Research Machinist

Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.

At the Robotics and AI Institute, we blend the visionary thinking often reserved for academic settings with the disciplined teamwork and robust resources typical of top-tier industry teams, turning ambitious ideas into reality. We need people who are comfortable working between academia and industry and excited to build some hardware.

You will turn ideas and drawings into prototype parts for robots, working directly with engineers and researchers as designs evolve. This is a hands-on shop role focused on one-off and small-quantity work, where creative machining and practical feedback help research hardware come to life.

• Program, set up, and operate CNC mills and mill/turn machines, including 5-axis equipment, to make low-volume prototype parts.

• Plan machining operations from raw stock to finished part, selecting tooling, processes, and setups for the material and design.

• Design and build fixtures and work holding for complex parts, and develop programs using G-code, conversational controls, or CAM software.

• Inspect parts using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines; check dimensions and document results.

• Work with engineers and researchers to interpret drawings, resolve manufacturing questions, and suggest practical improvements to part designs.

• Fabricate and finish parts, support hands-on prototype assembly and troubleshooting, and share machining knowledge with teammates.

• Maintain prototyping equipment and shop supplies, perform preventative maintenance and repairs within your scope, and help keep the shop ready for use.

• Follow established safe-work practices for machining equipment, tooling, and moving machinery; identify and communicate hazards or equipment issues.

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience.

• Experience setting up, operating, or programming CNC machines, including vertical mills, 5-axis equipment, or mill/turn machines, for low-quantity prototype parts.

• Strong working knowledge of G-code and experience creating or modifying machining programs.

• Ability to use 3D CAD and CAM tools, such as Solid Works and SolidCAM or comparable software, to prepare and manufacture parts.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and apply working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

• Experience selecting tooling and work holding, and using precision measuring instruments to inspect finished parts.

• Ability to work independently through machining tasks and communicate questions, trade-offs, and results with engineers, researchers, and other shop users.

• Experience working safely around machining equipment and moving machinery.

Experience in any of the following is a plus; none is required.

• A BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience solving complex hardware challenges.

• Experience working on robots or other complex electromechanical systems.

• Experience with metal fabrication processes such as MIG or TIG welding or plasma cutting.

$104,038 - $219,683 a year

The current reasonable and good faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $104,038-$219,683, which is based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, educational background and certifications, performance and qualifications, market demand for the role, geographic location, and other organizational needs. An individual candidate may be considered for this position at a different job level, in which case the appropriate salary range will be provided to the candidate after their qualifications have been established.

Employees who are new to the RAI Institute typically receive an offer that is between the minimum and the midpoint of the posted salary range to allow for growth within the range over time.

Base pay is part of a competitive total compensation package that may include an annual bonus, a Long-term cash incentive, monthly cell phone cost reimbursement, commuter cost subsidy, medical benefits, and more.

Any final job offer will be determined based on our established compensation range for the role, the candidate’s experience and qualifications, internal parity, and market and business considerations. The advertised pay range is not a guarantee or promise of a specific wage.

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