Prototype Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Prototype Machinist to join our growing precision manufacturing team. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled machinist who can take a part from engineering drawing through completed component, including planning the machining process, selecting tooling and workholding, programming equipment, setting up machines, and inspecting finished parts.

This role is well suited for someone who enjoys prototype, development, and short-run machining where each job may require a different approach. The Prototype Machinist will work closely with engineering, quality, and manufacturing personnel to produce high-quality precision components for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate CNC and manual machining equipment to manufacture prototype and short-run components.

• Review engineering drawings, models, specifications, and work instructions to determine machining requirements.

• Develop machining strategies and determine the appropriate sequence of operations for new and prototype parts.

• Program, edit, and troubleshoot CNC programs as needed.

• Select appropriate tooling, fixtures, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining parameters.

• Design or develop creative workholding and fixturing solutions for unique or low-volume components.

• Produce precision machined parts while maintaining tight tolerances and high quality standards.

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, and other inspection tools.

• Make machine offsets, program edits, tooling changes, and process adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy.

• Identify and troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, and quality issues.

• Work closely with engineering and quality personnel to support prototype development, first article production, and process improvements.

• Provide feedback regarding manufacturability and recommend improvements to machining methods when appropriate.

• Accurately document machining processes, tooling, setups, and other information needed to transition prototype work into repeat production.

• Maintain equipment, tooling, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.

• Follow company safety procedures and applicable quality management requirements.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of precision machining experience preferred, with significant experience in prototype, development, or low-volume machining.

• Strong CNC setup and programming experience.

• Ability to independently take a new part from print through completed component.

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T.

• Thorough understanding of machining practices, cutting tools, materials, feeds, speeds, workholding, and fixturing.

• Proficiency with precision measuring and inspection equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain tight tolerances and consistently produce high-quality components.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work with limited supervision and make sound machining decisions independently.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, quality, management, and other machinists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience machining complex aerospace or defense components.

• Experience with multi-axis CNC milling and/or turning equipment.

• Experience with ProtoTRAK equipment is a plus.

• Experience with CAD/CAM programming software.

• Experience developing prototype parts, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.

**Wha 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

  • Opportunity to work on challenging prototype and high-precision projects

  • Supportive team focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement