5 Axis Machinist and Programmer

Job Responsibilities:

• Laboratory pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to design, model, and fabricate technologies and prototype systems for national security applications. These mission areas include space imaging and data processing, high energy lasers, long range laser communications, ground-based radars, and undersea communication terminals. Within lab, the Fabrication Engineering Group works with program teams from initial design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing to fabricate low-volume advanced hardware. Our core PCB capabilities include automated solder paste printing, precision pick and place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Our core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, diamond turning, EDM machining, additive manufacturing, and 5-axis machining. Our core assembly, integration, and test capabilities include program integration spaces, cleanrooms, vibration testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group concentrates on high-complexity parts, state-of-practice prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, quality systems for national security applications, and exceptional collaboration.
• Internal fabrication resources are typically focused on supporting the most complex hardware, which oftentimes requires a collaborative approach to brainstorm and determine which machines/technologies should be leveraged to provide the highest probability of success. Machinists typically have ownership of their assigned part’s end to end fabrication lifecycle and provided substantial autonomy over developing their fabrication approach, fixture design/fabrication, tooling, CAM programming, setup, and machine operation.
• The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated individual with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills with an enthusiasm, aptitude and willingness to learn new state-of-the-art technologies and software. Given the nature of working in a high precision environment, meticulous attention to detail is paramount in successful execution and delivery of high-quality hardware that’s instrumental to program success. The position supports high precision mechanical fabrication (sub-thou accuracy typical) that oftentimes requires leveraging several advanced manufacturing technologies in series to achieve the final deliverable part. This typically requires close collaboration with program engineers and other machinists to develop a holistic fabrication approach.

Skills:

• 10+ years of direct experience in simultaneous 5-axis machining, including setup, CAM programming, tooling selection, and CAM simulation
• Competency reading mechanical drawings and interpreting GD&T
• Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Calipers, thread/pin gages, micrometers, dial indicator, etc
• -CAM
• -3D CAD
• -MS Office (Excel. Word, Outlook)
• Enthusiastic to learn new fabrication techniques, technologies, and machine tools
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other Laboratory personnel to solve fabrication challenges
• Comfortable attending manufacturability reviews with confidence to participate and provide feedback
• Self-motivator with excitement for working in R&D environment supporting novel prototype development that demonstrates technology of national importance
• Maintain a clean and well-organized work area and follow safety protocols
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Previous work in high mix, low volume job shop environment
• SolidWorks CAD software
• hyperMILL CAM software
• m&h on machine inspection software
• Heidenhain iTNC 530 controller
• Prior experience machining any of the following: Titanium, Invar, Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), Hastelloy, 17-4 PH, Invar, Fiber Reinforced Composites
• Digital fabrication tools, such as; -Model Based Definition (MBD) -Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software (Aras Innovator)
• Exposure to ultrasonic machining
• Clearance: -An interim clearance is sufficient for the start of the position.
• Work Location: Onsite 100% due to nature of the role, 5 days/wk
• Interview Process: initial interview with 2 or 3 people; then second round interview with a wider team audience. Preference is for the second-round interview to be in person but if there is a relocation candidate, they will do a zoom interview.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required