Prototyping Engineer - CNC Machinist

Meta•Seattle, WA

3d•$173,000 - $245,000

About The Position

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a CNC machinist and prototyping leader to join its mechanical prototyping facility and contribute to the development of next-generation hardware products. The role leads programming and machining of complex, multi-setup parts and assemblies; coordinates with engineering teams to debug designs; develops advanced fixtures and workholding; and performs precise assembly work. As a technical leader, the position drives operational improvements and process development across the shop, using AI tools to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and workflow optimization. The role works across materials ranging from specialized plastics to hard metals. The prototyping facility includes advanced 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machine tools, laser cutting, 5-axis waterjet cutting, and manual machining equipment. Responsibilities include safe setup, operation, and maintenance of this equipment, as well as tooling and fixture specification and procurement. The position partners with mechanical engineering and industrial design teams to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges, and establishes efficient paths from CAD models to finished parts through AI-driven automation, robust process design, and team mentorship.

Requirements

Bachelor's or associate's degree in machining, engineering, or fabrication and/or relevant work experience.
8+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering and/or prototyping environment with advanced CNC machine tools.
Experience programming and operating 5-axis milling equipment.
Advanced skills in CAM software and CNC programming, including Autodesk Fusion 360.
Advanced CAD skills in Fusion 360, SolidWorks, NX, or Onshape, and fixture design.
Experience working with Industrial Design and in cosmetic model making.
Skill in prototyping complex electromechanical assemblies and familiarity with typical shop tools.
Ability to learn and apply new design, manufacturing, and prototyping software tools.
Experience identifying and implementing process improvements in a rapid prototyping environment.
Willingness to experiment and iterate on solutions to large-scale problems.

Nice To Haves

Ongoing AI skill development, such as prompt/context engineering or agent orchestration, and staying current with emerging AI technologies.
Experience with Wire EDM.
Ability to integrate AI tools to optimize or redesign workflows and drive measurable impact, such as efficiency gains or quality improvements.
Track record of improvements adopted across a team.
Exposure to code management and software engineering basics.
Experience with other technologies used in a modern digital prototyping lab, including additive manufacturing, laser cutting, injection molding, and waterjet.
Experience taking products from concept through functional prototype or production.
Experience mentoring or training other machinists.
Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices, such as risk assessment, bias mitigation, and quality and accuracy reviews.
Experience using AI coding tools to develop shop tools and automations.

Responsibilities

Program and operate all CNC and manual machining equipment using CAM.
Machine complex, multi-setup parts in metal and plastic.
Work with design engineers on part functionality and advise on suitability for machining.
Partner with industrial designers on cosmetic and appearance models.
Establish programming, setup, and workholding best practices for the shop.
Identify problems that slow the team down and experiment with processes and tools to address them.
Develop tools and automations using AI coding tools to improve team throughput.
Communicate timelines and expectations clearly to other groups within Meta.
Continuously improve the systems and tools used by the team.
Document processes and mentor other machinists.
Ensure part quality and inspection.
Maintain machines, ensure adequate stock material supplies, and operate the shop safely and professionally.