Lead CNC Prototype Machinist – 5-Axis & DFM

Apple Inc.; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Seattle seeks an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist Lead to establish a new lab for Vision Product Group.

You will lead hands-on machining, setup CNC mills, program tool paths and perform advanced metrology in a startup-style environment. Work with hardware engineering teams, provide design-for-manufacturing feedback, and ensure end-to-end manufacturing of complex prototypes, fixtures, and tooling.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a new product development environment.
• 5+ years in 5-axis machining and programming.
• Ability to program complex 3D parts.
• Experience designing fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling.
• Experience holding close tolerances and using hand metrology.
• Strong problem-solving and communication with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials and set up complex CNC mill machines.
• Program tool paths for high-precision prototypes.
• Conduct advanced metrology and validate critical features.
• Provide DFM feedback to hardware and product design teams.
• Collaborate with VPG and ADL to leverage shared processes.

Skills

NPD experience

5-axis programming

Complex 3D part programming

Fixtures and tooling

Close-tolerance metrology

Problem-solving & communication

Tools

Hypermill

Hermle CNC machines

Datron CNC machines

Heidenhain TNC7

CMM programming

CT scanning

Job description

Apple Inc. in Seattle seeks an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist Lead to establish a new lab for Vision Product Group.

You will lead hands-on machining, setup CNC mills, program tool paths and perform advanced metrology in a startup-style environment. Work with hardware engineering teams, provide design-for-manufacturing feedback, and ensure end-to-end manufacturing of complex prototypes, fixtures, and tooling.