CNC Prototype Machinist Lead

Apple; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Retirement plan

Product discounts

Education reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple seeks a Lead CNC Prototype Machinist for its new Seattle lab within the Vision Product Group. You will independently manage complex prototype work, from fixture design to 5-axis toolpath execution, using advanced metrology to validate critical features.

You will collaborate with Apple’s Hardware Eng VPG team and ADL, providing DFM feedback and refining processes for rapid prototyping in a startup‑style lab environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a new product development environment.
• 5+ years in 5-axis operation and programming.
• Ability to program complex 3D parts.
• Experience designing and fabricating parts, jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling to support machining of complex 3D parts.
• Experience holding close tolerances and validating critical features with metrology.
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal communication with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end manufacturing from fixture design to close-tolerance machining.
• Set up CNC mills, program tool paths, and perform advanced metrology.
• Provide DFM feedback to hardware and product design teams.
• Collaborate with VPG Hardware Eng and ADL teams.
• Adapt to startup-style lab and troubleshoot complex setups.

Skills

NPD experience

5-axis programming

3D part programming

Fixture design

Close tolerances

Engineering communication

Tools

Hypermill

Hermle CNC

Datron CNC

Heidenhain TNC7

CMM programming

Job description

Seattle, Washington, United States Hardware

Do you possess a keen eye for detail, a passion for excellence, and a strong desire to contribute to extraordinary outcomes? We are looking for an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist Lead to help establish a new Seattle-based lab for Apple’s Vision Product Group (VPG). In this role, you will join the VPG team while partnering closely with Apple’s Advanced Development Lab (ADL)—leveraging their established processes, tool libraries, and expertise to bring high-quality models and prototypes to life locally.In this highly collaborative position, you will work directly with VPG Hardware Engineering. Your day-to-day will entail preparing materials, setting up complex CNC Mill machines, programming tool paths, and conducting advanced metrology. Beyond hands‑on machining, you will utilize your deep manufacturing background to offer design solutions and provide valuable feedback on machining processes that can optimize production cycle times. If you are ready to bring your visionary thinking to a diverse team dedicated to exceptional products, we invite you to join us.

Description

As the Lead CNC Prototype Machinist for our new Seattle lab, you will work autonomously on assignments that require considerable judgment and initiative. Because this is an up‑and‑coming lab, working in a small group setting and supporting startup‑style activities is a must. You will serve as the foundational machining expert for the local team, collaborating directly with Apple’s Hardware Engineering VPG team while seamlessly interfacing with the ADL team to leverage shared processes and part submission workflows.This position requires an experienced machinist who has the ability to create unique work holdings to produce complex prototypes at the highest quality. You will be responsible for the end‑to‑end manufacturing process, from fixture design and 5‑axis tool pathing to executing close‑tolerance machining and validating critical features using both hand metrology and advanced inspection equipment. The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to quickly adapt to new processes, troubleshoot complex setups, and provide direct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to hardware and product design teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience working in a new product development (NPD) environment.
• 5+ years experience in a 5 axis operation and programming.
• Ability to program complex 3D parts.
• Experience designing and fabricating parts, jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling to support machining of complex 3D parts.
• Experience holding close tolerances and validating critical features and dimensions using hand metrology equipment.
• Excellent problem‑solving and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical feedback directly to engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hypermill experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with Hermle and Datron CNC machines, as well as Heidenhain TNC7 controllers.
• Solid understanding of high‑feed milling, high‑speed machining, and high‑performance machining concepts in CNC, including cutting tool design and constraints.
• Experience providing DFM (Design for Manufacturing) feedback to industrial or product design teams to optimize a design for CNC.
• Solid understanding of GD&T and experience reading/interpreting engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Ability to set up and troubleshoot CNC processes, provide corrective actions, and operate highly independently in a startup‑style lab environment.
• Experience using horizontal and vertical saws, manual mills, and lathes.
• Advanced metrology experience, including programming a CMM and using CT scanning machines.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $118,019 and $207,100 annualized, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.