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.

• 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 work holding, 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, work holding, 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.

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

• 2-3 years of hands-on machining experience in a prototype, toolroom, research, aerospace, defense, precision-instrumentation, or similarly demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and operate three-axis CNC mills and common manual machining equipment; experience with four-axis machining or a clear ability to develop that capability.
• Working knowledge of CNC programming and the ability to create or modify straightforward programs; expert-level programming is not required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and basic GD&T requirements.
• Experience producing precision parts to tolerances on the order of ±0.0005 inch.
• Working knowledge of dimensional inspection using common gauges and precision measurement equipment.
• Ability to independently organize and complete assigned work while seeking direction appropriately for complex or unfamiliar processes.
• Strong attention to detail, workmanship, safety, cleanliness, and documentation in a fast-moving, low-volume, high-mix development environment.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work on-site in Boulder, Colorado, during the day shift, with minimal overtime as business needs require.

• Experience with four-axis CNC machining, surface grinding, additive manufacturing, laser processing, and routine machine maintenance.
• Experience with titanium, stainless and tool steels, or glass and silicon fabrication;…