What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Machinist position at Rite-Hite?
At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you’ll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that’s always looking ahead.
Rite-Hite is looking for a hands-on R&D Machinist to support new product development and continuous improvement efforts within our manufacturing environment. In this role, you’ll partner closely with engineering to bring new ideas to life—building prototypes, testing concepts, and helping improve the quality, manufacturability, and cost of our products.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with a variety of machining equipment while playing a key role in innovation and product development.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
This role is based in a manufacturing and R&D environment. You’ll regularly be on your feet and working with machinery.
At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:
Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.
Rite-Hite is looking for a hands-on R&D Machinist to support new product development and continuous improvement efforts within our manufacturing environment. In this role, you’ll partner closely with engineering to bring new ideas to life—building prototypes, testing concepts, and helping improve the quality, manufacturability, and cost of our products.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with a variety of machining equipment while playing a key role in innovation and product development.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
- Set up and operate a variety of equipment including CNC machines, mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws, punch presses, and press brakes
- Program CNC machines using G & M code and conversational programming
- Adjust machining settings such as speed, feed rate, coolant flow, and depth of cut
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints to machine parts to specification
- Build, modify, and test prototype components for new product development
- Design and fabricate fixtures, jigs, tooling, and test equipment
- Collect, document, and analyze prototype testing results
- Collaborate with engineers and designers to improve product designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency
- Support project timelines and ensure deliverables stay on schedule
- Perform routine maintenance on machining equipment
- Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical issues as needed
- Support production, customer service, and special order engineering requests
- Assist with product installations, service support, and occasional trade show setup/teardown
- Train others on installation and service processes
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional R&D workspace
- Follow all safety, quality, and company procedures while contributing to continuous improvement efforts
- Associate degree (or equivalent technical training) OR related machining experience
- Experience operating CNC and manual machining equipment
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
- Familiarity with CNC programming (G & M code or conversational programming)
- Basic welding skills (steel) preferred
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable using computers (email, spreadsheets, basic documentation)
- Willingness to travel occasionally to support customers, suppliers, or sales efforts
- Ability to safely operate equipment such as forklifts and scissor lifts (or willingness to learn)
This role is based in a manufacturing and R&D environment. You’ll regularly be on your feet and working with machinery.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 25 lbs regularly, up to 100 lbs occasionally)
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts and moderate noise levels
- Occasional work in varying environmental conditions (heat, humidity, heights, etc.)
At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:
- Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.
- Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.
- Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.
Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.