Senior Machinist

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

6d•$46 - $50

About The Position

The Senior Machinist works in the Fabrication Engineering Group, which provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. The group specializes in high-complexity, quick-turn work requiring concurrent engineering with program teams, using precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, 5-axis machining, PCB capabilities, and assembly, integration, and test facilities. This role supports an R&D environment focused on high-precision, low-volume prototype development. The machinist is responsible for CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment, while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace. Senior-level machinists independently develop fabrication strategies, identify and communicate tooling requirements, design and build custom fixtures, and collaborate with engineers and other machinists on complex hardware. The role also includes mentoring less experienced machinists and contributing to shop efficiency improvements. Candidates with expertise in CNC milling or CNC turning are encouraged to apply, with an expectation to expand into both disciplines over time. Opportunities may be available to learn additional technologies such as metal and polymer additive manufacturing, EDM, diamond turning, and other advanced fabrication methods. The position may occasionally require overtime to meet critical program milestones.

Requirements

10 or more years of direct experience in subtractive manufacturing, with hands-on milling, turning, or both.
Demonstrated CNC programming and operation experience in milling and/or turning, and the ability and willingness to expand into both.
Experience with manual machining equipment.
Ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T.
Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures.
Experience with CAM software, 3D CAD software, and MS Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Proficiency with hand tools and inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, thread and pin gages, dial indicators, and pistol drills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
Self-motivation and enthusiasm for supporting prototype development in an R&D setting.
Willingness to learn fabrication techniques, machine tools, and technologies.
Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

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 with simultaneous 5-axis programming and machine operation.
Experience with CNC turning with live tooling.
Experience mentoring machinists and contributing to shop process improvement initiatives.
Experience with SolidWorks CAD, hyperMILL CAM, DMG Mori Seiki NLX lathes, or Heidenhain iTNC 530 controllers.
Experience machining advanced or difficult materials, including titanium, Invar, Hastelloy, 17-4 PH stainless steel, metal matrix composites, or fiber-reinforced composites.
Familiarity with digital manufacturing tools, including Model Based Definition, PLM systems such as Aras Innovator, or MES.
Exposure to ultrasonic machining, additive manufacturing, EDM, or diamond turning.

Responsibilities

Program, set up, operate, tear down, clean, and maintain CNC equipment.
Develop fabrication strategies independently for prototype work.
Identify and communicate tooling requirements.
Design and build custom fixtures.
Collaborate with engineers and other machinists on complex or challenging hardware.
Maintain ownership of work quality and adherence to tolerances, specifications, and shop standards.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace and equipment.
Mentor less experienced machinists.
Contribute to shop efficiency and process improvement initiatives.
Expand expertise into both CNC milling and turning operations as needed.