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