Lab Technician/ Machinist - Minuteman Group LLC

Job Title: Lab Technician/Machinist

• Location: Lexington, MA (100% Onsite)
• Job Type: W2 Contract

Background/Need:

The Laboratory pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to design, model, and fabricate technologies and prototype systems for national security applications. These mission areas include space imaging and data processing, high energy lasers, long range laser communications, ground-based radars, and undersea communication terminals. Within Laboratory, the Fabrication Engineering Group works with program teams from initial design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing to fabricate low-volume advanced hardware. Our core PCB capabilities include automated solder paste printing, precision pick and place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Our core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, diamond turning, EDM machining, additive manufacturing, and 5-axis machining. Our core assembly, integration, and test capabilities include program integration spaces, cleanrooms, vibration testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group concentrates on high-complexity parts, state-of-practice prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, quality systems for national security applications, and exceptional collaboration.

Responsibilities:

The precision fabrication shop supports laboratory efforts by providing fabrication expertise and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams provide innovative solutions that meet the increasingly demanding prototype system performance requirements. The candidate will also need to be comfortable working with a measure of autonomy; this requires a candidate with the ability to multitask and work independently with minimal supervision for periods of time. The Group continually researches and identifies state of the art technologies that can be leveraged to effectively support current and future program needs, which presents opportunities to continuously learn new skills or grow their expertise.

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 enthusiasm, aptitude, and willingness to learn new state-of-the-art technologies and software. Given the nature of working in an ultra-high precision environment, meticulous attention to detail is paramount in the successful execution and delivery of high-quality hardware thats instrumental to program success. The position supports ultra-high precision optical and mechanical fabrication typical of sub-micron accuracy using a diamond turning lathe and accompanying metrology equipment; while an ideal candidate will have some exposure to these technologies, a strong desire, and willingness to learn is more important as MIT Lincoln Laboratory will provide training on the portfolio of machines and equipment necessary to the operation of this critical area.

The candidate will also be responsible for setup, operation, teardown, cleanup, and maintaining equipment while also keeping a clean and organized workspace. The position may occasionally require working extended hours (overtime) as required to meet important program milestones.

Must Have:

8+ years of experience applicable experience required in both milling and turning subtractive manufacturing technologies (manual and CNC)

Competency in reading a mechanical drawing and basic understanding of GD&T

Ability to design and fabricate basic fixtures

Experience using basic hand tools and inspection equipment, such as:

Calipers, thread/pin gages, micrometers, dial indicator, etc

Previous experience with the following (or similar) software:

CAM software (CAMWorks or hyperMILL)

3D modeling (SolidWorks)

MS Office (Excel. Word, Outlook)

Enthusiastic to learn new fabrication and metrology technologies

Ability to work in a team environment

Ability to lift up to 50lbs

Nice to Have:

Diamond turning lathe (Nanotech 350FG)

Non-contact profilometer (measurements of surface roughness of optical components), Interferometer (Zygo)

Graduation from a two-year technical school[GM0M1]

Exposure to and basic understanding of G-code and macros

Digital fabrication tools such as; Model Based Definition (MBD) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Education & Experience: 8+ Years of relevant work experience.

Work Authorization: US Citizenship is required due to the nature of the work.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.