Machinist V

Tool & Die Machinist

The Tool & Die Machinist manufactures, repairs, and improves precision tools, dies, jigs/fixtures, and custom components that support magnet manufacturing and pilot/process engineering. This role focuses on turning shafts, holding tight tolerances, and finishing critical features on new and existing tooling and equipment. You will collaborate with Process Engineers and Design Engineers to interpret drawings and GD&T, prototype variations of parts and tooling, and provide manufacturability feedback to accelerate iteration cycles.

Position Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate manual and CNC lathes to turn shafts, journals, and threaded features, control runout, concentricity, and surface finish to specification.
• Mill, drill, bore, and tap components on manual/CNC mills; perform precision layout and hole patterns.
• Perform surface and cylindrical grinding (OD/ID) and honing to achieve tight tolerances and finishes on critical features.
• Build, repair, and optimize tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and special tooling for production and R&D/pilot operations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, isometrics, and 3D models; verify dimensions/tolerances before and during machining.
• Program, set up, and prove out CNC jobs (conversational or CAM); select tooling, speeds/feeds, work holding, and offsets to meet quality and takt.
• Inspect in process and final parts using micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, height gauges, pins, optical comparator, and (as available) CMM.
• Hold tight tolerances as required (e.g., shaft/bore fits down to ±0.0005 in; critical features to ±0.0002 in) and document results.
• Deburr and finish parts to meet surface roughness and edge break requirements.
• Assemble, fit, and try out tooling; diagnose and correct issues (alignment, clearance, spring/stripper force, galling, wear).
• Collaborate with Engineering on prototypes and engineering changes; redline prints and suggest design-for-manufacture/assembly (DFM/DFA) improvements.
• Manage toolroom organization (5S), maintain machines and tooling, and track spares/consumables; coordinate heat treat and coating services when needed.
• Record time, parts, and work details in SAP CMMS; maintain traceability/documentation as required.
• Follow all safety procedures including machine guarding, LOTO, hot work, ventilation, and PPE; actively contribute to hazard identification and JHAs.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of hands on toolroom experience as a Tool & Die Machinist/Maker or precision Machinist supporting production in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with manual lathe and mill operations and precision grinding (surface and OD/ID); ability to set up and run CNC lathe/mill.
• Strong blueprint/GD&T literacy; able to interpret fits, tolerances, and datum structures.
• Skilled with precision measurement (micrometers to 0.0001 in, indicators, bore gauges, gauge pins) and basic metrology practices.
• Safe operation of overhead cranes, forklifts, and standard shop equipment; ability to obtain/maintain internal certifications.
• Proficient documenting work and quality checks; basic competency with PCs and shop software (e.g., CAM, DNC, or machine controls) and CMMS (SAP preferred).
• Experience with wire EDM and/or sinker EDM, jig grinding, and hard turning.
• Familiarity with CMM programming/operation and statistical process control (SPC) for capability checks.
• CAD/CAM proficiency (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Experience collaborating directly with engineers on prototypes/ECOs; comfort providing manufacturability feedback.
• Background in fixture design and workholding/jig fabrication.

MP Materials is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/women/disabled/veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position's requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.