Project Machinist
Date: Feb 25, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Laser Technology and Applications Group is seeking a Machinist to join the Optical Fabrication Facility. The Machinist will support the production of precision optical and mechanical components for advanced laser and optical systems used in applications such as directed energy, lidar, scientific research, sensing, and communication systems. This role involves working in a collaborative environment alongside experienced technicians and staff to deliver high-quality results.
Job Description
The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in the setup and operation of commonly used machine tools, including CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, grinders, and sanders. They will work from blueprints, specifications, verbal instructions, or sketches to produce components with close tolerances. The role requires a high level of precision and attention to detail, as well as the ability to follow complex instructions. The ideal candidate is a talented, creative, and motivated individual with a strong aptitude for problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and time management skills with an enthusiasm, aptitude and willingness to learn new state-of-the-art technologies and software.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up and operate conventional machining tools such as lathes and milling machines.
- Program and set up multi-axis CNC Ultrasonic Machining Centers.
- Perform proper setup and calibration procedures for all equipment and accessories used in projects.
- Determine optimal tooling, grits, speeds, and feeds for machining processes.
- Verify the accuracy of workpieces and recommend changes to CNC programs as needed.
- Perform detailed tasks such as blocking with wax, de-blocking, cleaning, inspection, and other related functions.
- Achieve mechanical tolerances on the order of 2–5 microns when required.
- Detect and correct minor machine malfunctions and perform daily and monthly machine maintenance as needed
Required Qualifications:
- Graduation from a two-year day technical school or its equivalent, and a minimum of ten (10) years of applicable experience in machining and CNC programming.
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM software, including MasterCam and SolidWorks.
- Knowledge of G and M codes for CNC programming.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as effective interpersonal skills.
Desired Skills:
- Experience processing a range of materials, including glass, crystals, ceramics, composites, and metals.
- A related two-year technical degree or equivalent experience.
- Prior experience in optical fabrication, including shaping, grinding, polishing, and testing precision glass or material components (such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms) to achieve exceptional accuracy.
- Familiarity with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of OptiPro Ultrasonic Machining Centers
- Familiarity with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of Zeeko Ultra Precision Polishing
- Problem-solving skills related to materials, tooling, and work-holding arrangements.
- Experience with optical metrology test equipment, such as interferometers, micrometers, comparators, and sag gauges.
Hiring Range: $50.64 - $52.54/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—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: 42746
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