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.
Who We Are
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/Engineer is responsible for machining, modifying, planning, executing, and supporting the manufacture of prototype and pilot-lot components for new products. This role serves as the critical bridge between engineering design and full-scale production, translating engineering designs into high quality physical parts, focusing on speed-to-market to meet immediate customer needs. The machinist/engineer works cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Line Managers, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations to support successful product development and production launch.
Key Responsibilities:
Prototype & Pilot Lot Machining
- Set up and operate manual and/or CNC machines (e.g., mills, lathes, wire EDM) to produce prototype and pilot-lot components
- Machine parts from engineering drawings, models, sketches, or verbal instructions in low-volume and high-variation environment
- Support rapid iterations, rework, and design changes during prototype and pilot builds
- Maintain dimensional accuracy and quality while working with evolving designs
- Identify and resolve manufacturing issues related to process capability, material availability, tooling, and product design
Engineering & Manufacturing Support
- Collaborate with Design and Manufacturing Engineers to clarify design intent and manufacturing processes and requirements to support new product development and product changes
- Collaborate with Design Engineers on component functionality and manufacturing feasibility to optimize design for manufacturability or for the equipment available.
- Provide feedback on part manufacturability, tolerances, tool access, and process feasibility
- Support prototype and pilot builds by troubleshooting machining-related issues impacting assembly or function
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability, assembly, and testability
- Coordinate with Quality to inspect prototype and pilot components using precision measuring tools and to ensure they meet design requirements
- Coordinate with Supply Chain to source prototype materials, components and tooling
- Coordinate with the in‑house manufacturing team to schedule or execute processes that require additional capabilities or capacity.
- Assist in the coordination and execution of prototype and pilot builds requiring external manufacturers
Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
- Capture lessons learned from prototype and pilot builds and transfer knowledge to production teams
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for machining-related issues
- Support transition from pilot to production, including production readiness reviews and launch support
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve machining methods, setup efficiency, cost, quality, delivery, and safety in low-volume and production environments
- Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects related to NPI
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with shop safety standards
Required Qualifications
- BS degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and basic CAD models
- Proficiency with manual machining and/or CNC machining (setup and operation)
- Experience working with a variety of materials (steel, aluminum, plastics, etc.)
- Strong mechanical aptitude, problem‑solving and analytical skills
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting prototype, pilot, or low‑volume manufacturing builds
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software
- Exposure to quality systems and inspection requirements
- Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement tools
Physical / Work Environment
- Regular work in a machine shop or prototype lab environment
- Ability to stand for extended periods and operate machine tools
- Lifting of materials or components and use of hand tools and measuring equipment
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Prototype and pilot builds are executed on schedule with minimal disruption
- Manufacturing issues are identified early and resolved before production launch
- Products transition smoothly from design to full‑scale manufacturing
- Cross‑functional teams view this role as a trusted manufacturing partner during new product development
Pay Range:
30.29 - 37.02
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.