Prototyping Engineer - CNC Machinist

<span>Meta Reality Labs is connecting the world by building products and hardware devices. Many of these products are custom designed for unique requirements and integrate advanced technologies.

We are seeking a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist and prototyping leader to join our mechanical prototyping facility, drive process improvements and contribute to the development of next-generation hardware products. In this role, you will lead the programming and machining of complex multi-setup parts and assemblies, coordinate closely across engineering teams to debug designs, develop advanced fixtures and workholding, and drive precise assembly work. As a technical leader, you will lead operational improvements and process development across the shop, leveraging AI tools to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and workflow optimization. Working across a wide variety of materials—from specialized plastics to hard metals—you will tackle complex challenges to continuously elevate team standards and impact.

Our prototyping facility features advanced 5-axis and 3-axis CNC machine tools, laser cutting, 5-axis waterjet cutting, and manual machining equipment. You will own the safe setup, operation, and maintenance of this gear, including tooling and fixture specification and procurement.

You will serve as a key partner and cross-functional coordinator with mechanical engineering and industrial design teams to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges. We are looking for a leader excited to establish the fastest, efficient paths from CAD models to finished parts through AI-driven automation, robust process design, and team mentorship.</span><br><br><div><strong>Responsibilities</strong></div><br><ul><li>CAM programming and operation of all CNC and manual machining equipment</li><li>CNC Machining of complex, multi-setup parts in metal and plastic</li><li>Interact with design engineers on part functionality, advise on the part suitability for machining</li><li>Partner with industrial designers on cosmetic and appearance models</li><li>Establish programming, setup, and workholding best practices for the shop</li><li>Identify large-scale problems that slow the team down and experiment with new processes and tools to solve them</li><li>Develop tools and automations using AI coding tools to improve team throughput</li><li>Clear communication of timelines and expectations to other groups within Meta</li><li>Improve the systems and tools we rely on via continuous improvement</li><li>Process documentation and mentorship of other machinists</li><li>Responsible for part quality and inspection</li><li>Ensuring that machines are properly maintained, that stock material supplies are adequate and that the shop is operated in a safe and professional manner</li></ul><br><br><div><strong>Minimum Qualifications</strong></div><br><ul><li>Bachelor's or associate's degree in machining, engineering, or fabrication and/or relevant work experience</li><li>8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or prototyping environment with advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools</li><li>Experience programming and operating 5-axis milling equipment</li><li>Advanced skills in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and CNC programming (Autodesk Fusion 360)</li><li>Advanced CAD skills in Fusion 360 (SolidWorks, NX, Onshape) and fixture design</li><li>Experience working with Industrial Design and in cosmetic model making</li><li>Skilled in prototyping of complex electro-mechanical assemblies and familiar with typical shop tools</li><li>Ability to learn and apply new design, manufacturing, and prototyping software tools</li><li>Experience identifying and implementing process improvements in a rapid prototyping environment</li><li>Willingness to experiment and iterate on solutions to large-scale problems</li></ul><br><br><div><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></div><br><ul><li>Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies</li><li>Experience with Wire EDM</li><li>Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)</li><li>Proven track record of improvements adopted across a team</li><li>Exposure to code management and software engineering basics</li><li>Experience with other technologies used in a modern digital prototyping lab, including additive, laser cutting, injection molding, and water jet</li><li>Experience taking products from concept through to functional prototype or production</li><li>Experience mentoring or training other machinists</li><li>Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)</li><li>Experience using AI coding tools to develop shop tools and automations</li></ul><br><br><span>$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits</span>