Research Machinist
Required skills
- prototype parts
- robots
- engineers
- researchers
- designs
- one-off
- small-quantity
- creative machining
- practical feedback
- research hardware
Nice to have
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
- equivalent experience
- complex hardware challenges
- electromechanical systems
- metal fabrication
- MIG welding
Role summary
Our Robotics and AI Institute is seeking a Research Machinist to transform AI and robotics concepts into tangible prototype parts. This hands-on role involves programming, setting up, and operating CNC machinery, including 5-axis equipment, to produce low-volume prototypes. You will plan machining operations, select tooling, design fixtures, and use G-code and CAM software. Responsibilities include inspecting parts with precision instruments, collaborating with engineers and researchers on design improvements, fabricating and assembling prototypes, maintaining equipment, and adhering to safety protocols. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of relevant experience and a strong knowledge of CNC machining, G-code, CAD/CAM, and GD&T.
At the Robotics and AI Institute, we blend the visionary thinking often reserved for academic settings with the disciplined teamwork and robust resources typical of top-tier industry teams, turning ambitious ideas into reality. We need people who are comfortable working between academia and industry and excited to build some hardware.
You will turn ideas and drawings into prototype parts for robots, working directly with engineers and researchers as designs evolve. This is a hands-on shop role focused on one-off and small-quantity work, where creative machining and practical feedback help research hardware come to life.
What you'll do
Program, set up, and operate CNC mills and mill/turn machines, including 5-axis equipment, to make low-volume prototype parts.
Plan machining operations from raw stock to finished part, selecting tooling, processes, and setups for the material and design.
Design and build fixtures and workholding for complex parts, and develop programs using G-code, conversational controls, or CAM software.
Inspect parts using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines; check dimensions and document results.
Work with engineers and researchers to interpret drawings, resolve manufacturing questions, and suggest practical improvements to part designs.
Fabricate and finish parts, support hands-on prototype assembly and troubleshooting, and share machining knowledge with teammates.
Maintain prototyping equipment and shop supplies, perform preventative maintenance and repairs within your scope, and help keep the shop ready for use.
Follow established safe-work practices for machining equipment, tooling, and moving machinery; identify and communicate hazards or equipment issues.
What you'll need
5+ years of relevant professional experience.
Experience setting up, operating, or programming CNC machines, including vertical mills, 5-axis equipment, or mill/turn machines, for low-quantity prototype parts.
Strong working knowledge of G-code and experience creating or modifying machining programs.
Ability to use 3D CAD and CAM tools, such as SolidWorks and SolidCAM or comparable software, to prepare and manufacture parts.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and apply working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience selecting tooling and workholding, and using precision measuring instruments to inspect finished parts.
Ability to work independently through machining tasks and communicate questions, trade-offs, and results with engineers, researchers, and other shop users.
Experience working safely around machining equipment and moving machinery.
Bonus
Experience in any of the following is a plus; none is required.
A BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience solving complex hardware challenges.
Experience working on robots or other complex electromechanical systems.
Experience with metal fabrication processes such as MIG or TIG welding or plasma cutting.
