CNC Machinist - Rapid Prototyping & R&D

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

life insurance

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) match

ESOP

Job summary

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) in Colorado Springs, CO, seeks a CNC Machinist to support research and rapid prototyping. You will program using Mastercam, set up and operate 3–5 axis mills/centers, and inspect conformance per drawings to enable DoD/DoE projects.

You will join the Rapid Development Group with engineers and interns, contributing to part manufacturability improvements and fixtures design. On-site role with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent technical training in machining.
• 5–8 years of progressively responsible CNC machining experience.
• Experience setting up and operating CNC equipment.
• Experience with 3-axis machining; exposure to 4-axis/5-axis machining.
• Experience programming CNC using Mastercam or similar CAM software.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and apply GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges).
• U.S. Citizen capable of obtaining DoD security clearance

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam and machine controls.
• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers.
• Machine components using 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis equipment as required.
• Take ownership of assigned parts from initial planning and programming through setup, machining, inspection, and completion.
• Support a variety of machining workloads ranging from one-off R&D prototypes to repeat builds and small-to-moderate production runs.
• Operate established programs, setups, and parts developed by other machinists when required to support team workload, production needs, and schedule commitments.
• Design and manufacture custom fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing process documentation.
• Determine appropriate machining strategies, cutting tools, workholding, feeds, speeds, and sequences to efficiently produce conforming hardware.
• Perform first-article and in-process inspections to verify dimensional and quality requirements.
• Utilize precision measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, programming, setup, and dimensional issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and other product quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process.
• Work with a variety of metals, plastics, and other materials commonly used in prototype and production machining.
• Collaborate directly with engineering, quality, production, and other machinists to improve part manufacturability and manufacturing processes.
• Provide practical DFM feedback to engineering personnel when designs present machining, inspection, tolerance, or production challenges.
• Assist and mentor machine operators and less-experienced machinists as appropriate.
• Document successful setups, tooling strategies, program revisions, and process improvements to support repeatability and future production.
• Support shop priorities and transition between machines, programs, and jobs as workload demands.
• Maintain personal work areas, machines, tooling, and common shop areas in a clean and organized condition.
• Follow all company safety requirements and applicable OSHA standards.
• Perform other duties, assignments, and responsibilities as reasonably assigned by management in support of departmental, programmatic, and organizational objectives

Skills

GD&T understanding

Blueprint interpretation

First-article inspection

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Machining Technology or equivalent technical training and experience

Tools

Mastercam

3-axis machining

4-axis machining

5-axis machining

Haas CNC controls

SolidWorks

Job description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) in Colorado Springs, CO, seeks a CNC Machinist to support research and rapid prototyping. You will program using Mastercam, set up and operate 3–5 axis mills/centers, and inspect conformance per drawings to enable DoD/DoE projects.

You will join the Rapid Development Group with engineers and interns, contributing to part manufacturability improvements and fixtures design. On-site role with competitive benefits.