Sr Machinist

About the role

The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. Examples include precision machining fiber mounts for airborne high-energy laser systems, multi-functional structures using additive processes for ground-based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space-borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals.

Responsibilities

• CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace
• Collaborate with engineers and fellow machinists on complex or challenging hardware
• Develop fabrication strategies, identify and communicate tooling requirements, design and build custom fixtures
• Contribute to shop process improvement initiatives
• Learn and apply additional manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing (metal and polymer), electrical discharge machining (EDM), diamond turning, and other advanced fabrication methods

Requirements

• 10+ 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
• Ownership of work quality, adherence to tolerances and specifications, and maintaining equipment and workspace to shop standards
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T
• Experience with manual machining equipment
• Experience with the following software types: CAM software, 3D CAD software, MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Qualifications

• 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 in simultaneous 5-axis programming and machine operation
• Experience with CNC turning with live tooling
• Experience mentoring machinists and contributing to shop process improvement initiatives
• Familiarity with digital manufacturing tools, including Model Based Definition (MBD), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Aras Innovator), Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Prior experience machining advanced or difficult materials such as: Titanium, Invar, Hastelloy 17-4 PH stainless steel, Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), Fiber-reinforced composites
• Experience using: SolidWorks CAD, hyperMILL CAM, DMG Mori Seiki NLX lathes, Heidenhain iTNC 530 controllers

Skills

• 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

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT-funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work-life balance options...

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.