CNC Machinist (QSS)

The CNC Machinist supports rapid prototype development and the design and fabrication of precision fixtures for complex scientific and engineering hardware. The role is approximately evenly divided between prototype parts and fixturing, with priorities driven by the needs of engineering, manufacturing, and development programs. The central objective is to improve shop turnaround time and responsiveness while consistently delivering accurate, well-documented, and inspection-ready work.

Working under the technical direction of the Master Machinist, this role independently sets up, operates, and maintains a broad range of CNC and manual fabrication equipment. The CNC Machinist is expected to execute well-defined work independently, collaborate on more complex machining approaches, and develop increasing capability in CNC programming and process planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate prototype components and precision fixtures from engineering drawings, models, sketches, and verbal requirements.
• Set up and operate three- and four-axis CNC machines, manual mills and lathes, surface grinders, 3D printers, laser cutters, and laser engravers.
• Create and modify straightforward CNC programs, select tooling, establish workholding, and determine appropriate machining parameters; collaborate with the Master Machinist on complex programming and process development.
• Machine a broad range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, steels, glass, and silicon, using processes appropriate to each material.
• Produce components with typical dimensional tolerances of approximately ±0.0005 inch, as required by the drawing and application.
• Perform in-process and final inspection using gauges, micrometers, indicators, CMM equipment, profilometers, optical metrology systems, and other appropriate inspection tools.
• Deburr, clean, handle, and package finished parts in accordance with drawing, cleanliness, and application requirements.
• Document setups, programs, tooling, inspection results, and process knowledge to support repeatability and future shop work.
• Maintain machines, tooling, work areas, material inventory, and shop supplies in a clean, safe, and production-ready condition.
• Diagnose machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues and implement corrections with support from the Master Machinist as needed.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, scientists, manufacturing engineers, technicians, and quality personnel to clarify requirements and rapidly respond to changing development priorities.
• Improve shop workflows, safety practices, equipment utilization, part quality, and turnaround time.

Core Deliverables

• Conforming prototype components and precision fixtures
• Complete machine setups and accurate CNC programs
• In-process and final inspection records
• Documented tooling, workholding, and repeatable machining processes
• Clean, safe, maintained, and ready-to-use shop equipment
• Responsive execution of prioritized engineering and manufacturing work