GT1 Apprentice Machinist, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories seeks skilled machinists for precision fabrication of complex components and custom testing hardware. You will program CNC tools, estimate fabrication times, and collaborate with customers on manufacturability and process strategies.

A strong background in multi-axis machining, CAD/CAM tools, and GD&T is expected. The role requires clear communication, teamwork, and the ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience generating multi-axis CNC tool paths for 2-5 axes.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM tools for CNC (Solidworks/Mastercam) or equivalent.
• Proof of design-for-manufacturability contributions and design review experience.
• Team-based machining process definition and fixture/tooling design.
• Ability to interpret and fabricate to GD&T specifications.
• Strong scheduling and job-tracking skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate metal, plastic, ceramic, or composite components using CNC, manual, and hand tools.
• Program CNC tools to fabricate components with MasterCam.
• Estimate time to fabricate parts.
• Discuss design for manufacturability with customers.
• Document work in a database.
• Collaborate on process strategies including tooling and fixtures.
• Work safely and maintain security.
• Communicate with staff, technologists, and management.

Skills

CNC programming

Solidworks

Mastercam

G code

Haas controllers

EDM

multi-axis machining

Education

AAS degree or 4 college classes with B or higher

Metals Technology/Machining related studies

Tools

Solidworks

Mastercam

Job description

Overview

At the cutting edge of prototype development and testing hardware fabrication, the Rapid Development Machine Shop team delivers precision machining solutions that enable Sandia’s critical national security and scientific missions. As part of Sandia’s commitment to innovation in advanced manufacturing, we produce complex components and custom testing hardware that drive research and development efforts across diverse technology areas.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate metal, plastic, ceramic, or composite components to specifications utilizing CNC, manual, and hand tools
• Program CNC tools to fabricate components using MasterCam
• Estimate time to fabricate a component
• Discuss component design and manufacturability with customers
• Document work in a database
• Team with others to define process strategies including techniques, tooling, and fixture design
• Work safely and maintain security
• Communicate with staff, technologists, and management

Qualifications We Require

• Experience generating multi-axis CNC machine tool paths with the capability of driving 2-5 axes
• Experience with CAD/CAM programming tools for CNC machines such as Solidworks and MasterCam or other programs
• Examples of your contribution in design for manufacturability solutions and design definition review
• Experience teaming to successfully define machining processes and strategies to include collaboration on machining techniques including the design of special tooling and fixtures
• Experience interpreting and fabricating to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing definition
• Ability to schedule work and maintain a database of jobs
• Excellent communication and teaming skills to effectively work with staff, technologists, and management
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance

Prquisite for Entry into an Apprenticeship Program

Internal Applicants: Minimum 4 Classes with a B or greater (80%) grade in English or higher, Math/Algebra or higher, Communications or higher, Intro to Computers or higher.

External Applicants: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program as provided by Central New Mexico community College or equivalent with an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Degrees could be in the following concentration: Metals Technology with a concentration in Machine Tool Technology, Electronics Technology or Electronic Engineering Technology, or Manufacturing Technology with any concentration or equivalent work experience (minimum 4 years).

Qualifications We Desire

• Proficiency with Solidworks and MasterCam, specifically
• Familiarity with G code
• Background in CNC Meso- or Micro Machining
• Expertise in EDM
• Knowledge of multi-axis CNC Machining
• Hands‑on practice with Haas Controllers
• DOE Q clearance

Essential Functions

If offered the position, you may be required to demonstrate your fitness to perform certain physical aspects of the role, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Position Information

This is a temporary position. Limited Term Employees (LTE) are hired for up to three (3) years to fill the Laboratories’ temporary staffing needs.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, and if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the posting date. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Benefits

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401(k), learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance. (These benefits vary by job classification.)