CNC Prototype R&D Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Picture your day starting with a brand-new engineering model on your screen and a blank setup sheet on your bench. You map the plan, choose the tooling, and bring the first article to life—end to end. If you thrive on variety, craftsmanship, and solving one-of-a-kind machining challenges, you’ll feel at home on our precision team building components for aerospace, defense, and commercial programs.

What you’ll do

• Own prototype and short-run work from print to part: plan the process, select tooling/workholding, program, set up, cut, and inspect.
• Set up and run both CNC and manual machines to produce precision components to tight tolerances.
• Study engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and work instructions to determine the best approach.
• Develop machining strategies and sequence of operations for new parts and first articles.
• Program, edit, and troubleshoot CNC code directly at the control and/or via CAM as needed.
• Choose feeds, speeds, tooling, fixtures, and workholding to optimize quality and throughput.
• Design creative fixturing and workholding solutions for unique or low-volume parts.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and other precision tools.
• Maintain dimensional accuracy with offsets, program edits, tooling changes, and process adjustments.
• Diagnose and resolve machining, tooling, programming, and quality issues.
• Partner closely with engineering and quality on prototypes, first articles, and process improvements; provide DFM feedback.
• Document setups, tooling lists, workholding, parameters, and process notes to transition work into repeat production.
• Keep machines, tooling, and work areas clean, organized, and safe; follow safety and quality management procedures.

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years of precision machining experience, with strong background in prototype, development, or low-volume work.
• Expert CNC setup and programming capability.
• Proven ability to take a new part from engineering drawing through finished component independently.
• Fluency reading blueprints, specifications, and GD&T.
• Deep knowledge of machining practices, materials, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, workholding, and fixturing.
• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment and methods.
• Track record of holding tight tolerances and delivering high-quality results.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment with limited supervision.
• Attention to detail, craftsmanship, and clear communication with engineering, quality, leadership, and peers.

Bonus points

• Experience machining complex aerospace or defense components.
• Background with multi-axis CNC milling and/or turning.
• Familiarity with ProtoTRAK equipment.
• Hands-on CAD/CAM programming experience.
• History of developing prototype parts, fixtures, and production-ready processes.

What we offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• 100% employer-paid health insurance
• Overtime opportunities
• Paid time off and holidays
• Stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement
• Clean, modern precision manufacturing environment
• Challenging prototype and high-precision projects
• Supportive team focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement