Project Machinist

Job Details

Date:
Nov 13, 2025

Location:

Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Job Title:

5 Axis Machinist and Programmer

Classification:
Project Machinist

Group: 72 - Fabrication Engineering

MIT Lincoln Laboratory pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to design, model, and fabricate technologies and prototype systems for national security applications. These mission areas include space imaging and data processing, high energy lasers, long range laser communications, ground-based radars, and undersea communication terminals. Within MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Fabrication Engineering Group works with program teams from initial design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing to fabricate low-volume advanced hardware.

Our core PCB capabilities include automated solder paste printing, precision pick and place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Our core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, diamond turning, EDM machining, additive manufacturing, and 5-axis machining. Our core assembly, integration, and test capabilities include program integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group concentrates on high-complexity parts, state-of-practice prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, quality systems for national security applications, and exceptional collaboration.

Given the nature of working in a high precision environment, meticulous attention to detail is paramount in successful execution and delivery of high-quality hardware that's instrumental to program success. The position supports high precision mechanical fabrication (sub‑thou accuracy typical) that oftentimes requires leveraging several advanced manufacturing technologies in series to achieve the final deliverable part. This typically requires close collaboration with program engineers and other machinists to develop a holistic fabrication approach.

Internal fabrication resources are typically focused on supporting the most complex hardware, which oftentimes requires a collaborative to brainstorm the approach and determine which machines/technologies should be leveraged to provide the highest probability of success. Machinists typically have ownership of their assigned part's end‑to‑end fabrication lifecycle and provided substantial autonomy over developing their fabrication approach, fixture design/fabrication, tooling, CAM programming, setup, and machine operation.

The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated individual with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills with an enthusiasm, aptitude and willingness to learn new state‑of‑the‑art technologies and software.

• 10+ years of direct experience in simultaneous 5‑axis machining, including setup, CAM programming, tooling selection, and CAM simulation
• Competency reading mechanical drawings and interpreting GD&T
• Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Demonstrated history mentoring and instructing junior machinists
• Experience using basic hand tools and inspection equipment, such as:
  Calipers, thread/pin gages, micrometers, dial indicator, etc...
• Previous experience with the following software types:
  • CAM
  • 3D CAD
  • MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Enthusiastic to learn new fabrication techniques, technologies, and machine tools
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other Laboratory personnel to solve fabrication challenges
• Comfortable attending manufacturability reviews with confidence to participate and provide feedback
• Self‑motivator with excitement for working in R&D environment supporting novel prototype development that demonstrates technology of national importance
• Maintain a clean and well‑organized work area and follow safety protocols
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs

• Previous work in high mix, low volume job shop environment
• Experience using the following:
  • Solid Works CAD software
  • hyper
    
    MILL CAM software
  • m&h on machine inspection software
  • Heidenhain iTNC 530 controller
• Prior…