Senior Prototype Machinist

Brooks Instrument (www.brooksinstrument.com), an industry leader in flow and pressure instrumentation for critical applications, is seeking a Senior Prototype Machinist for its headquarters in Hatfield, Pennsylvania (suburban Philadelphia). Our high-tech products serve laboratory and process applications in end markets such as oil & gas, petrochemical, medical devices, waste water, life sciences, and analytical instruments. Brooks is a division of ITW (Illinois Tool Works), a Fortune 200 company with operations in 56 countries and over 50,000 employees.

About the role

With minimal supervision, perform a wide variety of advanced machining duties in support of the Engineering Model Shop and product development programs. Set up and operate conventional and CNC machinery to fabricate precision mechanical and electromechanical components, engineering prototypes, fixtures, tooling, and low-volume parts. Apply advanced knowledge of machine shop theory, shop mathematics, blueprint interpretation, layout techniques, programming, and machinability of various materials. Work independently from drawings, sketches, specifications, or sample parts and collaborate with engineering personnel to develop unique components and improve designs for manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Machine precision engineering prototypes and components in support of new product development and other engineering programs.
• Set up and operate conventional and CNC equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, and related machine shop equipment.
• Operate the EZ Trak system on Bridgeport milling machines.
• Set up and operate Haas CNC lathes and mills, including writing and modifying G-code and using the Haas Intuitive Programming System.
• Analyze engineering drawings, sketches, specifications, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, materials, and machining requirements.
• Select, align, and secure fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials required for machining operations.
• Plan and perform complex assignments that may require originality, ingenuity, and independent judgment.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop unique prototype parts, fixtures, tooling, and machining solutions.
• Recommend design enhancements and process improvements to support design-for-manufacturability optimization.
• Verify that finished workpieces conform to specifications using precision measuring and inspection equipment, including comparators, calipers, and micrometers.
• Support manufacturing operations by producing fixtures, tooling, replacement components, and small-quantity parts as required.
• Provide technical machining guidance and feedback to engineering and manufacturing personnel.
• Maintain machine shop equipment and tooling and coordinate preventive maintenance or repairs as needed.
• Manage work priorities and schedules to support project milestones and business requirements.
• Order and maintain appropriate levels of raw materials, tooling, and other supplies required to support Model Shop operations.
• Apply knowledge of material characteristics, machinability, and heat-treatment processes when planning machining operations.
• Maintain accurate records related to materials, work orders, tooling, and completed projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment, following all applicable safety procedures and requirements.
• Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a recognized machining apprenticeship, trade school, or vocational machining program preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education, apprenticeship training, and experience.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating conventional and CNC mills and lathes.
• Experience programming CNC equipment using G-code required.
• Experience with Haas CNC equipment and the Haas Intuitive Programming System strongly preferred.
• Experience machining prototypes, complex one-off components, and low-volume parts preferred.
• Experience working within an engineering, research and development, or product development environment preferred.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of machine shop theory, machining practices, shop mathematics, and layout techniques.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, sketches, specifications, and sample parts.
• Knowledge of various metals, plastics, and other machinable materials, including their general characteristics, machinability, and heat-treatment requirements.
• Proficiency using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Ability to independently plan machining sequences and select appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds, fixtures, and materials.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Familiarity with Teamcenter or a comparable product lifecycle management system preferred.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401K plan with generous company match
• Vacation, personal days, and holidays
• Continuing education reimbursement program
• Flexible spending accounts