Prototype Machinist

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate the 5-axis Okuma mill (and CNC lathe) to produce prototype parts, tools, and fixtures.
• Generate efficient CAM programs (Mastercam, HSM, Esprit, NX CAM, or equivalent) from 3D models, including multi-sided and simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths.
• Verify toolpaths in simulation before cutting; catch collisions, gouges, and reach issues at the CAM stage, not at the spindle.
• Select cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and toolpath strategies appropriate for each prototype material and geometry.
• Choose appropriate workholding — vises, soft jaws, clamps, custom fixtures, 5-axis tombstones, and risers — for one-off and low-quantity parts.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings with GD&T; confirm critical dimensions and surface finishes.
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other standard inspection tools; record results for First Article Inspection (FAI).
• Collaborate directly with mechanical engineers — flag drawing or manufacturability issues early, including DFM input on parts that should be redesigned for 5-axis efficiency.
• Build basic test fixtures and assist NPI engineers with prototype assembly, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe prototyping cell; track tooling, consumables, and machine condition.
• Help evaluate new tools, processes, and machines as the prototyping cell evolves.
• Support NPI technician work outside the cell as needed: test setups, basic data collection, and general shop-floor support.

Qualifications

Hands-on 5-axis CNC milling experience — programming, set-up, and operation. Okuma (OSP control) strongly preferred; equivalent 5-axis platforms (DMG MORI, Mazak, Matsuura, Haas UMC) considered.

Strong CAM programming skills — Mastercam, HSM, Esprit, NX CAM, or equivalent — including multi-sided and simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths, with the ability to verify and post-process programs reliably.

Solid grounding in milling principles: cutter selection, feeds and speeds, and how material, tooling, and fixture choices affect part quality on multi-axis work.

Comfort reading drawings with GD&T and interpreting tolerances correctly.

Confident use of standard inspection tools: calipers, micrometers, indicators, height gauges.

Computer literacy — opening files, viewing 3D models, running CAM simulations and machine simulations to catch collisions before cutting.

Strong written and verbal communication; able to talk through a drawing with an engineer, not just run parts.

Hands-on, safety-first work habits in an active shop environment.

Strong Plus Direct experience on Okuma machines and OSP control.

CNC lathe and mill-turn experience.

Basic 3D modeling (SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360) and the ability to design simple fixtures.

Probing and in-process measurement on multi-axis machines.

Prior NPI or prototype experience, or a job-shop background with frequent setup changes.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment: high noise level associated with manufacturing facility.