Senior Prototype Machinist

Job Description:

Brooks Instrument (www.brooksinstrument.com), an industry leader in flow and pressure instrumentation for critical applications, is seeking candidates for a Senior Prototype Machinist position that will be based at the company headquarters in Hatfield, Pennsylvania (suburban Philadelphia). The company has manufacturing locations in Pennsylvania, Hungary, Malaysia and Korea, and also maintains sales and service offices throughout the world. Our high-tech products are used in laboratory and process applications in end markets such as: oil & gas, petrochemical, medical devices, waste water, life sciences, and analytical instruments. 

Brooks is a division of ITW (Illinois Tool Works), a fortune 200 company. ITW is one of the world’s leading diversified manufacturers of specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related service businesses. The company has operations in 56 countries and employs over 50,000 employees. These talented employees, many of whom have specialized engineering or scientific expertise, contribute to ITW’s global leadership in innovation. The company is proud of its broad portfolio of nearly 10,000 active patents, and is focused on fully leveraging its highly differentiated business model to deliver solid growth with consistent best-in-class margins and return on capital.

Basic Function

With minimal supervision, performs a wide variety of advanced machining duties in support of the Engineering Model Shop and product development programs. Sets up and operates conventional and CNC machinery to fabricate precision mechanical and electromechanical components, engineering prototypes, fixtures, tooling, and low-volume parts.

Applies advanced knowledge of machine shop theory and practices, shop mathematics, blueprint interpretation, layout techniques, programming, and the machinability of various materials. Works independently from drawings, sketches, specifications, or sample parts and collaborates with engineering personnel to develop unique components and improve designs for manufacturability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Machine precision engineering prototypes and components in support of new product development and other engineering programs.

• Set up and operate conventional and CNC equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, and related machine shop equipment.

• Operate the EZ Trak system on Bridgeport milling machines.

• Set up and operate Haas CNC lathes and mills, including writing and modifying G-code and using the Haas Intuitive Programming System.

• Analyze engineering drawings, sketches, specifications, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, materials, and machining requirements.

• Select, align, and secure fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials required for machining operations.

• Plan and perform complex assignments that may require originality, ingenuity, and independent judgment.

• Collaborate with engineers to develop unique prototype parts, fixtures, tooling, and machining solutions.

• Recommend design enhancements and process improvements to support design-for-manufacturability optimization.

• Verify that finished workpieces conform to specifications using precision measuring and inspection equipment, including comparators, calipers, and micrometers.

• Support manufacturing operations by producing fixtures, tooling, replacement components, and small-quantity parts as required.

• Provide technical machining guidance and feedback to engineering and manufacturing personnel.

• Maintain machine shop equipment and tooling and coordinate preventive maintenance or repairs as needed.

• Manage work priorities and schedules to support project milestones and business requirements.

• Order and maintain appropriate levels of raw materials, tooling, and other supplies required to support Model Shop operations.

• Apply knowledge of material characteristics, machinability, and heat-treatment processes when planning machining operations.

• Maintain accurate records related to materials, work orders, tooling, and completed projects.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment.

• Follow all applicable safety procedures and requirements.

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

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Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Completion of a recognized machining apprenticeship, trade school, or vocational machining program preferred.

• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education, apprenticeship training, and experience.

• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating conventional and CNC mills and lathes.

• Experience programming CNC equipment using G-code required.

• Experience with Haas CNC equipment and the Haas Intuitive Programming System strongly preferred.

• Experience machining prototypes, complex one-off components, and low-volume parts preferred.

• Experience working within an engineering, research and development, or product development environment preferred.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of machine shop theory, machining practices, shop mathematics, and layout techniques.

• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, sketches, specifications, and sample parts.

• Knowledge of various metals, plastics, and other machinable materials, including their general characteristics, machinability, and heat-treatment requirements.

• Proficiency using precision measuring and inspection equipment.

• Ability to independently plan machining sequences and select appropriate tooling, speeds, feeds, fixtures, and materials.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

• Working proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

• Familiarity with Teamcenter or a comparable product lifecycle management system preferred.

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Benefits

The opportunity to join a well established (80 years in business) yet dynamically changing organization that works together as a team to meet the challenges of satisfying customers’ needs and managing rapid growth to better compete in a global marketplace.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.