Research Machinist

Program, set up, and operate CNC mills and mill/turn machines, including 5-axis equipment, to make low-volume prototype parts.

Plan machining operations from raw stock to finished part, selecting tooling, processes, and setups for the material and design.

Design and build fixtures and workholding for complex parts, and develop programs using G-code, conversational controls, or CAM software.

Inspect parts using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines; check dimensions and document results.

Work with engineers and researchers to interpret drawings, resolve manufacturing questions, and suggest practical improvements to part designs.

Fabricate and finish parts, support hands-on prototype assembly and troubleshooting, and share machining knowledge with teammates.

Maintain prototyping equipment and shop supplies, perform preventative maintenance and repairs within your scope, and help keep the shop ready for use.

Follow established safe-work practices for machining equipment, tooling, and moving machinery; identify and communicate hazards or equipment issues.

5+ years of relevant professional experience.

Experience setting up, operating, or programming CNC machines, including vertical mills, 5-axis equipment, or mill/turn machines, for low-quantity prototype parts.

Strong working knowledge of G-code and experience creating or modifying machining programs.

Ability to use 3D CAD and CAM tools, such as SolidWorks and SolidCAM or comparable software, to prepare and manufacture parts.

Ability to interpret technical drawings and apply working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Experience selecting tooling and workholding, and using precision measuring instruments to inspect finished parts.

Ability to work independently through machining tasks and communicate questions, trade-offs, and results with engineers, researchers, and other shop users.

Experience working safely around machining equipment and moving machinery.

A BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience solving complex hardware challenges.

Experience working on robots or other complex electromechanical systems.

Experience with metal fabrication processes such as MIG or TIG welding or plasma cutting.