Job title: Machinist (CNC Machinist)
Duration: 6 Months with possible extension
Location: Wilmington,MA

Role Overview
The Boston Development Center houses a state-of-the-art machine shop and additive manufacturing lab equipped with multi-axis CNC mills, CNC lathes, waterjet, and a full suite of industrial 3D printers — all designed to enable rapid prototyping and iteration on hardware products under development.
We are seeking experienced CNC Machinists/Programmers to operate and program our machine shop equipment. In this role, you will take engineering designs from CAD model to finished part — programming toolpaths, setting up machines, running production, and inspecting finished components. You will support rapid prototyping efforts across multiple product programs, producing precision parts in aluminum, steel, titanium, magnesium, and engineering plastics with fast turnaround. This role combines CNC programming expertise with hands-on machining skills in a dynamic development environment where no two jobs are alike.

Key Responsibilities
CNC Programming & Operation
• Program and operate 5-axis and 3-axis CNC milling centers and CNC lathes with live tooling
• Create toolpaths using CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or Siemens NX) from 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies to optimize for part quality, cycle time, and tool life across a wide range of materials (aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium, magnesium, plastics)
• Perform first-article runs, verify dimensions against drawings, and iterate programs to achieve required tolerances
• Set up and operate waterjet for sheet metal and plate fabrication
• Operate manual mills and manual lathes for quick-turn parts and secondary operations
• Manage tooling inventory, tool offsets, work holding fixtures, and machine maintenance schedules
Additive Manufacturing
• Operate and maintain industrial 3D printers including FDM, SLS, and DLP/resin systems
• Operate CO2 laser cutter for sheet stock and prototyping applications
• Prepare build files, orient parts for optimal print quality, and select appropriate materials and parameters
• Perform post-processing of printed parts: support removal, curing, finishing, and heat treatment
• Advise engineers on best fabrication method (subtractive vs. additive vs. sheet forming) for each part based on geometry, material, tolerance, and timeline
Specialty Materials & Processes
• Operate dedicated equipment for machining reactive metals (e.g., magnesium) following strict safety protocols
• Maintain awareness of material-specific hazards, dust collection requirements, and proper chip handling procedures
• Support future advanced manufacturing capabilities (directed energy deposition, metal powder bed fusion) as equipment comes online
Quality & Inspection
• Inspect machined parts using precision measurement tools: micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, surface plates
• Perform first-article inspections and document results against engineering drawings with GD&T callouts per ASME Y14.5
• Coordinate with metrology lab for critical dimension verification using CMM, 3D scanning, and laser tracker equipment
• Identify and resolve machining issues (chatter, deflection, surface finish, thermal drift) through process adjustment
Shop Management & Collaboration
• Maintain CNC machines including routine preventive maintenance, coolant management, and basic troubleshooting
• Keep the machine shop organized, clean, and safe following 5S and EHS guidelines
• Collaborate with design engineers to provide DFM feedback and suggest design modifications that reduce cost or improve machinability
• Prioritize and schedule machining jobs across multiple concurrent prototype programs
• Support continuous improvement of shop processes, fixturing, and standard work

Basic Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience as a CNC machinist, including both CAM programming and hands-on operation
• Proficiency with CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of G-code and M-code; ability to hand-edit programs at the controller
• Experience with CNC milling and CNC lathe operation
• Experience machining a variety of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and engineering plastics
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools and first-article inspection
• Ability to work in an engineering and production environment with quality standards
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications
• Associate degree or journeyman certification in machining, manufacturing technology, or tool & die making
• 7+ years of experience in prototype or job-shop environments with high-mix, low-volume work
• Demonstrated experience with 5-axis CNC milling and multi-axis programming
• Experience with DMG Mori or similar premium CNC equipment and Siemens or Heidenhain controllers
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Experience machining titanium and magnesium alloys with proper safety protocols
• Experience operating waterjet equipment
• Experience operating and maintaining industrial 3D printers (FDM, SLS, SLM/metal powder bed)
• Knowledge of various work holding methods: vises, fixtures, vacuum tables, soft jaws, and custom setups
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, Siemens NX) for model review and fixture design
• Experience in robotics, aerospace, medical device, or defense prototyping environments
• NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) certification
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities across multiple projects, and communicate effectively with engineering teams 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.This position's pay range is $50.00/hr - $56.13/hr.