Senior R&D Prototype CNC Machinist

Life Unlimited at Smith+Nephew

Picture your morning in our new-product development machine shop: an engineer from our Sports Medicine team drops off a concept sketch; you translate it into a precision program, set up the mill and EDM, and by afternoon you’re inspecting a one-of-a-kind component that could shape the next generation of Sports Medicine and ENT devices. That’s a day in the life for our Senior R&D Prototype CNC Machinist.

What you’ll do

• Produce one-off and short-run parts, fixtures, and tooling from drawings or rough sketches, meeting all work order specifications with minimal oversight.
• Program, set up, edit, and operate CNC equipment (milling, EDM) and other shop tools to achieve exacting tolerances.
• Create fabrication and inspection methods; design jigs, tools, and fixtures; and drive shop requests through to completion.
• Interpret prints, GD&T, and tolerance requirements; verify critical dimensions on finished components.
• Keep machines calibrated; perform preventive maintenance and repairs; and maintain both CNC and conventional equipment.
• Support prototyping by helping source and order tooling and raw materials.
• Uphold a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times.

What helps you succeed

• Education: Associate degree in machining technology or equivalent preferred.
• Experience: 6+ years of machine shop experience required; completed machinist apprenticeship required; Senior Journeyman status preferred.
• Proficiency: CNC programming and CNC setup/changeover.

Why Smith+Nephew

You Unlimited. We invest in our people and the patients we serve—so you can build meaningful solutions and a rewarding career.

• Inclusion & Belonging: We welcome, celebrate, and thrive on diverse perspectives and employee inclusion groups.
• Your Future: 401(k) Matching Program, 401(k) Plus Program, discounted stock options, and tuition reimbursement.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible personal/vacation time off, paid holidays, flex holidays, and a paid community service day.
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution (>$500 annually), Employee Assistance Program, parental leave, and fertility/adoption assistance.
• Training: Hands-on learning, team-customized development, and mentorship.
• Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel, and more.

Join our machine shop and turn ideas into life-changing products.