Prototype CNC Machinist & NPI Technician

Benchmade Knife Company; Oregon City (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon City, OR is seeking an Development Engineering Tech II to support the Advanced Prototyping Team. You will machine precision components, verify tooling, and collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to accelerate time-to-market.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years of CNC prototyping experience, strong G-code and CAM skills, and familiarity with CMM programming and GD&T. This role emphasizes mentorship, continuous learning, and bold experimentation.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of CNC machining experience in prototyping or product development.
• Ability to read and interpret GD&T and technical drawings.
• Proficiency in CAM software (MasterCAM preferred) and precision machining of metals and composites.
• Experience with CMM programming and dimensional analysis preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and mentorship skills; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machines for early-phase product development; inspect parts, apply offsets, and update programs to meet specs.
• Operate CMM to validate tolerances; collaborate with IQA and programmers on results and standards.
• Fabricate fixtures and test samples; provide feedback to improve manufacturability.
• Develop standard work instructions and document new processes; maintain tooling inventories.
• Support DFM reviews and identify design improvement opportunities; assist in NPI goals.

Skills

CNC machining

G-code reading

MasterCAM

GD&T

technical drawings interpretation

CMM programming

MS Office

communication

mentorship

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MasterCAM

CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine)

Job description

Benchmade Knife Company in Oregon City, OR is seeking an Development Engineering Tech II to support the Advanced Prototyping Team. You will machine precision components, verify tooling, and collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to accelerate time-to-market.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years of CNC prototyping experience, strong G-code and CAM skills, and familiarity with CMM programming and GD&T. This role emphasizes mentorship, continuous learning, and bold experimentation.