Kilgore Manufacturing Tucson Jobs: 30 CNC Machinist & Precision Manufacturing Roles Hiring Now
Published May 16, 2026 | TucsonHIRED Team
Kilgore Manufacturing Company, a Tucson-based precision machining and assembly operation, is creating 30 new jobs in the Tucson region as part of its expansion. While smaller in headcount than some of the other commitments in the recent six-company expansion, Kilgore's 30 roles represent some of the highest-paying skilled trades opportunities available in Tucson — jobs that command premium wages and feed directly into the region's aerospace and defense supply chain.
This article is part of our coverage of Tucson's 285-job economic development push, which spans aerospace, mining, optics, manufacturing, and distribution.
Why Tucson Is a Precision Manufacturing Powerhouse
Tucson's precision manufacturing sector exists to support some of the most demanding customers in American industry. The region's manufacturers serve:
- Aerospace and defense primes like Raytheon Missiles & Defense, requiring tolerances measured in ten-thousandths of an inch
- Optics and photonics companies needing precision mounts, housings, and mechanical assemblies
- Mining technology firms requiring custom components for harsh operating environments
- Medical device and semiconductor customers demanding clean, repeatable manufacturing
For a precision machining company like Kilgore, Tucson offers an unmatched concentration of high-end customers within a short drive — plus a workforce already familiar with the quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) those customers demand.
About Kilgore Manufacturing
Kilgore Manufacturing operates as a one-stop shop for comprehensive machining solutions, serving industries that require high-precision components and assembly services. The company's capabilities span CNC milling, CNC turning, precision assembly, and quality inspection — making it a natural fit for Tucson's aerospace, defense, and optics supply chains.
The 30-job expansion represents significant growth in Tucson's manufacturing sector and creates opportunities for skilled workers across multiple trade specialties.
Roles Kilgore Manufacturing Is Hiring in Tucson
🔩 CNC Machinists
CNC machinists operating and programming CNC mills and lathes to produce precision components. Experience with Mazak, Haas, DMG Mori, or similar machine controls preferred. Ability to read complex engineering drawings and GD&T required.
⚙️ Precision Machinists
Experienced precision machinists capable of holding tight tolerances on complex parts. Manual machining experience plus CNC proficiency is highly valued. Aerospace or defense machining background a major plus.
🔧 Assembly Technicians
Skilled assembly technicians performing mechanical and electromechanical assembly of precision components and subassemblies. Comfort with hand tools, torque specifications, and detailed work instructions required.
✅ Quality Control Inspectors
Quality control inspectors using CMMs, optical comparators, micrometers, calipers, and other precision measurement tools to verify parts meet specification. AS9102 First Article Inspection experience strongly preferred.
👷 Production Supervisors
Experienced production supervisors to lead machining and assembly teams, manage shop floor scheduling, and drive continuous improvement. Prior leadership in a precision manufacturing environment required.
What Precision Manufacturing Pay Looks Like in Tucson
Skilled machining roles command some of the strongest wages in Tucson's blue-collar market:
- Entry-level CNC operators: $18 – $24 per hour
- Experienced CNC machinists: $22 – $32 per hour
- Senior precision machinists and programmers: $28 – $40+ per hour
- Assembly technicians: $18 – $26 per hour depending on skill and clearance
- Quality control inspectors: $22 – $35 per hour
- Production supervisors: $65,000 – $95,000 annually
Overtime is common in precision manufacturing, frequently adding 15–25% to base earnings. Defense-related machining work often commands an additional wage premium.
Benefits Kilgore Typically Offers
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Overtime opportunities
- Tool and certification reimbursement programs (common in precision manufacturing)
- On-the-job training and skill development
- Career advancement from operator to programmer to lead to supervisor
What Kilgore Manufacturing Looks For in Candidates
- CNC machinists: Ability to set up and run CNC equipment with minimal supervision, read blueprints and GD&T, and hold tight tolerances
- Precision machinists: Multi-axis machining experience, programming skills (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, or similar a plus), and demonstrated quality record
- Assembly technicians: Strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and ability to follow detailed work instructions
- QC inspectors: Hands-on experience with CMM programming and operation, knowledge of AS9100 quality systems, and clear documentation skills
- All roles: Reliable attendance, safety mindset, and willingness to grow with the company
Why Skilled Machining Is a Smart Career Move in Tucson
Precision machining is one of the most stable, well-paid skilled trades in the country — and demand consistently outpaces supply. Tucson's aerospace, defense, optics, and mining customers create a steady pipeline of work that doesn't disappear in economic downturns. For workers willing to invest in their skills, the career trajectory from CNC operator to programmer to lead machinist to shop supervisor or owner is well-established.
The U.S. is also facing a significant shortage of skilled machinists as the existing workforce retires, which means strong job security and rising wages for the next decade.
How to Apply for Kilgore Manufacturing Jobs in Tucson
The fastest way to find current Kilgore Manufacturing openings in Tucson is to search Kilgore Manufacturing jobs in Tucson on TucsonHIRED.com. You can also explore related opportunities by searching CNC machinist jobs in Tucson, machinist jobs in Tucson, manufacturing jobs in Tucson, assembly technician jobs in Tucson, or quality control jobs in Tucson to find positions across Tucson's precision manufacturing sector.
Application tip: List specific machine controls you've operated (Mazak, Haas, DMG Mori, Okuma, etc.), CAM software experience (Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Fusion 360), tightest tolerances you've held, and any AS9100 or aerospace/defense parts experience prominently on your resume. Precision manufacturing hiring managers scan resumes specifically for these details — vague descriptions like "operated CNC machines" get passed over fast.
More Tucson Hiring Expansions to Know About
Kilgore's 30 jobs are part of a broader wave. Five other companies — Shamrock Foods, Delta Zee Solutions, Freeport-McMoRan, and Edmund Optics — are also expanding in Tucson, bringing the total to 285 new jobs across the region.
📢 Employers in Precision Manufacturing & Skilled Trades
Hiring CNC machinists, assembly technicians, or quality inspectors in Tucson? Create your employer account on TucsonHIRED.com and reach Tucson's experienced precision manufacturing workforce — including aerospace, defense, and optics-trained talent.
