Location:
Remote / US Nationwide (Physical sample shipments required)
About the Project:
Looking for a hands-on Prototype Engineer, Machinist, or Hardware Maker to take 3D STEP files for a multi-part watch device enclosure and turn them into a short run of high-end, retail-ready plastic parts.
This is an end-to-end contract role: you will handle creating a 2-piece aluminum prototype mold, finishing the primary cosmetic cavity surface to a high-gloss finish, and shooting/tuning the initial run of plastic parts to deliver a premium hand feel.
Key Responsibilities:
• Machining / Tooling: Cut a matching 2-piece 6061-T6 aluminum mold set from provided 3D CAD STEP files.
• Surface Finishing: Polish or finish the primary front face cavity to a high-gloss / mirror finish while keeping mating edges crisp.
• Plastic Molding & Tuning: Mount the mold in a desktop, benchtop, or short-run injection molding machine. Dial in settings to produce clean parts free of surface defects, warping, or flash.
• Part Delivery: Ship physical initial sample parts for inspection and testing.
Requirements:
• Access to a CNC mill (or desktop CNC capable of cutting 6061 aluminum) and a low-volume/benchtop plastic injection setup.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD/CAM software, metal milling, and surface polishing/finishing.
• Familiarity with common prototyping plastics (ABS, Polycarbonate, PC/ABS, or Acrylic).
• Ability to troubleshoot physical part defects (sink marks, rough surfaces, poor fitment).