CNC Machinist

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston seeks a CNC Machinist & Programmer to support teaching, research, and student projects by fabricating components with manual and CNC tools. The role requires strong machining, CAD/CAM skills, and mentoring of students.

You will set up machines, maintain equipment, order supplies, and collaborate with Capstone teams and faculty to ensure parts meet specs and timelines. Occasional Saturdays may be required.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of machining experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) strongly preferred
• Manufacture components using manual and/or automated machining tools
• Read and interpret CAD plans/files
• Provide design advice when needed
• Manage multiple machining jobs under tight deadlines
• Maintain manual and computer-aided machining equipment
• CAM/CAD software programming
• MS Office Suite proficiency (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in machining best practices
• Support student project work and research by machining parts as needed
• Maintain shop safety standards
• Flexibility to work occasional Saturdays (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Machining, Programming & Fabrication Operations - 50% Fabricate metal and polymer components using manual and CNC/NC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, etc.)
• Set up, program, operate, and adjust CNC/NC machines for accurate, efficient production per design specifications
• Apply industry-standard practices to meet dimensional, functional, tolerance, and surface finish requirements
• Interpret CAD drawings and translate designs into manufacturable components using appropriate methods
• Support fabrication for Capstone design teams, student groups, research faculty, and instructional projects
• Equipment Maintenance, Shop Operations & Procurement Support - 30% Maintain machining and shop equipment for safe, reliable, continuous operation
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of manual and CNC equipment
• Order shop supplies, tooling, materials, and consumables; manage inventory tracking and stock
• Coordinate acquisition of new equipment by obtaining quotes, advising on technical specs, and supporting purchasing decisions
• Collaborate with departmental staff and other Northeastern University units on machining and fabrication needs
• Student Supervision, Training & Technical Consultation - 20% Supervise and support work-study students; ensure proper equipment use and adherence to shop procedures
• Train student operators on manual and CNC equipment, workflows, and best practices
• Consult with Capstone directors, faculty, and students on machining projects and feasibility
• Mentor students on part design, manufacturability, tolerancing, material selection, and machining best practices
• Provide technical guidance to enhance student project outcomes and research productivity

Skills

Machining experience

CNC programming

CAD interpretation

Mentoring

Shop supervision

MS Office

Safety compliance

Cam/CAD programming

Tools

CAM software

CAD software

Job description

About the Opportunity

The CNC Machinist supports teaching, research, and student project activities within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) by providing high-quality machining and fabrication services. This position is responsible for fabricating metal and polymer components using both manual and CNC/NC machine tools in support of Capstone design teams, student activity groups, research faculty, and instructional needs. The role requires the application of industry-standard machining practices to ensure that all parts meet required quality, tolerance, and performance specifications. In addition to fabrication, the CNC Machinist & Programmer maintains machining equipment, coordinates equipment acquisition, supervises student workers, and provides technical guidance and mentoring to students on manufacturability and part design. This position plays a critical role in supporting hands‑on learning, research productivity, and shop operations within the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience & Education 3-5 years of machining experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) strongly preferred
• Perform all standard machinist functions
• Manufacture components using manual and/or automated machining tools
• Read and interpret CAD plans/files
• Provide design advice when needed
• Manage multiple machining jobs under tight deadlines
• Maintain manual and computer-aided machining equipment
• CAM/CAD software programming
• MS Office Suite proficiency (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in machining best practices
• Support student project work and research by machining parts as needed
• Maintain shop safety standards
• Additional Requirements Flexibility to work occasional Saturdays (preferred)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Machining, Programming & Fabrication Operations - 50% Fabricate metal and polymer components using manual and CNC/NC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, etc.)
• Set up, program, operate, and adjust CNC/NC machines for accurate, efficient production per design specifications
• Apply industry-standard practices to meet dimensional, functional, tolerance, and surface finish requirements
• Interpret CAD drawings and translate designs into manufacturable components using appropriate methods
• Support fabrication for Capstone design teams, student groups, research faculty, and instructional projects
• Equipment Maintenance, Shop Operations & Procurement Support - 30% Maintain machining and shop equipment for safe, reliable, continuous operation
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of manual and CNC equipment
• Order shop supplies, tooling, materials, and consumables; manage inventory tracking and stock
• Coordinate acquisition of new equipment by obtaining quotes, advising on technical specs, and supporting purchasing decisions
• Collaborate with departmental staff and other Northeastern University units on machining and fabrication needs
• Student Supervision, Training & Technical Consultation - 20% Supervise and support work-study students; ensure proper equipment use and adherence to shop procedures
• Train student operators on manual and CNC equipment, workflows, and best practices
• Consult with Capstone directors, faculty, and students on machining projects and feasibility
• Mentor students on part design, manufacturability, tolerancing, material selection, and machining best practices
• Provide technical guidance to enhance student project outcomes and research productivity

Position Type Research

Position Type Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108H

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108H

Expected Hiring Range

Expected Hiring Range: $29.00 - $40.96 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—including 14 campuses across the U. S., U. K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.