5 AXIS MACHINIST AND PROGRAMMER

Job Description

Job Description

5 Axis

Role Overview

• 6-month contract with strong intent to convert (not guaranteed)
• Due to union rules, there is no second recruiting attempt if the contractor is not a fit
• Goal is to hire someone highly likely to convert at 6 months
• Slim possibility of a short extension, but conversion decision is preferred at 6 months

Union Details

• Union position upon conversion
• Must be willing to join RDTEU (Research, Development & Technical Employees Union)
• Covers technical roles across MIT campus, Lincoln Labs, and potentially Draper
• Not a traditional construction trade union

Compensation

• Posted hourly rate reflects the conversion pay rate
• Recruiters should pre-screen for alignment
• Candidates with ~5 years of strong 5-axis experience may still be evaluated at the same project machinist level if skills meet expectations

Technical Requirements

Non-Negotiable

• Strong simultaneous 5-axis machining experience
• Must have hands-on experience with:
• • Programming
  • Setup
  • Operation
  • End-to-end part execution
• Not seeking a machine operator only

Preferred (Trainable)

• HyperMill (CAM)
• Heidenhain iTNC 530 controller

Experience Profile

• Posting lists 10+ years, but depth of 5-axis experience matters more than total years
• ~5 years may be sufficient if experience is robust (job shop or R&D background preferred)

Work Environment

• R&D / prototype setting (Government-funded FFRDC lab)
• No mass production
• Low volume, high mix
• Typical builds: 2–5 parts (occasionally 20–40)
• Constant variety — new designs every 1–2 weeks
• Ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity and problem-solving environments

Role Expectations

Independence

• Senior-level contributor
• Expected to develop machining strategy, program, set up, run, and inspect parts
• Highly autonomous role (“on an island” but collaborative when needed)

Collaboration

• Mentor junior machinists
• Share expertise on complex 5-axis work

Interview Process

1. Hiring Manager + Machine Shop Supervisor
2. Broader panel (Group Leaders) – in-person preferred

Title: 5 Axis Machinist and Programmer

Duration: Likely contract to hire after 6 months; could also get extended to 12 months potentially, also with strong potential to convert to staff.

The mission areas include space imaging and data processing, high-energy lasers, long-range laser communications, ground-based radars, and undersea communication terminals. Within MIT Lincoln Laboratory, 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.

Job Title: 5 Axis Machinist and Programmer

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.

Requirements:
•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
•Experience using basic hand tools and inspection equipment, such as:
-Calipers, thread/pin gages, micrometers, dial indicator, etc
•Previous experience with the following software types:
-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

Desired Skills:
•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

-This position is 100% onsite due to the nature of the work.
-An interim clearance is sufficient for the start of the position.