Project Machinist

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Location: Lexington, MA 02420
Job Type: Full Time
Shift: Standard hours; occasional overtime for critical program milestones
Experience: 8+ years in simultaneous 5-axis machining
Machines: 5-axis CNC machining centers
Controls: Heidenhain iTNC 530
Software: hyperMILL, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office

Why This Job Is Worth Considering

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Fabrication Engineering Group fabricates high-complexity prototype hardware for national security programs, with sub-thousandth accuracy typical. As a Project Machinist specializing in 5-axis work, you'll own your assigned parts end to end — developing the fabrication approach, designing fixtures, programming CAM, and running the machine — while collaborating directly with program engineers on parts that are still being defined. You'll also mentor junior machinists and help shape how the group approaches its most complex work.

What You'll Be Doing

• Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC equipment for high-precision prototype parts
• Read mechanical drawings and interpret GD&T
• Design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Mentor and instruct junior machinists
• Use hand tools and inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators) to verify work
• Participate in manufacturability reviews and provide feedback
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety protocols

Machines, Controls and Software

Core equipment is 5-axis CNC machining centers running a Heidenhain iTNC 530 control. CAM programming is done in hyperMILL, with SolidWorks used for 3D CAD; m&h on-machine inspection software is a plus for in-process verification.

What We're Looking For

Required

• 8+ years of direct experience in simultaneous 5-axis machining, including setup, CAM programming, tooling selection, and CAM simulation
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and interpret GD&T
• Capability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Demonstrated mentoring and instructing experience with junior machinists
• Proficiency with hand tools and inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.)
• Software experience: CAM, 3D CAD, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Enthusiasm for learning new fabrication techniques and machine tools
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Confidence participating in manufacturability reviews
• Self-motivated, with excitement for R&D work supporting prototype development
• Maintains a clean, organized workspace and follows safety protocols
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Preferred

• Prior experience in high-mix, low-volume job shop environments
• Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD, hyperMILL CAM, m&h on-machine inspection software, and Heidenhain iTNC 530 controller
• Experience machining titanium, Invar, metal matrix composites, Hastelloy, 17-4 PH, or fiber-reinforced composites
• Familiarity with Model Based Definition and PLM software (Aras Innovator)
• Experience with ultrasonic machining

Pay, Benefits and Schedule

Standard hours, with occasional overtime to meet critical program milestones.

About MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Apply

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a federally funded R&D center operated by MIT, based in Lexington, MA, developing advanced technology in support of national security. This search is being run by hireCNC's Retained Search team on behalf of MIT Lincoln Laboratory — apply through Quick Apply and your resume goes straight to the recruiters working this role.