Machine Programmer

You Aspire To: 

Aid the rapid production/fabrication of prototype machined, metallic parts, using a variety of tooling equipment, machines, and measurement instrumentation. Your high attention to detail not only produces tools and fixtures to print but also enables constructive feedback to be given to designers, regarding ease of manufacture and cost reduction opportunities. When time is of the essence, your ability to collaborate with design partners directly, also enables the fabrication of prototype parts, to design intent, without drawings

Responsibilities 

• Programming and Operation of all rapid tooling shop equipment, including both CNC and manual mills/lathes, jig bores, grinders, precision measuring equipment, etc.
• Act as a professional point of contact for prototyping requests 
• Perform preventative maintenance activities to ensure high equipment uptime
• Deliver continuous improvement activities resulting in a continuous reduction in lead times/costs for prototype tooling delivery
• Provide training to less experienced or new team members/colleagues 
• Maintain, renew and upgrade equipment in the shop to achieve desired rapid turnaround of requests and associated quality/reliability
• Ensure all colleagues working in the prototype lab adhere to safety standards, company policies, and equipment operating procedures 
• As appropriate, order, record, and manage inventory 
• Ensure the shop is adequately stocked, clean, and visually appealing

The activities above may include the need to supply parts to both US and international locations. Visits to supplier locations and various Heliogen sites/locations (including project sites) may be required. 

What's Essential: 

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in delivery of rapid prototype tools/parts via use of all machine shop equipment including both CNC and manual mills/lathes, press-brakes, Grinders, Pillar drills etc.
• 3+ years of CNC programming experience (3-axis & 5-axis VMC, 3-axis router, plasma table, etc.)
• Experience working with traditional materials: Aluminum, Low Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Plastics
• Extensive experience with custom mechanical components. A significant portion of the heliostat BOM are mechanical components which may require tooling and DFM to best match with internal or supplier process/equipment capabilities.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, including expertise in the use and implementation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ASME Y14.5.
• Practical knowledge of metrology and related equipment such as a CMM, caliper, micrometer, height gauge, etc.
• Experience in equipment identification, selection, and qualification, including CNC Machines, 3D printers and general fabrication equipment such as lathes, press-brakes, pillar drills, mills etc.
• Strong communication skills; must be comfortable with giving feedback to design teams on best practice and fabrication methods
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Great problem-solving skills and the ability to multi-task 

Desirable Experiences & Skills: 

• Experience with exotic materials: Titanium, Invar, Tantalum, Composites, Copper alloys, and Ceramics
• Cost estimating, materials consulting, tooling design/fabrication and post machining process experience
• Startup company experience is highly desirable
• Practical knowledge of various production processes like stamping, injection molding, break forming, robotic welding, casting, etc.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and working knowledge of ERP/MRP/MES systems