Machinist A

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 53,078 - 59,126; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401(k)

Paid leave including vacation and parental leave

Job summary

The MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, is seeking a talented machinist to support advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. The role involves CNC programming and operation, including a focus on high-precision, low-volume prototypes. Ideal candidates should have substantial experience in subtractive manufacturing, a strong problem-solving aptitude, and excellent communication skills.

The position also offers opportunities to learn additional manufacturing technologies, ensuring ongoing professional development in a dynamic environment. Benefits include comprehensive health plans and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• 6‑15 years of direct experience in subtractive manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise with CNC programming and operation.
• Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures.

Responsibilities

• CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, and maintenance of equipment.
• Develop fabrication strategies and communicate tooling requirements.
• Support R&D environment focused on prototype development.

Skills

CNC programming

Subtractive manufacturing

Mechanical drawings

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Graduation from a two-year technical school or equivalent training

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

hyperMILL CAM

DMG Mori Seiki NLX lathes

Heidenhain iTNC 530 controllers

Job description

Date

Jun 11, 2026

Location

Lexington, MA, US

Company

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Overview

The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. Examples include the precision machining fiber mounts for airborne high-energy laser systems, multi-functional structures using additive processes for ground-based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space-borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and 5‑axis machining. The group concentrates on high‑complexity parts, quick‑turn capabilities, and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams. Core PCB capabilities include design for manufacturability (DFM), automated solder paste dispensers, precise pick‑n‑place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Assembly, integration, and test capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group focuses on state‑of‑the‑art prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, exceptional collaboration, and outstanding operation.

Job Description

The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated machinist with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills. This individual demonstrates enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to continuously learn and expand their skillsets.

The candidate will be responsible for CNC programming, setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintenance of equipment while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace. This role supports an R&D environment focused on high‑precision, low‑volume prototype development of technology with national importance. The position may occasionally require extended hours (overtime) to meet critical program milestones.

Candidates with expertise in either CNC milling or CNC turning are strongly encouraged to apply. Machinists at the A‑level are expected to independently develop fabrication strategies, identify and communicate tooling requirements, design and build custom fixtures, and collaborate with engineers and other machinists on complex or challenging hardware as needed. The flexibility required for prototype development will likely require the candidate to eventually expand their expertise into both milling and turning operations.

Opportunities exist to learn and apply additional manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing (metal and polymer), electrical discharge machining (EDM), diamond turning, and other advanced fabrication methods.

Required Skills

• 6‑15 years of direct experience in subtractive manufacturing with hands‑on experience in milling, turning, or a combination of both
• Demonstrated expertise with CNC programming and operation experience with CNC milling and/or turning with the ability and willingness to expand into both CNC milling and CNC turning
• Experience with manual machining equipment
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T
• Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Experience with the following software types:
• CAM software
• 3D CAD software
• MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Proficiency using hand tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, thread/pin gages, dial indicators, pistol drills)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic about supporting novel prototype development in an R&D setting
• Willingness to learn new fabrication techniques, machine tools, and technologies
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Desired Skills

• Graduation from a two‑year technical school or equivalent training
• Experience in a high‑mix, low‑volume job shop or R&D prototype environment
• Experience with CNC turning with live tooling
• Experience using:
• SolidWorks CAD
• hyperMILL CAM
• DMG Mori Seiki NLX lathes
• Heidenhain iTNC 530 controllers
• Prior experience machining advanced or difficult materials such as:
• Titanium
• Invar
• Hastelloy
• 17‑4 PH stainless steel
• Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs)
• Fiber‑reinforced composites
• Familiarity with digital manufacturing tools, including:
• Model Based Definition (MBD)
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Aras Innovator)
• Exposure to ultrasonic machining, additive manufacturing, EDM, or diamond turning

Hiring Range

$38.53 - $42.92 per hour

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401(k)
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work‑life balance options
• Other voluntary benefits, discounts, and perks

Other Information

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret‑level DoD security clearance. MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID

43026

Nearest Major Market

Boston

Job Segment

Testing, PLM, Security Clearance, Laboratory, Drafting, Technology, Management, Government, Science, Engineering

Requisition ID

#LI-JL1