CNC Prototyping Machinist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CNC Prototyping Machinist

Company: Meta

Location: Redmond, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Manufacturing & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive rapid prototyping initiatives within Meta Reality Labs, focusing on advanced CNC machining and fabrication.

• Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to translate complex CAD designs into functional prototypes across diverse materials.

• Optimize manufacturing workflows by integrating cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven solutions, to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Ensure the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of state-of-the-art prototyping equipment.

• Contribute to the development of next-generation Reality Labs devices by delivering high-quality, precision-machined components.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Meta Reality Labs, a division focused on developing hardware for virtual and augmented reality. The "CNC Prototyping Machinist" title, combined with the emphasis on rapid prototyping, collaboration with engineering, and diverse material handling, strongly indicates a role within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or Product Development Operations context, specifically focused on the physical product development lifecycle. The mention of AI integration further suggests a forward-thinking operations environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programming and operation of advanced 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machines, as well as manual machining equipment.

• Machine complex, high-tolerance parts from a variety of materials including plastics and hard metals, adhering to strict quality standards.

• Engage directly with design engineers to provide feedback on part functionality, design for manufacturability (DFM), and material suitability.

• Clearly communicate project timelines, technical challenges, and expectations to cross-functional teams, including engineering and production.

• Proactively identify opportunities for continuous improvement in shop systems, tools, and processes to enhance overall operational efficiency and output.

• Conduct thorough part quality inspections and verifications, ensuring all manufactured components meet design specifications and quality benchmarks.

• Maintain machine health through scheduled maintenance, manage stock material supplies, and ensure a safe, organized, and productive shop environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role with significant input into the design and manufacturing process. The emphasis on "improving systems and tools" and "continuous improvement" points towards an operations-focused mindset, where process optimization is as critical as technical machining skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate Degree in Machining, Engineering, or Fabrication is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a rapid prototyping environment, specifically with advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software for programming CNC machines, with a specific requirement for Autodesk Fusion.

• Expertise in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, including Autodesk Fusion, Siemens NX, and Solidworks, for part design and fixture development.

• Demonstrated skill in prototyping complex electro-mechanical assemblies.

• Familiarity with typical manual shop tools and their operation.

• Strong computer literacy, with the ability to quickly learn and efficiently utilize new software relevant to design and fabrication processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements).

• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews).

• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies.

• Experience guiding products from initial concept through to functional prototype or initial production runs.

• Exposure to code management practices and foundational software engineering principles.

• Hands-on experience with a variety of modern digital prototyping lab technologies, including additive manufacturing (3D printing), laser cutting, injection molding, and waterjet cutting.

• Experience with Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (Wire EDM).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Autodesk Fusion, Siemens NX, Solidworks) and advanced machinery (5-axis CNC) signifies a need for deep technical expertise. The inclusion of AI integration as a preferred skill is a significant differentiator, pointing towards a future-oriented operations role where candidates are expected to leverage emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Detailed case studies showcasing complex part prototypes manufactured using 5-axis CNC machining, highlighting material challenges and solutions.

• Examples of fixture designs and their application in improving machining efficiency or accuracy.

• Documentation of workflow optimization initiatives, demonstrating how processes were streamlined from CAD to finished part.

• Evidence of collaboration with engineering teams, illustrating how feedback was incorporated to refine designs for manufacturability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams illustrating the end-to-end process of rapid prototyping, from initial design review to final part delivery.

• Documentation of machine setup procedures, tooling selection, and CAM programming strategies for complex geometries.

• Records of continuous improvement efforts, including problem identification, solution implementation, and impact assessment on efficiency or quality.

• Examples of how new technologies or software (including AI tools) were integrated into existing prototyping workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a prototyping role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just show finished parts but demonstrate the process behind them. This includes CAD/CAM files, fixture designs, problem-solving narratives, and evidence of collaboration and quality assurance. The AI integration preference suggests portfolios should also highlight any AI-assisted workflow improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $144,000 - $204,000 per year

Benefits:

• Performance-based Bonus

• Equity (Stock Options/Grants)

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Potential for overtime depending on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a highly skilled CNC Prototyping Machinist with specialized experience in a high-tech prototyping environment. The inclusion of bonus and equity indicates a performance-driven culture and a desire to incentivize long-term commitment and contribution to company success.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Social Media, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality Hardware)

Company Size: Large (Meta has tens of thousands of employees globally).

Founded: 2004 (Meta Platforms, Inc.)

Team Structure:

• The role will be part of the Meta Reality Labs (RL) division, specifically within a state-of-the-art mechanical prototyping facility.

• This facility likely comprises a team of machinists, technicians, engineers, and potentially designers, working in close collaboration.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Prototyping Facility Manager or a Lead Engineer within Reality Labs.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on rapid iteration and fast-paced development cycles to accelerate product timelines.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing machine performance data, inspection reports, and engineering feedback.

• Collaborative problem-solving approach, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Focus on continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing processes and tooling.

• Growing integration of AI and automation to enhance efficiency, precision, and workflow optimization.

Company Website: https://www.metacareers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Meta's culture is known for its fast-paced, innovative, and ambitious environment. For a prototyping role within Reality Labs, this translates to a dynamic workspace where quick turnarounds, problem-solving, and embracing new technologies are paramount. The scale of Meta means access to significant resources and cutting-edge tools.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level individual contributor position within the manufacturing and operations domain. It requires a high degree of technical expertise, problem-solving capability, and the ability to work autonomously.

Reporting Structure: The machinist will report to a manager or lead within the Reality Labs prototyping facility, working closely with mechanical engineering teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and critical impact on the speed and quality of Meta's hardware product development lifecycle. By efficiently producing functional prototypes, the machinist enables rapid iteration, design validation, and the progression of products from concept to potential market launch. Their work directly influences product feasibility, performance, and time-to-market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced machining techniques (e.g., multi-axis CNC, exotic materials), additive manufacturing, or specific fabrication processes.

• AI Integration Leadership: Become a go-to expert for integrating AI tools into prototyping workflows, potentially leading initiatives or training others.

• Process Engineering: Transition into roles focused on optimizing broader manufacturing processes, tooling development, or supply chain integration for hardware products.

• Team Leadership: Advance into supervisory or lead machinist roles, mentoring junior team members and managing operational aspects of the prototyping facility.

• Cross-functional Roles: Move into product development engineering roles, leveraging deep manufacturing knowledge to contribute to design and architecting phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of AI skill development as a preferred qualification suggests a clear path for growth into roles that blend traditional manufacturing expertise with emerging AI applications. This is a significant opportunity for career advancement in a rapidly evolving field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is situated within a dedicated, state-of-the-art mechanical prototyping facility, likely on Meta's campus or a designated R&D site. This environment is characterized by specialized machinery and a focus on hands-on fabrication.

Office Location(s): Redmond, Washington, USA. This location is a hub for technology companies, including Microsoft, and offers a vibrant tech ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• A highly collaborative environment where close interaction with mechanical engineers and other technical staff is essential.

• Access to a comprehensive suite of advanced prototyping tools and technologies, including 5-axis CNC machines, laser cutters, waterjets, and potentially 3D printers.

• A dynamic and potentially fast-paced atmosphere driven by ambitious product development timelines.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily on-site, full-time.

• While standard hours are expected, the nature of prototyping can sometimes require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the prototyping facility suggests a hands-on, tool-centric environment. Collaboration is key, implying a need for strong interpersonal skills alongside technical proficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with minimum and preferred qualifications, particularly experience with 5-axis CNC, CAM software (Fusion), and any AI integration experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your machining expertise, CAM programming skills, understanding of materials, and experience with prototyping complex parts. Expect to be asked about specific projects and challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and results.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess your collaboration skills, problem-solving approach under pressure, ability to communicate effectively with engineers, and your understanding of safety and continuous improvement principles.

• On-site/Virtual Facility Tour & Discussion: Potentially a walkthrough of the prototyping facility (if on-site) or a discussion about its capabilities, followed by interactions with team members.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in 5-axis CNC machining, CAM programming, complex part prototyping, and ideally, any AI-assisted workflow improvements.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, include high-quality images or videos of the final parts, CAD models, CAM toolpaths, and any fixtures used.

• Narrate the Process: Clearly articulate the project's objective, the challenges encountered (e.g., material properties, tight tolerances, design complexities), the solutions you implemented (including software and machine choices), and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "reduced cycle time by X%", "achieved tolerance of +/- Y").

• Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, describe how you worked with engineers to refine designs or solve manufacturing issues.

• Emphasize AI Integration (if applicable): If you have experience with AI tools for workflow optimization, clearly explain how you used them, the specific prompts or agents, and the measurable impact on efficiency or quality.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAM Programming Exercise: Be prepared for a practical exercise where you might be given a CAD model and asked to create a CAM program, select tooling, or optimize toolpaths.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: You may be presented with a hypothetical manufacturing challenge (e.g., a part failing inspection, a machine issue) and asked to describe your systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving it.

• Process Improvement Proposal: Be ready to discuss how you would approach improving a specific aspect of the prototyping workflow, drawing on your experience and understanding of efficiency principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential practical challenges underscores the hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities through concrete examples. The AI component suggests that candidates who can articulate innovative applications of AI in manufacturing will stand out.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CNC Machining Centers: Advanced 5-axis and 3-axis CNC milling equipment.

• Manual Machine Tools: Lathes, mills, grinders, etc., for supporting tasks and specialized operations.

• CAM Software: Autodesk Fusion (required), potentially others like Mastercam, SolidCAM.

• CAD Software: Autodesk Fusion (required), Siemens NX, Solidworks (required).

• Inspection Equipment: Calipers, micrometers, CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) for precision part verification.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data collection from machine performance monitoring systems.

• Inspection reports and quality control data analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional CRM sense, but workflow automation within CAM/CAD software and potential integration with broader manufacturing execution systems (MES) or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

• AI tools for workflow optimization, prompt engineering, and potentially agent orchestration for task automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Autodesk Fusion for both CAD and CAM is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with Siemens NX and Solidworks is highly valued. The mention of AI tools suggests familiarity with prompt engineering and potentially agent-based automation is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Speed: A drive to constantly explore new techniques and technologies to accelerate the prototyping process.

• Precision & Quality: A commitment to producing high-tolerance parts that meet rigorous engineering specifications.

• Collaboration & Communication: A culture of open dialogue and teamwork, especially between machinists and engineers.

• Problem-Solving & Resourcefulness: An ability to tackle complex manufacturing challenges creatively and efficiently.

• Continuous Improvement & Adaptability: A proactive approach to enhancing processes and embracing new tools, including AI.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly integrated and iterative. Machinists are expected to work closely with engineers throughout the design and prototyping phases, providing feedback and making adjustments in near real-time.

• Cross-functional collaboration extends to other prototyping specialists (e.g., those with additive manufacturing or waterjet expertise) and potentially project managers.

• Emphasis on clear, concise communication regarding technical specifications, timelines, and any encountered issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values proactive contributions and a willingness to adapt. For operations professionals, this means being comfortable with ambiguity, driving improvements, and contributing beyond just executing tasks.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Demands: Constantly shifting project priorities and tight deadlines requiring efficient task management and adaptability.

• Complex Geometries & Materials: Machining intricate parts from diverse and sometimes difficult-to-work-with materials (e.g., exotic alloys, high-performance plastics).

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively implementing new machining technologies, software, and AI tools into established workflows.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Ensuring high-quality output without compromising rapid turnaround times.

• Troubleshooting Unique Issues: Diagnosing and resolving novel problems that arise from complex designs or new material applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Machining Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in specialized CNC operations or CAD/CAM software.

• AI in Manufacturing Workshops: Access to training and development focused on leveraging AI for process optimization, predictive maintenance, and workflow automation.

• Cross-Training: Exposure to and potential training on other prototyping technologies within the facility (e.g., additive manufacturing, laser cutting).

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant manufacturing and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and senior machinists within the Reality Labs division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of hardware prototyping, particularly with the integration of AI. The challenges are significant but directly lead to valuable skill development in a high-demand area.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to machine a highly complex part with extremely tight tolerances. What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Focus on precision, problem-solving, and technical execution).

• "How do you approach collaborating with design engineers when you identify a potential manufacturability issue with a design?" (Highlight communication, DFM feedback, and solution-oriented approach).

• "If you were tasked with significantly improving the efficiency of our CAM programming workflow, where would you start, and what tools or techniques might you consider?" (Demonstrate process thinking, optimization skills, and potential AI application).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working on hardware prototypes for Meta Reality Labs?" (Connect your passion for technology and hardware development to Meta's mission).

• "How do you stay current with advancements in CNC machining, CAM software, and emerging manufacturing technologies like AI?" (Illustrate your commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize AI Integration: If you have AI experience, make it a central theme in at least one of your case studies. Clearly articulate the AI tool used, the specific problem it solved, and the quantifiable benefits.

• Demonstrate 5-Axis Mastery: Select projects that clearly showcase your proficiency with 5-axis machining, detailing the toolpaths, challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Focus on Problem/Solution/Impact: For each project, structure your narrative around the problem encountered, the solution you devised (technical approach, software used), and the positive impact or result achieved.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Expect engineers to ask detailed questions about your CAM strategies, material science considerations, and tooling choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss not only their technical machining skills but also their ability to innovate, collaborate, and integrate emerging technologies like AI into their work. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Meta Careers portal using the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in prototyping, specifically mentioning 5-axis CNC operations, CAM programming (Autodesk Fusion), and any experience with CAD software like Siemens NX or Solidworks. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced cycle time by 15% on complex prototypes").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best work. Include detailed case studies of complex parts, fixture designs, and any projects demonstrating AI integration for workflow optimization. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research Meta Reality Labs: Understand their mission, current projects (if publicly available), and the types of hardware they are developing. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, collaborative spirit, and technical expertise, especially concerning advanced machining and AI applications.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.