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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Design Machinist

💰 $60,000 - $95,000

ManufacturingMachiningEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

A Design Machinist is an experienced manufacturing professional who combines hands‑on precision machining with engineering-driven part and fixture design to produce prototypes and production components. This role requires advanced capabilities in CNC programming (CAM/G‑code), CAD modeling for tooling and fixtures, blueprint interpretation including GD&T, machine setup and optimization, and close collaboration with engineering, quality and production teams to drive manufacturability, reduce lead times and ensure consistent, high‑quality outputs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Machinist / Apprentice Machinist transitioning from on-the-job training and trade school.
  • CNC Operator or Toolroom Machinist with 1–3 years of shop experience.
  • CAD/CAM Technician moving toward hands-on machining responsibilities.

Advancement To:

  • Senior Design Machinist / Master Machinist responsible for complex programs and mentoring.
  • Manufacturing Engineer focusing on process design and production scaling.
  • CNC Programming Lead or Tooling & Fixture Design Lead.

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector / Metrology Technician specializing in CMM and inspection protocols.
  • Production Supervisor or Shop Foreman overseeing day‑to‑day operations and scheduling.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret and analyze engineering drawings, 3D CAD models and GD&T requirements to develop detailed machining and fixturing plans that consistently meet specified tolerances and surface finish requirements.
  • Create and optimize CAM programs (Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX or equivalent) and G‑code for 3‑, 4‑ and 5‑axis CNC mills and turning centers, validating toolpaths to reduce cycle time while maintaining part integrity.
  • Design, layout and build custom fixtures, jigs and tooling using CAD (SolidWorks/Inventor/AutoCAD) to ensure repeatable setups and efficient production flow for both prototypes and small to medium production runs.
  • Set up, align and operate CNC milling machines, lathes, Swiss‑type machines and machining centers to produce complex geometries from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and exotic alloys to print specifications.
  • Perform first article inspections and inprocess checks using micrometers, calipers, height gauges and CMMs; document measurements and collaborate with Quality to close nonconformances and update process controls.
  • Determine optimal cutting tools, holders, tool offsets and workholding solutions; perform tool selection, balancing and edge preparation to maximize tool life and part quality.
  • Troubleshoot machining and program issues on the shop floor, diagnose root causes (tool deflection, chatter, improper feeds/speeds), and implement corrective actions to eliminate recurring production problems.
  • Prototype and iterate new components from concept to production: collaborate with design engineers to provide manufacturability feedback, tolerance stack‑up analysis and cost‑effective material alternatives.
  • Develop and maintain process documentation including operation sheets, setup instructions, machine programs, tooling lists and fixture drawings for knowledge transfer and repeatability.
  • Perform CAM simulation and dry runs to verify toolpaths, collisions and machine kinematics before live cutting; revise programs to account for machine capability and thermal/environmental factors.
  • Lead continuous improvement activities such as reducing cycle time, improving yield, standardizing setups, and implementing Lean manufacturing and 5S practices on the shop floor.
  • Program and operate multi‑axis machining centers (up to 5‑axis), including CAM strategies for complex surfaces, rotary axis indexing and simultaneous multi‑axis contouring.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) by developing pilot runs, creating production routing recommendations, and validating production readiness with cross‑functional teams.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and calibration on CNC equipment, spindles and measuring machines; coordinate with maintenance to schedule repairs and minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Provide technical input for quoting and estimating by evaluating machining complexity, cycle time, tooling costs and secondary operations to produce accurate manufacturing quotes.
  • Translate reverse‑engineered parts into manufacturable CAD/CAM outputs using measurement data, laser scans or legacy drawings to restore obsolete components or create replacement parts.
  • Mentor junior machinists and apprentices by teaching safe machine operation, setup techniques, blueprint reading and CAM fundamentals to build bench strength within the team.
  • Maintain compliance with safety protocols, PPE requirements and company policies; ensure proper guarding, chip evacuation and coolant practices to create a safe working environment.
  • Collaborate with purchasing and outside vendors to source specialty tooling, fixtures and materials; evaluate vendor capabilities and lead time to support production schedules.
  • Implement and validate process controls for critical dimensions and key characteristics; assist Quality in developing inspection plans, control charts and corrective action reports.
  • Continuously evaluate and recommend capital equipment upgrades (machines, probing systems, tool presetter, CMM) that improve capability, accuracy and throughput.
  • Optimize workholding and part orientation to minimize secondary operations, reduce cycle time and improve surface finishes while ensuring machinability and stability during cutting.
  • Generate and maintain CNC program libraries, naming conventions and revision control so that programs are reusable, traceable and accessible across shifts.
  • Use metrology techniques and coordinate measurement machines (CMM) to qualify parts, develop measurement routines and provide feedback on manufacturing capability versus design intent.
  • Participate in design reviews and engineering change notices (ECNs) to update machining processes promptly when drawings or specifications change.

Secondary Functions

  • Support production scheduling by communicating realistic lead times and setup durations to planners and dispatchers.
  • Assist engineering with DFMA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly) recommendations to reduce part complexity and production cost.
  • Contribute to cost‑reduction initiatives by identifying tooling reconditioning opportunities, nest optimization and material yield improvements.
  • Provide technical input for training materials, shop standards and certification preparation (ISO/AS9100, NADCAP where applicable).
  • Help maintain inventory of critical tooling, inserts and spare parts to prevent interruptions in production.
  • Participate in cross‑functional troubleshooting for delivery issues, field failures and warranty investigations.
  • Collaborate with product development to prototype iterative designs and to shorten the development cycle through rapid machining and quick turn setups.
  • Support environmental, health and safety (EHS) initiatives by maintaining containment for coolants, managing waste streams and following hazardous material protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) interpretation for complex parts and assemblies.
  • Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor or AutoCAD for fixture and tooling design.
  • CAM programming experience using Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM or equivalent for multi‑axis toolpath generation.
  • Hands‑on experience programming and operating CNC mills (3‑ to 5‑axis), CNC lathes and Swiss‑type machines.
  • Strong understanding of G‑code, M‑codes, tool offsets, and post‑processor behavior for CNC controllers (Fanuc, Haas, Siemens).
  • Metrology skills including CMM programming/operation, use of micrometers, calipers, height gauges and surface finish measurement.
  • Knowledge of tooling technology: indexable inserts, end mills, taps, drills, toolholders, and workholding systems.
  • Experience with materials and machining strategies for aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium and high‑temperature alloys.
  • Familiarity with inspection documentation, first article inspection (FAI) procedures and quality systems (ISO 9001 / AS9100).
  • Ability to perform process development: cycle time estimation, feeds & speeds optimization, and machining simulation.
  • Proficient in using shop software tools: ERP/MRP systems for job routing, tool inventory and work orders.
  • Experience with troubleshooting machine errors, spindle issues, chatter, and thermal growth mitigation strategies.
  • Basic electrical and pneumatic troubleshooting related to machine setups and fixture actuation (desirable).
  • Knowledge of EDM, grinding, heat‑treat effects on machining and secondary operations coordination (beneficial).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing parts that meet tight tolerances and finish standards.
  • Practical problem solving and root cause analysis to resolve repeat issues and optimize manufacturing processes.
  • Clear verbal and written communication to document setups, handoffs and engineering feedback.
  • Collaborative mindset for working with engineers, quality, purchasing and production teams.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance prototyping, production and improvement tasks.
  • Coaching and mentoring skills to develop less experienced machinists and create knowledge continuity.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and openness to new technologies.
  • Initiative and ownership of projects from design through production and delivery.
  • Data‑driven decision making: use measurements and SPC data to justify process changes.
  • Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement practices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with completion of a technical certificate, trade school program, or apprenticeship in machining, CNC operation or toolmaking.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or Bachelor's in Machining Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology or related field.
  • Formal CNC/CAD/CAM certification (e.g., NIMS, Haas, SolidWorks, Mastercam) preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machining Technology / Tool & Die
  • Manufacturing Engineering / Industrial Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Technology
  • CAD/CAM Programming
  • Metrology & Quality Assurance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–10+ years of progressive experience in precision machining with demonstrated expertise in CAD/CAM, CNC programming and fixture design.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years as a CNC machinist or toolroom/design machinist with hands‑on experience programming multi‑axis machines and designing production fixtures.
  • Proven track record in prototype development, first article inspection, and cross‑functional collaboration on new product introductions.
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