CNC Prototype Machinist Lead

Socket.dev; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is establishing a Seattle lab for Apple Vision Product Group (VPG). As Lead CNC Prototype Machinist, you will set up CNC mills, program tool paths, and drive precision prototyping in a startup-like environment.

You will collaborate with VPG Hardware Engineering, ADL, and contribute DFM feedback to optimize designs while delivering high-quality prototypes and fixtures for critical features.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a new product development environment.
• Experience setting up, operating, and programming CNC machines in a CAD/CAM environment.
• Strong metrology skills with hand tools to validate critical features.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing of high‑quality prototypes.
• Design fixtures and 5-axis tool paths for complex parts.
• Validate features with hand metrology and advanced inspection equipment.
• Provide DFM feedback to hardware and product teams and support startup-style operations.

Skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Engineering collaboration

Tools

CAD/CAM

CMM programming

5-axis milling

Job description

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. Experience setting up, operating, and programming CNC machines in a 3D CAD/CAM environment to produce complex 3D parts. Experience fabricating parts, jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling using machine shop tools. 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

CAD experience for part and fixture design, and CAM experience for programming 3-5 axis parts on mills (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.