Meta Reality Labs is connecting the world by building products and hardware devices. Many of these products are custom designed for unique requirements and integrate advanced technologies. We are seeking a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist and prototyping leader to join our mechanical prototyping facility, drive process improvements and contribute to the development of next-generation hardware products. In this role, you will lead the programming and machining of complex multi-setup parts and assemblies, coordinate closely across engineering teams to debug designs, develop advanced fixtures and workholding, and drive precise assembly work. As a technical leader, you will lead operational improvements and process development across the shop, leveraging AI tools to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and workflow optimization. Working across a wide variety of materials-from specialized plastics to hard metals-you will tackle complex challenges to continuously elevate team standards and impact. Our prototyping facility features advanced 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machine tools, laser cutting, 5-axis waterjet cutting, and manual machining equipment. You will own the safe setup, operation, and maintenance of this gear, including tooling and fixture specification and procurement. You will serve as a key partner and cross-functional coordinator with mechanical engineering and industrial design teams to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges. We are looking for a leader excited to establish the fastest, efficient paths from CAD models to finished parts through AI-driven automation, robust process design, and team mentorship.
Responsibilities
CAM programming and operation of all CNC and manual machining equipment
• CNC Machining of complex, multi-setup parts in metal and plastic
• Interact with design engineers on part functionality, advise on the part suitability for machining
• Partner with industrial designers on cosmetic and appearance models
• Establish programming, setup, and workholding best practices for the shop
• Identify large-scale problems that slow the team down and experiment with new processes and tools to solve them
• Develop tools and automations using AI coding tools to improve team throughput
• Clear communication of timelines and expectations to other groups within Meta
• Improve the systems and tools we rely on via continuous improvement
• Process documentation and mentorship of other machinists
• Responsible for part quality and inspection
• Ensuring that machines are properly maintained, that stock material supplies are adequate and that the shop is operated in a safe and professional manner
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's or associate's degree in machining, engineering, or fabrication and/or relevant work experience
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or prototyping environment with advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools
• Experience programming and operating 5-axis milling equipment
• Advanced skills in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and CNC programming (Autodesk Fusion 360)
• Advanced CAD skills in Fusion 360 (SolidWorks, NX, Onshape) and fixture design
• Experience working with Industrial Design and in cosmetic model making
• Skilled in prototyping of complex electro-mechanical assemblies and familiar with typical shop tools
• Ability to learn and apply new design, manufacturing, and prototyping software tools
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements in a rapid prototyping environment
• Willingness to experiment and iterate on solutions to large-scale problems
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Experience with Wire EDM
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Proven track record of improvements adopted across a team
• Exposure to code management and software engineering basics
• Experience with other technologies used in a modern digital prototyping lab, including additive, laser cutting, injection molding, and water jet
• Experience taking products from concept through to functional prototype or production
• Experience mentoring or training other machinists
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience using AI coding tools to develop shop tools and automations
