Rapid Product Development Machinist
Bellows Falls, VT - USA
Job Summary
As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdingswhich is backed by Berkshire Hathawayyoull be doing things that matter leading at every level and winning a better way. Were committed to making a positive impact on the world providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities and fostering a culture where everyones empowered to be their best.
Sonnax Transmission CompanyAs a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings - which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway - youll be doing things that matter leading at every level and winning a better way. Were committed to making a positive impact on the world providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities and fostering a culture where everyones empowered to be their best.
Who We Are
Sonnax provides innovative transmission repair products for the automotive aftermarket and industrial sectors utilizing drivetrain components. Partnering with transmission rebuilders our R&D teams identify failing OEM parts and design components to repair or enhance automatic transmissions meeting a wide range of performance and warranty needs.
Summary: The Rapid Product Development Machinist is responsible for planning machining modifying and supporting the manufacture of prototype and pilot lot components for new products. This role is the hands on bridge between engineering design and full scale productionturning early concepts drawings and models into high quality physical parts. The machinist works closely with Design Engineering Manufacturing Quality Supply Chain and Operations to accelerate development cycles and support smooth product launches.
This position is ideal for a highly skilled machinist who enjoys problem solving collaborating across departments and taking ownership of a part from concept to finished component.
Key Responsibilities
Prototype & Pilot Lot Machining
- Set up and operate manual and CNC machines (mills lathes wire EDM etc.) to produce prototype and pilotlot components.
- Machine parts from engineering drawings 3D models sketches or verbal instructions in a lowvolume highvariation environment.
- Support rapid design iterations rework and engineering changes during prototype and pilot builds.
- Maintain dimensional accuracy and quality while working with evolving designs and limited documentation.
- Identify and resolve machining and manufacturability issues related to materials tooling tolerances and part geometry.
Engineering & Manufacturing Support
- Work directly with Design Engineers to clarify design intent and understand functional requirements.
- Provide practical designformanufacture feedback to improve machinability reduce risk and optimize parts for available equipment.
- Review drawings and models to highlight manufacturability concerns tolerance challenges and tool access limitations.
- Troubleshoot machiningrelated issues that impact assembly fit or function during prototype and pilot builds.
CrossFunctional Collaboration
- Work with Quality to inspect prototype and pilot components using precision measurement tools and ensure compliance with design requirements.
- Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability assembly and testability of new components.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain to source prototype materials tooling and outsourced processes.
- Collaborate with inhouse manufacturing teams to schedule or execute processes requiring additional capabilities or capacity.
- Assist in coordinating prototype and pilot builds with external vendors when specialized machining or processing is required.
Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
- Capture lessons learned from prototype and pilot builds and communicate them to production teams.
- Support rootcause analysis and corrective actions for machiningrelated issues.
- Contribute to the transition from pilot to production including documentation of setups tooling and process notes.
Continuous Improvement
- Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects related to new product introduction.
- Identify opportunities to improve machining methods setup efficiency cost quality delivery and safety.
- Maintain a clean organized and safe work area in compliance with shop safety standards.
Required Qualifications
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings GD&T and basic 3D models.
- Proficiency in manual and/or CNC machining including setup and operation.
- Experience machining a variety of materials (steel aluminum plastics etc.).
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problemsolving skills.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineering manufacturing and vendors.
- Ability to manage multiple prototype jobs and adapt to changing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting prototype pilot or lowvolume manufacturing builds.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (viewing or basic programming).
- Exposure to quality systems and inspection requirements.
- Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement tools.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Prototype and pilot builds are completed on schedule with minimal disruption.
- Manufacturing issues are identified early and resolved before production launch.
- Products transition smoothly from design to fullscale manufacturing.
- Crossfunctional teams view this role as a trusted goto machining and manufacturability partner during new product development.
#INDVTMI
Pay Range:
30.29 - 37.02We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical dental vision 401k matching and more!
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process please email your request to and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.