Sr Machinist

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

44d•$45 - $49•Onsite

About The Position

The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. Examples include the 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. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and 5-axis machining. The group concentrates on high-complexity parts, quick-turn capabilities, and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams. Core PCB capabilities include design for manufacturability (DFM), automated solder paste dispensers, precise pick-n-place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Assembly, integration, and test capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group focuses on state-of-the-art prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, exceptional collaboration, and outstanding operation. The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated machinist with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills. This individual demonstrates enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to continuously learn and expand their skillsets. The candidate will be responsible for CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace. This role supports an R&D environment focused on high-precision, low-volume prototype development of technology with national importance. The position may occasionally require extended hours (overtime) to meet critical program milestones. Beyond technical machining expertise, this role requires strong collaboration with engineers and fellow machinists to meet fabrication requirements, ownership of work quality and shop standards, and leadership in mentoring less experienced machinists and contributing to shop efficiency improvements. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about machining and be motivated by contributing to the Laboratory's mission critical work. Candidates with expertise in either CNC milling or CNC turning are strongly encouraged to apply. Machinists at the Senior-level are expected to independently develop fabrication strategies, identify and communicate tooling requirements, design and build custom fixtures, and collaborate with engineers and other machinists on complex or challenging hardware as needed. The flexibility required for prototype development will likely require the candidate to eventually expand their expertise into both milling and turning operations. Opportunities exist to 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
Demonstrated ownership of work quality, adherence to tolerances and specifications, and maintaining equipment and workspace to shop standards
Experience with manual machining equipment
Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T
Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
Experience with CAM software
Experience with 3D CAD software
Experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
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
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
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.
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 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
Experience using SolidWorks CAD
Experience using hyperMILL CAM
Experience using DMG Mori Seiki NLX lathes
Experience using Heidenhain iTNC 530 controllers
Prior experience machining advanced or difficult materials such as: Titanium, Invar, Hastelloy, 17-4 PH stainless steel, Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), Fiber-reinforced composites
Familiarity with digital manufacturing tools, including: Model Based Definition (MBD), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Aras Innovator), Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Exposure to ultrasonic machining, additive manufacturing, EDM, or diamond turning

Responsibilities

CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment
Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace
Supporting an R&D environment focused on high-precision, low-volume prototype development
Collaborating with engineers and fellow machinists to meet fabrication requirements
Taking ownership of work quality and shop standards
Mentoring less experienced machinists
Contributing to shop efficiency improvements
Independently developing fabrication strategies
Identifying and communicating tooling requirements
Designing and building custom fixtures
Collaborating with engineers and other machinists on complex or challenging hardware