Rapid Product Development Machinist

About the role

Sonnax provides innovative transmission repair products for the automotive aftermarket and industrial sectors utilizing drivetrain components. Partnering with transmission rebuilders, our R&D teams identify failing OEM parts and design components to repair or enhance automatic transmissions, meeting a wide range of performance and warranty needs. Summary: The Rapid Product Development Machinist is responsible for planning, machining, modifying, and supporting the manufacture of prototype and pilot lot components for new products. This role is the hands on bridge between engineering design and full scale production-turning early concepts, drawings, and models into high quality physical parts. The machinist works closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to accelerate development cycles and support smooth product launches. This position is ideal for a highly skilled machinist who enjoys problem solving, collaborating across departments, and taking ownership of a part, from concept to finished component.

Responsibilities

• Prototype & Pilot Lot Machining
• Set up and operate manual and CNC machines (mills, lathes, wire EDM, etc.) to produce prototype and pilot‑lot components.
• Machine parts from engineering drawings, 3D models, sketches, or verbal instructions in a low‑volume, high‑variation environment.
• Support rapid design iterations, rework, and engineering changes during prototype and pilot builds.
• Maintain dimensional accuracy and quality while working with evolving designs and limited documentation.
• Identify and resolve machining and manufacturability issues related to materials, tooling, tolerances, and part geometry.
• Engineering & Manufacturing Support
• Work directly with Design Engineers to clarify design intent and understand functional requirements.
• Provide practical design‑for‑manufacture feedback to improve machinability, reduce risk, and optimize parts for available equipment.
• Review drawings and models to highlight manufacturability concerns, tolerance challenges, and tool access limitations.
• Troubleshoot machining‑related issues that impact assembly, fit, or function during prototype and pilot builds.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Work with Quality to inspect prototype and pilot components using precision measurement tools and ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly, and testability of new components.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to source prototype materials, tooling, and outsourced processes.
• Collaborate with in‑house manufacturing teams to schedule or execute processes requiring additional capabilities or capacity.
• Assist in coordinating prototype and pilot builds with external vendors when specialized machining or processing is required.
• Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
• Capture lessons learned from prototype and pilot builds and communicate them to production teams.
• Support root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for machining‑related issues.
• Contribute to the transition from pilot to production, including documentation of setups, tooling, and process notes.
• Continuous Improvement
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects related to new product introduction.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining methods, setup efficiency, cost, quality, delivery, and safety.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with shop safety standards.
• Required Qualifications
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic 3D models.
• Proficiency in manual and/or CNC machining, including setup and operation.
• Experience machining a variety of materials (steel, aluminum, plastics, etc.).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, and vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple prototype jobs and adapt to changing priorities.

Requirements

• Experience supporting prototype, pilot, or low‑volume manufacturing builds.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software (viewing or basic programming

Additional Information

Sonnax Transmission Company As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway- you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best. Sonnax Transmission Company As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings - which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway - you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

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