—putting people first in every solution we provide. We are more than a service provider; we are stewards of trust who value meaningful relationships with our clients, employees, and community. Rooted in faith and principles of servant leadership, we strive to operate with humility, transparency, and the belief that doing what is right always comes before doing what is easy. Our culture is shaped by four guiding priorities: Faith: We lead with integrity and a commitment to ethical decision-making. Family: We support employees’ responsibilities at home and encourage healthy work-life balance. Fulfillment: We help our team pursue meaningful work and grow professionally. Fellowship: We value camaraderie, teamwork, and celebrating achievements. Employees at Cypress Lake are treated as trusted professionals and empowered to excel in their mission.

Location

This position supports the U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center Technology Development Directorate at Redstone Arsenal, located near Huntsville, AL.

Work environments may include machine shops, fabrication facilities, engineering and energetics processing laboratories, explosive operating areas, outdoor weapons test ranges, and manufacturing environments supporting propulsion and weapon systems.

Job Description

The Machinist | Weapons Energetics Specialist is responsible for supporting fabrication, machining, testing, assembly, disassembly, and evaluation activities associated with tactical missile propulsion systems, energetic materials, ordnance devices, and related hardware. Responsibilities include performing machining operations on metallic, polymeric, and energetic material components using manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, surface grinders, band saws, and related fabrication equipment.

The specialist performs missile disassembly and component dissection operations to support physical and chemical evaluation of propellants and explosive materials. Duties include preparing and machining test specimens, conducting precision dimensional and weight measurements, and supporting static test preparation and execution. The role requires assembly and disassembly of explosive test articles, igniters, rocket motors, warheads, and associated components for research, development, test, and evaluation activities.

The Machinist | Weapons Energetics Specialist supports installation, setup, calibration, and operation of electro-mechanical and servo-hydraulic test equipment, process control instrumentation, conditioning chambers, ovens, vacuum systems, and computerized data acquisition systems. Responsibilities also include supporting material handling operations involving ammunition, explosives, hazardous chemicals, and related energetic materials while maintaining strict compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and security requirements.

The role requires the ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, tolerances, technical procedures, and fabrication instructions to support prototype hardware development, test fixture fabrication, and proof-of-concept activities. The specialist contributes to maintaining safe, organized, and mission-ready workspaces while coordinating closely with engineers, technicians, quality personnel, safety representatives, and customer stakeholders.

This position requires disciplined technical execution, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting propulsion, demilitarization, and energetics operations. Additional duties may be assigned in support of mission objectives.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma plus 5–10+ years of relevant experience OR AS Degree plus 2–5+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience in machine tooling, prototype fabrication, production processes, and engineering best practices supporting RDTE hardware.

• Ability to set up, install, and operate machine tool equipment including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, surface grinders, band saws, and related fabrication equipment.

• Ability to program and/or operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tool stations.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, dimensioning, and tolerancing requirements.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, database, and email software tools.

• Basic Personal Computer (PC) skills and familiarity with GUI-driven test equipment and data acquisition systems.

• Ability to perform precision measurements using calipers, analytical balances, and other inspection equipment.

• Operational experience with Industrial Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including forklifts, hydraulic lifting equipment, commercial vehicles, and related equipment.

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

• With proper training, oversight, and safety measures, ability to work with and around hazardous propellant, explosive, and energetic materials.

• Ability to obtain certifications for Ammunition and Explosives (A&E) Handler/Transporter, respirator certification, forklift certification, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with HAZMAT endorsement, if required.

• Ability to obtain certification for handling ammunition and explosives.

• Suitable to meet Command Oriented Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) Security Screening and Evaluation requirements.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Capability to work safely in rugged outdoor, high-bay, laboratory, explosive operating, and manufacturing facilities.

• Although not currently anticipated, ability to travel up to 20% if required by mission.

Desired Qualifications

• Journeyman Machinist qualification.

• Experience with ammunition and/or ordnance devices.

• Experience supporting propulsion system testing or missile subsystem operations.

• Hands-on experience with propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics, or energetic materials.

• Experience supporting technology transition from development to operational environments.

• Understanding of explosive safety requirements and energetic material handling procedures.

• Experience with subtractive manufacturing and prototype fabrication.

• Familiarity with electro-mechanical or servo-hydraulic test systems.

• Experience working directly with Department of Defense or military customers.

What We Offer

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision

• Employer-paid life and disability insurance

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Pre-tax savings programs, including Health FSA and Dependent Care FSA

• Tuition reimbursement for approved programs

• Annual bonus eligibility

• Annual merit increase eligibility

• Flexible scheduling options, including a 9/80 schedule (subject to mission requirements)

• Direct access to leadership in a supportive small-business environment

• A people-first culture emphasizing integrity, balance, and personal growth

Our goal is to equip our employees with the resources, respect, and support they need to thrive—professionally, personally, and spiritually.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cypress Lake Solutions, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.