Sr Machinist

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 61,482 - 67,020; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401(k)

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, is seeking a Senior Machinist to support advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience with CNC machining and a passion for collaborative R&D work.

Your responsibilities will include CNC programming, equipment maintenance, and mentoring less experienced machinists. You'll be part of a team focused on high-precision, low-volume prototypes. We offer a competitive hiring range and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in subtractive manufacturing with hands-on experience in milling and/or turning.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in teams.
• Experience with manual machining equipment and adherence to shop standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and perform CNC programming for machining equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers for complex fabrication requirements.
• Mentor less experienced machinists and enhance shop efficiency.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC milling

CNC turning

Mechanical drawing interpretation

Fixture design and fabrication

CAM software experience

Manual machining equipment

Education

Graduation from a two-year technical school or equivalent training

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

hyperMILL CAM

Job description

Sr Machinist

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, set‑up, 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.

Beyond technical machining expertise, this role requires strong collaboration with engineers and fellow machinists to meet fabrication requirements, ownership of work quality and shop standards, and leadership in mentoring less experienced machinists and contributing to shop efficiency improvements. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about machining and be motivated by contributing to the Laboratory's mission‑critical work.

Candidates with expertise in either CNC milling or CNC turning are strongly encouraged to apply. Machinists at the senior 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

• 10+ 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
• Demonstrated ownership of work quality, adherence to tolerances and specifications, and maintaining equipment and workspace to shop standards
• Experience with manual machining equipment
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply GD&T
• Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures
• Experience with CAM software, 3D CAD software, and 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 in simultaneous 5‑axis programming and machine operation
• Experience in CNC turning with live tooling
• Experience mentoring machinists and contributing to shop process improvement initiatives
• 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), Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Exposure to ultrasonic machining, additive manufacturing, EDM, or diamond turning

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
• Additional…

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: 43046

Hiring Range: $44.63 - $48.65 (Job Grade: RDTEU-INSPECSR)