Model Maker / Machinist - Now Hiring

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You'll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

We're looking for a highly skilled Model Maker/Machinist with a strong background in precision machining, prototype fabrication, and hands-on craftsmanship. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, takes pride in producing high-accuracy components, and can work independently with confidence. The employee will be building prototypes, fixtures, and precision parts using manual and CNC equipment while holding tight tolerances and ensuring top-tier quality. Position could be hybrid in locality between the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, NY and the IBM Poughkeepsie, NY site.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Machining - Set up and operate manual and CNC milling machines and lathes to produce complex, high-accuracy components.
• Surface Grinding - Perform precision surface grinding to achieve required flatness, parallelism, and surface finish.
• Mastercam Programming - Create, modify, and optimize milling toolpaths using Mastercam for prototype and production work.
• Prototype & Model Fabrication - Build models, fixtures, and custom components from engineering concepts or detailed drawings.
• Technical Drawing Interpretation - Read and interpret detailed mechanical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Dimensional Inspection - Use micrometers, vernier/digital calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators, and other tools to verify tolerances ranging from 0.0002" to 0.005".
• Material Machining - Machine copper, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics with proper tooling, feeds, and speeds.
• Team & Independent Work - Collaborate effectively with engineers and machinists while also working independently with minimal supervision.

Required education

Associate's Degree/College Diploma

Preferred education

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Machining Experience - Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience with manual and CNC milling machines and lathes.
• Surface Grinding Skills - Strong working knowledge of precision surface grinding.
• Mastercam Proficiency - Working knowledge of Mastercam for milling toolpath creation and optimization.
• Technical Drawing Literacy - Ability to interpret detailed mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Inspection Tools - Skilled in using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators, and similar equipment.
• Material Knowledge - Prior experience machining copper, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, brass, and plastics.
• Tolerance Control - Demonstrated ability to hold tolerances from 0.0002" to 0.005".
• Mechanical Aptitude - Mechanical background is a plus.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Strong problem-solving skills and machining intuition
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Reliability, professionalism, and pride in your work
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when needed

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being

- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs

- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law

- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals

- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

US Citizenship Required.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.