MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Job Details
Date:
Jan 12, 2026
Location:
Lexington, MA, US
Company:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Job Title:
CNC Machinist
Group:
72 - Fabrication Engineering
MIT Lincoln Laboratory pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to design, model, and fabricate technologies and prototype systems for national security applications. These mission areas include space imaging and data processing, high energy lasers, long‑range laser communications, ground‑based radars, and undersea communication terminals. Within MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Fabrication Engineering Group works with program teams from initial design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing to fabricate low‑volume advanced hardware. Our core PCB capabilities include automated solder paste printing, precision pick‑and‑place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Our core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, diamond turning, EDM machining, additive manufacturing, and 5‑axis machining. Our core assembly, integration, and test capabilities include program integration spaces, cleanrooms, vibration testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group concentrates on high‑complexity parts, state‑of‑the‑practice prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, quality systems for national security applications, and exceptional collaboration.
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
Disclaimer:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT‑funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work‑life balance options
… and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
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: 42289
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment: Testing, PLM, Laboratory, Security Clearance, Drafting, Technology, Management, Science, Government, Engineering
Apply Now Apply now
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Jan 12, 2026
Location:
Lexington, MA, US
Company:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Job Title:
CNC Machinist
Group:
72 - Fabrication Engineering
MIT Lincoln Laboratory pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to design, model, and fabricate technologies and prototype systems for national security applications. These mission areas include space imaging and data processing, high energy lasers, long‑range laser communications, ground‑based radars, and undersea communication terminals. Within MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Fabrication Engineering Group works with program teams from initial design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing to fabricate low‑volume advanced hardware. Our core PCB capabilities include automated solder paste printing, precision pick‑and‑place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Our core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, diamond turning, EDM machining, additive manufacturing, and 5‑axis machining. Our core assembly, integration, and test capabilities include program integration spaces, cleanrooms, vibration testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group concentrates on high‑complexity parts, state‑of‑the‑practice prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, quality systems for national security applications, and exceptional collaboration.
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
Disclaimer:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT‑funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work‑life balance options
… and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
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: 42289
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment: Testing, PLM, Laboratory, Security Clearance, Drafting, Technology, Management, Science, Government, Engineering
Apply Now Apply now
#J-18808-Ljbffr