Machinist A

Job Description

The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated machinist with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills. This individual demonstrates enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to continuously learn and expand their skillsets. The candidate will be responsible for CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace. This role supports an R&D environment focused on high-precision, low-volume prototype development of technology with national importance. The position may occasionally require extended hours (overtime) to meet critical program milestones.

Required Skills

• 6–15 years of direct experience in subtractive manufacturing with hands-on experience in milling, turning, or a combination of both
• Demonstrated expertise with CNC programming and operation experience with CNC milling and/or turning with the ability and willingness to expand into both CNC milling and CNC turning
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T
• Strong ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Experience with the following software types: CAM software, 3D CAD software, MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Proficiency using hand tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, thread/pin gages, dial indicators, pistol drills)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic about supporting novel prototype development in an R&D setting
• Willingness to learn new fabrication techniques, machine tools, and technologies
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Desired Skills

• Graduation from a two-year technical school or equivalent training
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume job shop or R&D prototype environment
• Experience with CNC turning with live tooling
• Experience using: SolidWorks CAD, hyperMILL CAM, DMG Mori Seiki NLX lathes, Heidenhain iTNC 530 controllers
• Familiarity with digital manufacturing tools, including: Model Based Definition (MBD), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Aras Innovator)
• Exposure to ultrasonic machining, additive manufacturing, EDM, or diamond turning