Lead CNC Prototype Machinist – 5-Axis Expert (Seattle Lab)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Employee stock programs

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. seeks an experienced Lead CNC Prototype Machinist to establish a Seattle lab for Vision Product Group. You will set up 5-axis CNC milling, program tool paths, and validate features with advanced metrology, collaborating with Hardware Engineering and ADL to bring high-quality prototypes to life.

The role requires autonomous work in a startup-style environment, with expertise in fixture design, tolerances, and problem-solving. Strong communication with engineering teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience 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.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end manufacturing process from fixture design to 5-axis tool pathing.
• Execute close-tolerance machining and validate critical features with metrology equipment.
• Provide DFM feedback to hardware and product design teams to optimize CNC designs.
• Set up and troubleshoot CNC processes, with independent startup-style lab operation.
• Collaborate with VPG Hardware Engineering and ADL to leverage shared processes and workflows.

Skills

CNC machining

3D CAD/CAM

Close tolerances

DFM feedback

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

CMM programming

CT scanning

Hypermill

Hermle CNC

Datron CNC

Heidenhain TNC7

Job description

Apple Inc. seeks an experienced Lead CNC Prototype Machinist to establish a Seattle lab for Vision Product Group. You will set up 5-axis CNC milling, program tool paths, and validate features with advanced metrology, collaborating with Hardware Engineering and ADL to bring high-quality prototypes to life.

The role requires autonomous work in a startup-style environment, with expertise in fixture design, tolerances, and problem-solving. Strong communication with engineering teams is essential.