CNC Machinist (QSS)

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate prototype components and precision fixtures from engineering drawings, models, sketches, and verbal requirements.
• Set up and operate three- and four-axis CNC machines, manual mills and lathes, surface grinders, 3D printers, laser cutters, and laser engravers.
• Create and modify straightforward CNC programs, select tooling, establish workholding, and determine appropriate machining parameters; collaborate with the Master Machinist on complex programming and process development.
• Machine a broad range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, steels, glass, and silicon, using processes appropriate to each material.
• Perform in-process and final inspection using gauges, micrometers, indicators, CMM equipment, profilometers, optical metrology systems, and other appropriate inspection tools.
• Debur, clean, handle, and package finished parts in accordance with drawing, cleanliness, and application requirements.
• Document setups, programs, tooling, inspection results, and process knowledge to support repeatability and future shop work.
• Maintain machines, tooling, work areas, material inventory, and shop supplies in a clean, safe, and production-ready condition.
• Diagnose machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues and implement corrections with support from the Master Machinist as needed.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, scientists, manufacturing engineers, technicians, and quality personnel to clarify requirements and rapidly respond to changing development priorities.
• Improve shop workflows, safety practices, equipment utilization, part quality, and turnaround time.

Core Deliverables

• Conforming prototype components and precision fixtures
• Complete machine setups and accurate CNC programs
• In-process and final inspection records
• Documented tooling, workholding, and repeatable machining processes
• Clean, safe, maintained, and ready-to-use shop equipment
• Responsive execution of prioritized engineering and manufacturing work

Requirements

• 2-3 years of hands-on machining experience in a prototype, toolroom, research, aerospace, defense, precision-instrumentation, or similarly demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate three-axis CNC mills and common manual machining equipment; experience with four-axis machining or a clear ability to develop that capability.
• Working knowledge of CNC programming and the ability to create or modify straightforward programs; expert-level programming is not required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and basic GD&T requirements.
• Experience producing precision parts to tolerances on the order of ±0.0005 inch.
• Working knowledge of dimensional inspection using common gauges and precision measurement equipment.
• Ability to independently organize and complete assigned work while seeking direction appropriately for complex or unfamiliar processes.
• Strong attention to detail, workmanship, safety, cleanliness, and documentation in a fast-moving, low-volume, high-mix development environment.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work on-site in Boulder, Colorado, during the day shift, with minimal overtime as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with four-axis CNC machining, surface grinding, additive manufacturing, laser processing, and routine machine maintenance.
• Experience with titanium, stainless and tool steels, or glass and silicon fabrication; familiarity with UHV-compatible materials and contamination control.
• Experience with CMM inspection, profilometry, optical metrology, or other advanced measurement systems; training can be provided.
• Experience supporting rapid-turn prototype or fixture development for UHV, optical, quantum, aerospace, defense, or scientific systems, including controlled drawings and inspection documentation.