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CNC Prototype Machinist Lead

Apple


Job Location:

Seattle, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 5 September 2026 (19 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 3 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 Apples Vision Product Group (VPG). In this role you will join the VPG team while partnering closely with Apples Advanced Development Lab (ADL)leveraging their established processes tool libraries and expertise to bring high-quality models and prototypes to life 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.

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 Apples Hardware Engineering VPG team while seamlessly interfacing with the ADL team to leverage shared processes and part submission 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.

7 years of experience working in a new product development (NPD) environment. nExperience setting up operating and programming CNC machines in a 3D CAD/CAM environment to produce complex 3D parts. nExperience fabricating parts jigs fixtures and custom tooling using machine shop tools. nExperience holding close tolerances and validating critical features and dimensions using hand metrology equipment. nExcellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical feedback directly to engineering teams.

CAD experience for part and fixture design and CAM experience for programming 3-5 axis parts on mills (Hypermill experience is highly preferred). nExperience with Hermle and Datron CNC machines as well as Heidenhain TNC7 controllers. nSolid understanding of high-feed milling high-speed machining and high-performance machining concepts in CNC including cutting tool design and constraints. nExperience providing DFM (Design for Manufacturing) feedback to industrial or product design teams to optimize a design for CNC. nSolid understanding of GDu0026T and experience reading/interpreting engineering drawings and CAD models. nAbility to set up and troubleshoot CNC processes provide corrective actions and operate highly independently in a startup-style lab environment. nExperience using horizontal and vertical saws manual mills and metrology experience including programming a CMM and using CT scanning machines.

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Ask Siri to name the most successful company in the world and it might respond: Apple. And it's not just out of familial pride. Apple consistently ranks highly in profit, revenue, market capitalization, and consumer cachet. In 2018, the company became the first reach a trillion dollar ... View more

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