Sr Machinist

Sr Machinist

Date:
Jun 11, 2026

Lexington, MA, US

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. Examples include the precision machining fiber mounts for airborne high‑energy laser systems, multi‑functional structures using additive processes for ground‑based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space‑borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and 5‑axis machining.

The group concentrates on high‑complexity parts, quick‑turn capabilities, and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams. Core PCB capabilities include design for manufacturability (DFM), automated solder paste dispensers, precise pick‑n‑place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Assembly, integration, and test capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group focuses on state‑of‑the‑art prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, exceptional collaboration, and outstanding operation.

The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated machinist with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills. This individual demonstrates enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to continuously learn and expand their skillsets.

The candidate will be responsible for CNC programming, set‑up, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace. This role supports an R&D environment focused on high‑precision, low‑volume prototype development of technology with national importance. The position may occasionally require extended hours (overtime) to meet critical program milestones.

Beyond technical machining expertise, this role requires strong collaboration with engineers and fellow machinists to meet fabrication requirements, ownership of work quality and shop standards, and leadership in mentoring less experienced machinists and contributing to shop efficiency improvements. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about machining and be motivated by contributing to the Laboratory's mission‑critical work.

Candidates with expertise in either CNC milling or CNC turning are strongly encouraged to apply. Machinists at the senior level are expected to independently develop fabrication strategies, identify and communicate tooling requirements, design and build custom fixtures, and collaborate with engineers and other machinists on complex or challenging hardware as needed. The flexibility required for prototype development will likely require the candidate to eventually expand their expertise into both milling and turning operations.

Opportunities exist to learn and apply additional manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing (metal and polymer), electrical discharge machining (EDM), diamond turning, and other advanced fabrication methods.

• 10+ years of direct experience in subtractive manufacturing with hands‑on experience in milling, turning, or a combination of both
• Demonstrated expertise with CNC programming and operation experience with CNC milling and/or turning with the ability and willingness to expand into both CNC milling and CNC turning
• Demonstrated ownership of work quality, adherence to tolerances and specifications, and maintaining equipment and workspace to shop standards
• Experience with manual machining equipment
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T
• Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Experience with CAM software, 3D CAD software, and MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Proficiency using hand tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, thread/pin gages, dial indicators, pistol drills)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team…