Prototyping Engineer - CNC Machinist

Meta Reality Labs is connecting the world by building products and hardware devices. Many of these products are custom designed for unique requirements and integrate advanced technologies. We are seeking a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist and prototyping leader to join our mechanical prototyping facility, drive process improvements and contribute to the development of next-generation hardware products. In this role, you will lead the programming and machining of complex multi-setup parts and assemblies, coordinate closely across engineering teams to debug designs, develop advanced fixtures and work holding, and drive precise assembly work.

As a technical leader, you will lead operational improvements and process development across the shop, leveraging AI tools to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and workflow optimization. Working across a wide variety of materials—from specialized plastics to hard metals—you will tackle complex challenges to continuously elevate team standards and impact.

Our prototyping facility features advanced 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machine tools, laser cutting, 5-axis waterjet cutting, and manual machining equipment. You will own the safe setup, operation, and maintenance of this gear, including tooling and fixture specification and procurement.

You will serve as a key partner and cross-functional coordinator with mechanical engineering and industrial design teams to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges. We are looking for a leader excited to establish the fastest, efficient paths from CAD models to finished parts through AI-driven automation, robust process design, and team mentorship.

Prototyping Engineer - CNC Machinist Responsibilities:

CAM programming and operation of all CNC and manual machining equipmentCNC Machining of complex, multi-setup parts in metal and plastic

Interact with design engineers on part functionality, advise on the part suitability for machining

Partner with industrial designers on cosmetic and appearance models

Establish programming, setup, and work holding best practices for the shop Identify large-scale problems that slow the team down and experiment with new processes and tools to solve them Develop tools and automations using AI coding tools to improve team throughput

Clear communication of timelines and expectations to other groups within Meta Improve the systems and tools we rely on via continuous improvement

Process documentation and mentorship of other machinists

Responsible for part quality and inspection

Ensuring that machines are properly maintained, that stock material supplies are adequate and that the shop is operated in a safe and professional manner

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's or associate's degree in machining, engineering, or fabrication and/or relevant work experience8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or prototyping environment with advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools

Experience programming and operating 5-axis milling equipment

Advanced skills in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and CNC programming (Autodesk Fusion 360)
Advanced CAD skills in Fusion 360 (Solid Works, NX, Onshape) and fixture design

Experience working with Industrial Design and in cosmetic model making

Skilled in prototyping of complex electro-mechanical assemblies and familiar with typical shop tools

Ability to learn and apply new design, manufacturing, and prototyping software tools

Experience identifying and implementing process improvements in a rapid prototyping environment

Willingness to experiment and iterate on solutions to large-scale problems

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

Experience with Wire EDMDemonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
Proven track record of improvements adopted across a team Exposure to code management and software engineering basics

Experience with other technologies used in a modern digital prototyping lab, including additive, laser cutting, injection molding, and water jet Experience taking products from concept through to functional prototype or production

Experience mentoring or training other machinists

Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and…