Senior Technician – Prototyping & Machining (Medical Devices)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Technician – Prototyping & Machining (Medical Devices)

Company: Theragenics Corp

Location: North Attleboro, MA, US

Job Type: Full Time Individual Contributor

Category: Manufacturing & Operations / Engineering Support

Date Posted: March 02, 2026

Experience Level: 7-10 years (High School Diploma) or 1-5 years (Associate's Degree)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This senior technician role is crucial for the fabrication, modification, and assembly of intricate medical device prototypes, tooling, and fixtures, directly supporting engineering, design services, and R&D initiatives.

• The position requires extensive hands-on expertise in both CNC and manual machining operations, utilizing a variety of specialized equipment to bring complex designs to life within a regulated medical device environment.

• A key aspect of this role involves close collaboration with engineering teams, providing technical guidance on manufacturability, material selection, and machining methods to facilitate rapid design iterations and process development.

• The Senior Technician will be instrumental in ensuring all manufactured components meet stringent quality and regulatory standards, contributing to the development of life-saving medical devices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a hands-on, technical role focused on the physical creation of prototypes. While the input data provided is for a "Senior Technician – Prototyping & Machining," this enhancement focuses on translating those technical responsibilities into the broader context of operations and GTM support where applicable, by highlighting the role's contribution to product development lifecycle, R&D support, and quality assurance, which are foundational to GTM readiness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prototype Fabrication & Assembly: Fabricate, modify, and assemble medical device prototypes, tooling, fixtures, and experimental components with high precision.

• Machining Operations: Operate and set up manual and CNC machining equipment, including mills, lathes, grinders, and specialty machinery.

• Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Utilize processes such as CNC machining, tube bending, forming, swaging, tip grinding, laser cutting, and laser welding to create prototype components.

• Component Integration: Perform detailed metal-to-plastic assembly, seamlessly integrating machined metal parts with injection-molded or rapid-prototyped components.

• Engineering Collaboration: Support rapid design iteration by modifying prototype components based on direct engineering feedback and design reviews.

• Technical Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) specifications to ensure accurate manufacturing.

• Quality Assurance: Employ precision inspection tools to meticulously verify dimensional accuracy and conformance to all specified requirements.

• Environment Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory and tool room environment, adhering to all operational protocols.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strictly comply with all applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements inherent to the medical device industry.

• Technical Guidance: Provide expert technical guidance to engineers and fellow technicians regarding manufacturability, optimal machining methods, and appropriate material selection.

• Process Leadership: Lead complex or high-precision prototype builds and spearhead prototype fabrication process development activities.

• Cross-functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with Engineering on prototype development, custom equipment design, and fixture design to optimize workflows.

• Troubleshooting Support: Assist in troubleshooting fabrication, assembly, and testing-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.

• Process Refinement: Support the development and continuous refinement of prototype fabrication processes and best practices to enhance efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description provided a detailed list of responsibilities. These have been expanded and categorized to emphasize the operational aspects, including precision manufacturing, quality control, regulatory adherence, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for understanding the role's impact within a larger GTM context. Senior-level responsibilities have been integrated into the primary list and highlighted to reflect the expected leadership and guidance aspects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Technical or vocational training in machining or manufacturing is preferred.

Experience:

• With a degree: 1-5 years of professional experience in technical, engineering, or laboratory environments, with a focus on prototyping and precision manufacturing.

• With a high school education: 7-10 years of senior-level, hands-on experience in machine operation, prototyping, and assembly work, demonstrating a strong command of fabrication techniques.

Required Skills:

• Manual & CNC Machining: Demonstrated proficiency in operating manual and CNC machining equipment (mills, lathes, grinders).

• Prototype Manufacturing: Hands-on experience in fabricating complex prototypes using various methods, including CNC machining, tube bending, forming, swaging, tip grinding, laser cutting, and laser welding.

• Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to accurately read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches, and GD&T specifications.

• Precision Measurement & Inspection: Proficient in using precision inspection tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMMs) to verify dimensional accuracy and conformance to tight tolerances.

• Assembly Skills: Experience with metal-to-plastic assembly and integrating various component types.

• Material Knowledge: Strong understanding of machining methods, material properties, and appropriate tooling selection for various applications.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for troubleshooting fabrication and assembly challenges.

• Safety & Quality Consciousness: Commitment to adhering to strict safety protocols and quality standards.

Preferred Skills:

• CNC Programming: Exposure to CNC programming, including G-code and/or CAM systems.

• Plastic Injection Molding: Familiarity with plastic injection molding processes and component integration.

• Regulated Environments: Experience working within ISO 13485 and FDA-regulated environments, understanding GMP principles.

• Custom Equipment Design: Ability to contribute to the design and development of custom equipment and fixtures.

• Process Improvement: Experience in developing and refining prototype fabrication processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements have been structured to clearly delineate between essential and preferred skills, emphasizing hands-on technical abilities crucial for a prototyping role. The experience requirements have been clarified based on educational background, reflecting typical industry expectations for senior technical positions. Keywords like "GD&T," "CNC Programming," "ISO 13485," and "FDA Regulated" are integrated to align with industry standards and ATS optimization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Precision Machining: Showcase examples of complex parts fabricated using both manual and CNC machining, highlighting achieved tolerances and surface finishes.

• Prototype Case Studies: Present case studies detailing the process of creating prototypes from engineering drawings or CAD models, including challenges encountered and solutions implemented.

• Assembly Integration Examples: Include examples of projects involving the integration of machined metal components with other materials (e.g., plastics), demonstrating successful assembly techniques.

• Tooling and Fixture Design/Fabrication: If applicable, showcase designs or fabricated examples of custom tooling, jigs, or fixtures created to aid in prototyping or specialized manufacturing processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Mapping: Ability to document the step-by-step process for fabricating a given prototype component, from raw material to finished part.

• Process Optimization Proposals: Examples of instances where you identified inefficiencies in a fabrication or assembly process and proposed or implemented improvements.

• Quality Control Checklists: Demonstrations of creating or utilizing checklists for verifying critical dimensions, material conformance, and assembly integrity during prototype builds.

• Material & Tooling Selection Rationale: Documentation explaining the reasoning behind material choices and tooling selections for specific prototype projects, considering performance requirements and manufacturability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hands-on technical role like this, a traditional "operations portfolio" might differ. This section interprets "portfolio" to mean a collection of work samples and documented processes that demonstrate the candidate's technical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to medical device prototyping. The emphasis is on tangible results and documented methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Hourly Rate: $23 - $32 USD per hour.

This range is based on the provided data and industry benchmarks for a Senior Technician role with significant machining and prototyping experience in the medical device sector in the North Attleboro, MA area. Factors influencing the final offer include specific years of experience, depth of technical skills, and educational background.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and skill enhancement relevant to machining and medical device manufacturing.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life and disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

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

• Potential for overtime may be available depending on project demands and business needs.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during scheduled work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range was directly provided. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in the US manufacturing/tech sector and are inferred based on typical offerings for companies of this nature. The working hours are also inferred to be standard full-time unless otherwise specified.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Devices / Healthcare Technology. Theragenics Corp operates within a highly regulated and innovative sector focused on developing advanced medical technologies, likely including diagnostic or therapeutic devices. This industry demands precision, adherence to stringent quality standards, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Company Size: The ADP listing does not specify company size, but the nature of the role and industry suggests a mid-to-large sized organization with dedicated R&D and engineering departments.

Founded: Company founding information is not provided.

Team Structure:

• Prototyping & Machining Team: This role is part of a specialized technical team focused on hands-on fabrication.

• Engineering & R&D Collaboration: The technician will work closely with Design Engineers, R&D Engineers, and potentially other technical specialists.

• Cross-functional Interaction: May interact with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to ensure prototypes meet all project requirements.

• Reporting: Likely reports to an Engineering Manager, R&D Lead, or a Senior Technical Lead overseeing prototyping operations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Iteration: Prototype development is driven by engineering specifications and feedback, with data from testing and inspection informing design modifications.

• Process-Oriented Fabrication: Manufacturing processes are standardized and documented to ensure repeatability and compliance within a regulated environment.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Challenges in prototype creation are addressed through joint efforts between technicians and engineers, leveraging diverse expertise.

Company Website: https://www.theragenics.com/ (Assumed based on domain derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job title and industry, inferences have been made about the company's operational environment, team structure, and methodology. The emphasis is on a regulated, precision-focused R&D and product development setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Technician role, indicating a level of expertise and responsibility beyond entry-level or mid-level positions. It signifies a subject matter expert in machining and prototyping, capable of independent work and providing technical guidance.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to an Engineering Manager or a Lead Technician, with direct collaboration across engineering and R&D functions.

Operations Impact: The work directly influences the speed and quality of product development. Accurate and timely prototyping is critical for validating designs, reducing development cycles, and ultimately enabling the successful launch of new medical devices. This role supports the crucial early stages of the GTM process by ensuring product feasibility and design refinement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced machining techniques, specific materials, or specialized processes like laser welding or micro-machining.

• Process Development Leadership: Transition into roles focused on developing and optimizing prototype fabrication processes, potentially leading a small team.

• Engineering Support Roles: Move into roles that bridge the gap between hands-on fabrication and engineering design, such as Manufacturing Engineer or R&D Technician Lead.

• Supervisory Roles: With demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities, advancement to a supervisor or team lead position within the technical operations department.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to gain certifications in specialized machining, quality systems (e.g., ISO 13485), or advanced manufacturing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Technician" title implies a clear career path. This analysis focuses on how this role contributes to the broader GTM pipeline and outlines potential upward mobility within a technical or operations-focused career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based in a lab or tool room environment, which is a controlled setting designed for precision manufacturing and R&D activities.

Office Location(s): North Attleboro, MA, US. This location is within the Greater Boston area, a hub for medical device innovation and manufacturing.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-on Environment: Expect a workshop setting with machinery, tools, workbenches, and potentially CAD workstations.

• Collaborative Space: While much of the work is individual, there will be regular interaction with engineers and other technical staff, often in shared project spaces or labs.

• Safety-Focused: A strong emphasis on safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to cleanroom or controlled environment protocols if applicable.

• Technology Integration: Access to modern CNC equipment, inspection tools, potentially 3D printers, and CAD/CAM software.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires consistent on-site presence during standard business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM), totaling approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be limited due to the nature of prototype development and the need for hands-on machine operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described to reflect a typical R&D lab or tool room within a medical device company, emphasizing the hands-on nature and collaborative requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.

• Technical Interview: Meeting with an Engineering Manager or Lead Technician to discuss machining experience, technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with GD&T and medical device manufacturing. This may include a review of past projects.

• Hands-on Assessment/Practical Test: Candidates may be asked to perform a machining task, interpret a drawing, or discuss a complex fabrication challenge. This is common for senior technical roles.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with potential team members and the hiring manager to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and overall suitability for the senior role.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or department head.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Precision: Highlight projects where you achieved tight tolerances, excellent surface finishes, and complex geometries.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your approach: how you interpreted the drawing, selected materials/tooling, set up the machine, performed operations, and verified dimensions.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your work contributed to faster design iterations, cost savings, or improved prototype performance.

• Highlight Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you worked with engineers, incorporated feedback, and contributed to design improvements.

• Regulated Environment Experience: If you have experience in ISO 13485 or FDA-regulated settings, be prepared to elaborate on your understanding of compliance and quality requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• GD&T Interpretation: Review common GD&T symbols and how they translate to machining requirements. Be ready to explain how you would machine a part to meet specific GD&T callouts.

• Machining Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach machining a specific type of part (e.g., a complex medical component, a specialized fixture) given certain constraints or materials.

• Troubleshooting: Think about common issues encountered in machining or assembly (e.g., tool wear, dimensional drift, material defects) and how you would diagnose and resolve them.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Consider how you might optimize a given machining process for efficiency, accuracy, or cost-effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tailored advice for a senior technical role, emphasizing the practical and hands-on nature of the interview and portfolio review, which is distinct from a typical operations or software-focused role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Machining Equipment:

• CNC Mills & Lathes: Experience operating and setting up various models, likely including 3-axis or potentially 5-axis machines.

• Manual Mills & Lathes: Proficiency in traditional machining techniques for flexibility and specialized tasks.

• Grinders: Surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, or tool grinders for precision finishing.

• Specialty Equipment: Tube bending machines, swaging machines, tip grinding equipment, laser cutters, laser welding systems.

Precision Measurement & Inspection Tools:

• Calipers & Micrometers: Standard hand tools for precise measurements.

• Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM): Experience operating CMMs for advanced dimensional verification.

• Optical Comparators/Vision Systems: For detailed inspection of small or complex features.

• Surface Finish Testers: To measure the quality of machined surfaces.

CAD/CAM Software (Preferred):

• CAD Software: Familiarity with reading and interpreting CAD models (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).

• CAM Software: Exposure to CAM systems for programming CNC machines (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360 CAM).

Quality & Regulatory Systems:

• ERP/MES Systems: Familiarity with systems used for production tracking and inventory management, though direct operation might be less common for technicians.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Understanding of how documentation, traceability, and compliance are managed within ISO 13485 or FDA regulated environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific types of machinery and tools a Senior Technician in medical device prototyping would be expected to use, highlighting both core operational equipment and preferred software proficiencies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A core value emphasizing meticulous attention to detail in all fabrication and measurement tasks.

• Quality First: Commitment to upholding the highest quality standards, essential for medical device components.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative approaches to overcome manufacturing challenges and develop novel solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where technicians and engineers work together effectively to achieve project goals.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizing a safe working environment and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Engineer-Technician Partnership: A close working relationship where engineers provide design intent and specifications, and technicians provide feedback on manufacturability and execution.

• Cross-functional Communication: Open communication channels with QA, R&D, and potentially manufacturing teams to ensure alignment on prototype requirements and readiness.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, machining tips, and troubleshooting insights among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers values and collaboration styles common in regulated, technical environments like medical device R&D, focusing on precision, quality, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Geometries & Tight Tolerances: Consistently meeting demanding specifications for intricate medical device components.

• Rapid Iteration Demands: Keeping pace with fast-changing engineering designs and the need for quick prototype turnaround.

• Material Specifics: Working with a variety of metals and plastics, each with unique machining characteristics and challenges.

• Regulatory Scrutiny: Ensuring all work aligns with stringent quality and regulatory requirements (ISO 13485, FDA).

• Tooling & Equipment Limitations: Adapting to or developing solutions for situations where standard tooling or equipment may not be ideal for a specific prototype feature.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Machining Certifications: Pursuing specialized training in areas like 5-axis machining, Swiss-style turning, or specific CAD/CAM software.

• Materials Science: Deepening knowledge of biocompatible materials, their properties, and machining best practices.

• Quality Systems Training: Gaining a more in-depth understanding of ISO 13485, GMP, and FDA regulations relevant to medical device manufacturing.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and senior technicians on complex projects and career development.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Opportunities to work with emerging prototyping technologies like advanced additive manufacturing or micro-fabrication techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines typical challenges faced by senior technicians in this field and highlights opportunities for professional growth, emphasizing continuous learning and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific machining techniques you've used for challenging parts, the materials you've worked with, and how you ensure accuracy. Example: "Describe a time you had to machine a component with extremely tight tolerances. What steps did you take?"

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a complex machining task, troubleshoot a manufacturing issue, or improve an existing process. Example: "If an engineer asked you to create a prototype part that seems difficult to machine with standard equipment, how would you approach the problem?"

• GD&T and Drawing Interpretation: Review how to read and apply GD&T callouts. You might be asked to walk through interpreting a section of a technical drawing.

• Regulated Environment Understanding: Be ready to discuss your experience or understanding of working in ISO 13485 or FDA-regulated environments, emphasizing quality and traceability.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: Articulate why you are interested in medical device prototyping and Theragenics Corp specifically. Research the company's mission and recent developments.

• Teamwork: Discuss your experience collaborating with engineers and other technical staff. How do you handle design feedback or technical disagreements?

• Work Ethic: Be prepared to discuss your commitment to safety, quality, and meeting deadlines in a demanding environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in precision machining, complex assembly, and problem-solving.

• Visual Aids: Use clear photos, CAD renderings, or even physical samples (if appropriate and feasible) to illustrate your work.

• Process Walkthrough: For each project, clearly explain the "problem" (the design requirement), your "solution" (your machining and assembly approach), and the "result" (the achieved prototype and its specifications).

• Highlight Challenges & Learnings: Be open about difficulties encountered and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and learning.

• Focus on Impact: Whenever possible, connect your technical contributions to the broader goals of product development and patient care.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for preparing for interviews and presenting a portfolio for a senior technical role in the medical device industry, focusing on practical skills and regulated environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Technician position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific machining skills (CNC, manual, specific equipment), experience with GD&T, prototype development, and any experience in regulated industries (medical, aerospace, etc.). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced machining time by X%," "achieved tolerances of +/- Y microns").

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of your best work, focusing on precision, complexity, and problem-solving. Be ready to articulate the process and your role in each project. If physical samples are not feasible, high-quality photos or CAD renderings are essential.

• Technical Review: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific machining operations, materials, and inspection techniques. Review common GD&T symbols and machining principles.

• Company Research: Understand Theragenics Corp's mission, the types of medical devices they develop, and their commitment to innovation and quality. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Theragenics Corp or the hiring organization before making application decisions. Specific portfolio requirements may vary; it is advisable to inquire about desired formats or examples during the initial screening.