Machinist A
Date: Nov 10, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Machinist — Optical Fabrication Facility
Position Summary
The Laser Technology and Applications Group is seeking a skilled Machinist A to support its Optical Fabrication Facility. The successful candidate will fabricate precision optical and mechanical research-and-development components used in laser systems, sensors, and scientific research applications.
Working in a collaborative team environment, the Machinist will support technicians, engineers, and scientific staff by setting up and operating conventional and CNC machine tools; producing parts to demanding specifications; and maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and equipment care. This position may require supervision for certain assignments.
Job Description
The Laser Technology and Applications Group is seeking a Machinist to work in the Optical Fabrication Facility fabricating precision optical/mechanical R&D optics and components to be used in laser systems for applications in laser technology, sensors, and scientific research. The Candidate will support more experienced technicians and staff in a team environment.
Requirements:
An individual who demonstrates high familiarity and skill with all the commonly used machine tools. Working from blue prints, specifications, verbal instructions, or sketches sets up and operates such machine tools. May require some supervision. An individual who is skilled in the setup and operation of typical machine shop tools (CNC, lathe, milling, grinders, sanders, etc.), and able to follow complex instructions using close tolerances from design drawings, specifications, verbal instructions, or sketches.
- Setup, and operation of, conventional machining tools such as lathes and milling machines.
- Programming and set up of multi-axis CNC Ultrasonic Machining Center.
- Perform proper set-up and calibration procedures for all equipment and accessories to be used on projects.
- Determine optimum tooling, grits, speeds, feeds.
- Verify accuracy of work pieces and recommend changes to CNC programs.
- Perform detail work, which may include blocking with wax, de-blocking, cleaning, inspection and other similar functions.
- Hold mechanical tolerances on the order of 2-5 um, when necessary.
- Maintain equipment. Detect and correct minor machine malfunctions, and perform daily and monthly machine maintenance, as directed.
Experience:
- Graditation from a two-year day school or its equivalent and a minimum of two years of applicable experience are required
- Must be proficient in using Cad-Cam software-MasterCam, Solidworks and knowledge of G and M codes.
- Reading and understanding engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Desired Skills:
- Processing of a range of materials, including glass, crystals, ceramic, composites and metals.
- Solving problems relative to materials, tooling and work-holding arrangements.
- Prior optical fabrication experience.
- Familiarity and experience with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of an OptiPro Ultrasonic Machining Center
- Experience with optical metrology test equipment - interferometers, micrometers, comparators, sag gauges, etc.
Hiring Range: $39.47 - $43.97
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—but 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.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance.
Benefits offered to employees include:
• 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: 43626
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