Model Maker / Machinist

L.J. Gonzer; Town of Yorktown (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

LJ Gonzer is seeking an experienced Model Maker / Machinist to build prototypes, fixtures, and precision parts using manual and CNC equipment. You will hold tight tolerances and contribute to challenging, high-precision projects in a collaborative engineering environment.

The role requires strong programming skills in Mastercam, interpretating complex drawings, and meticulous inspection using precision tools. Long-term contract with locations at Yorktown Heights and Poughkeepsie, NY.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years hands-on experience with manual and CNC milling machines and lathes.
• Strong working knowledge of precision surface grinding.
• Working knowledge of Mastercam for milling toolpath creation and optimization.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Skilled in using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators, and similar equipment.
• Experience machining copper, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics.
• Demonstrated ability to hold tolerances from 0.0002" to 0.005".
• Mechanical background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual and CNC milling machines and lathes to produce complex, high accuracy components.
• Perform precision surface grinding to achieve required flatness, parallelism, and surface finish.
• Create, modify, and optimize milling toolpaths using Mastercam for prototype and production work.
• Build models, fixtures, and custom components from engineering concepts or detailed drawings.
• Read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Use micrometers, vernier/digital calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators, and other tools to verify tolerances 0.0002" to 0.005".
• Machine copper, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics with proper tooling, feeds, and speeds.

Skills

Machining Experience

Surface Grinding

Technical Drawing

Inspection Tools

Material Knowledge

Tolerance Control

Mechanical Aptitude

Team Work

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Mastercam

Micrometers

Calipers

Dial Indicators

Optical Comparators

Job description

Are you an experienced machinist with a strong background in precision machining, CNC programming, and prototype fabrication? We’re seeking a skilled Model Maker / Machinist for a long-term contract opportunity supporting advanced engineering and manufacturing projects.

If you’re a detail-oriented machining professional who takes pride in precision workmanship, problem-solving, and bringing engineering concepts to life, we encourage you to apply! This is an excellent opportunity to contribute your technical expertise to challenging, high-precision projects in a collaborative engineering environment.

Position Details

• Locations: Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, and Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
• Employment Type: Long-term contract
• Shift: 1st shift
• Pay Rate: DoE
• Work Location: Must be able to work at both locations

Job Summary

Building prototypes, fixtures, and precision parts using manual and CNC equipment while holding tight tolerances and ensuring top tier quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Machining — Set up and operate manual and CNC milling machines and lathes to produce complex, high accuracy components.
• Surface Grinding — Perform precision surface grinding to achieve required flatness, parallelism, and surface finish.
• Mastercam Programming — Create, modify, and optimize milling toolpaths using Mastercam for prototype and production work.
• Prototype & Model Fabrication — Build models, fixtures, and custom components from engineering concepts or detailed drawings.
• Technical Drawing Interpretation — Read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Dimensional Inspection — Use micrometers, vernier/digital calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators, and other tools to verify tolerances ranging from 0.0002" to 0.005".
• Material Machining — Machine copper, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics with proper tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• Team & Independent Work — Collaborate effectively with engineers and machinists while also working independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• Machining Experience — Minimum 10 years of hands on experience with manual and CNC milling machines and lathes.
• Surface Grinding Skills — Strong working knowledge of precision surface grinding.
• Mastercam Proficiency — Working knowledge of Mastercam for milling toolpath creation and optimization.
• Technical Drawing Literacy — Ability to interpret detailed mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Inspection Tools — Skilled in using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators, and similar equipment.
• Material Knowledge — Prior experience machining copper, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics.
• Tolerance Control — Demonstrated ability to hold tolerances from 0.0002" to 0.005".
• Mechanical Aptitude — Mechanical background is a plus.