Rapid Product Development Machinist​/Engineer

Sonnax Transmission Company

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Sonnax provides innovative transmission repair products for the automotive aftermarket and industrial sectors utilizing drivetrain components. Partnering with transmission rebuilders, our R&D teams identify failing OEM parts and design components to repair or enhance automatic transmissions, meeting a wide range of performance and warranty needs.

The Rapid Product Development Machinist/Engineer is responsible for machining, modifying, planning, executing, and supporting the manufacture of prototype and pilot‑lot components for new products. This role serves as the critical bridge between engineering design and full‑scale production, translating engineering designs into high‑quality physical parts, focusing on speed‑to‑market to meet immediate customer needs. The machinist/engineer works cross‑functionally with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Line Managers, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations to support successful product development and production launch.

• Set up and operate manual and/or CNC machines (e.g., mills, lathes, wire EDM) to produce prototype and pilot‑lot components
• Machine parts from engineering drawings, models, sketches, or verbal instructions in low‑volume and high‑variation environment
• Support rapid iterations, rework, and design changes during prototype and pilot builds
• Maintain dimensional accuracy and quality while working with evolving designs
• Identify and resolve manufacturing issues related to process capability, material availability, tooling, and product design

• Collaborate with Design and Manufacturing Engineers to clarify design intent and manufacturing processes and requirements to support new product development and product changes
• Collaborate with Design Engineers on component functionality and manufacturing feasibility to optimize design for manufacturability or for the equipment available
• Provide feedback on part manufacturability, tolerances, tool access, and process feasibility
• Support prototype and pilot builds by troubleshooting machining‑related issues impacting assembly or function

• Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly, and testability
• Coordinate with Quality to inspect prototype and pilot components using precision measuring tools and to ensure they meet design requirements
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to source prototype materials, components and tooling
• Coordinate with the in‑house manufacturing team to schedule or execute processes that require additional capabilities or capacity
• Assist in the coordination and execution of prototype and pilot builds requiring external manufacturers

• Capture lessons learned from prototype and pilot builds and transfer knowledge to production teams
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining‑related issues
• Support transition from pilot to production, including production readiness reviews and launch support

• Identify opportunities to improve machining methods, setup efficiency, cost, quality, delivery, and safety in low‑volume and production environments
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects related to NPI

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with shop safety standards.

• BS degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic CAD models
• Proficiency with manual machining and/or CNC machining (setup and operation)
• Experience working with a variety of materials (steel, aluminum,…