Apple

CNC Prototype Machinist Lead

Apple$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in new product development (NPD)
  • Proficient in setting up, operating, and programming CNC machines in 3D CAD/CAM
  • Skilled in fabricating parts, jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling
  • Expertise in holding close tolerances using hand metrology
  • Strong communication skills to provide technical feedback to engineering teams

Responsibilities

  • Establish and lead the CNC prototyping process in a startup environment
  • Prepare materials and set up complex CNC Mill machines
  • Program tool paths for producing intricate 3D prototypes
  • Conduct advanced metrology and validate critical features
  • Collaborate with hardware engineering and ADL for design optimization
  • Create unique work holdings for complex prototypes
  • Provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to enhance production

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment focused on innovative development
  • Opportunity to influence cutting-edge product designs
  • Access to advanced machining technology and resources
  • Engagement with a diverse, visionary team
  • Support for professional growth in a startup lab setting
Full Job Description
Do you possess a keen eye for detail, a passion for excellence, and a strong desire to contribute to extraordinary outcomes? We are looking for an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist Lead to help establish a new Seattle-based lab for Apple's Vision Product Group (VPG). In this role, you will join the VPG team while partnering closely with Apple's Advanced Development Lab (ADL)-leveraging their established processes, tool libraries, and expertise to bring high-quality models and prototypes to life locally.

In this highly collaborative position, you will work directly with VPG Hardware Engineering. Your day-to-day will entail preparing materials, setting up complex CNC Mill machines, programming tool paths, and conducting advanced metrology. Beyond hands-on machining, you will utilize your deep manufacturing background to offer design solutions and provide valuable feedback on machining processes that can optimize production cycle times. If you are ready to bring your visionary thinking to a diverse team dedicated to exceptional products, we invite you to join us.

Description

As the Lead CNC Prototype Machinist for our new Seattle lab, you will work autonomously on assignments that require considerable judgment and initiative. Because this is an up-and-coming lab, working in a small group setting and supporting startup-style activities is a must. You will serve as the foundational machining expert for the local team, collaborating directly with Apple's Hardware Engineering VPG team while seamlessly interfacing with the ADL team to leverage shared processes and part submission workflows.

This position requires an experienced machinist who has the ability to create unique work holdings to produce complex prototypes at the highest quality. You will be responsible for the end-to-end manufacturing process, from fixture design and 5-axis tool pathing to executing close-tolerance machining and validating critical features using both hand metrology and advanced inspection equipment. The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to quickly adapt to new processes, troubleshoot complex setups, and provide direct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to hardware and product design teams.

Minimum Qualifications

7+ years of experience working in a new product development (NPD) environment.

Experience setting up, operating, and programming CNC machines in a 3D CAD/CAM environment to produce complex 3D parts.

Experience fabricating parts, jigs, fixtures, and custom tooling using machine shop tools.

Experience holding close tolerances and validating critical features and dimensions using hand metrology equipment.

Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical feedback directly to engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

CAD experience for part and fixture design, and CAM experience for programming 3-5 axis parts on mills (Hypermill experience is highly preferred).

Experience with Hermle and Datron CNC machines, as well as Heidenhain TNC7 controllers.

Solid understanding of high-feed milling, high-speed machining, and high-performance machining concepts in CNC, including cutting tool design and constraints.

Experience providing DFM (Design for Manufacturing) feedback to industrial or product design teams to optimize a design for CNC.

Solid understanding of GD&T and experience reading/interpreting engineering drawings and CAD models.

Ability to set up and troubleshoot CNC processes, provide corrective actions, and operate highly independently in a startup-style lab environment.

Experience using horizontal and vertical saws, manual mills, and lathes.

Advanced metrology experience, including programming a CMM and using CT scanning machines.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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