Machinist

C-Motive Machinist

C-Motive is a startup with facilities in Middleton, WI commercializing electric motors with sustainability and efficiency as top priorities. This technology was born out of UW-Madison and will be the first of its kind on the market.

Half of all electricity globally is consumed by electric motors. C-Motive's patented electrostatic motor technology delivers 95%+ efficiency, uses no rare-earth metals, less than 1% the copper, and has the potential to deliver over a gigaton of carbon savings in the next decade. The global motor marketplace is $100B annually and C-Motive is poised to become a significant player in the coming few years.

No one else in the world is developing electrostatic machines and our goal is to become the reference motor technology for a new generation of products.

C-Motive's motor is a highly engineered product, and demand is at an all-time high as we move into the pilot manufacturing phase. The design relies on a range of precision-machined components held to tight tolerances. To support growing production and development needs, we've recently expanded our machine shop with new equipment, including a 2026 SMEC 2500BY CNC turning center and a 2020 Kitamura HX300iG 4-axis horizontal mill.

This role sits within our operations team and supports both production and R&D. You'll work closely with engineering to ensure parts are manufacturable and efficient to produce, and you'll partner with management on scheduling and tooling or equipment needs. As a startup, we value teammates who jump in wherever needed—from machining precision parts to fabricating test fixtures and assembly tools—to keep the shop running smoothly.

You thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment and take pride in doing high-quality work—whether it's a complex setup or a small task that keeps the shop moving. You're curious, adaptable, and eager to learn new techniques. You enjoy solving day-to-day challenges, think on your feet, and are motivated by contributing to meaningful progress every single day.

• Perform a range of machining tasks for development parts, production parts, and test fixtures
• Collaborate with Engineering on efficient, manufacturable part designs
• Work with Production and Quality to establish inspection methods and quality checks
• Meet accuracy and operational standards while minimizing waste and caring for equipment and facilities
• Follow all required safety procedures and use appropriate PPE
• Write clear process instructions and documentation
• Perform preventive maintenance and basic repairs on machine tools and assembly equipment; maintain accurate records

• 5+ years of machining experience with the full variety of machine shop equipment (CNC mills/lathes, power tools, 3D printers, etc.): skilled in setup, tool selection, holding tight tolerances (±0.001"), programming, fixturing, etc.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings – GD&T, tolerances, datums, surface finish requirements, etc.
• Able to lift/move up to 50 lbs and work on feet for extended periods; comfortable with ladders, crouching, and similar physical tasks
• Clear communicator with strong time management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to personal and team safety
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Shop scheduling experience is a plus but not required
• Prior start-up company experience is a plus, but not required.

C-Motive is committed to equitable compensation and we offer a generous benefits package to make sure you have the support you need. We offer a take-what-you-need paid time off program and every employee, regardless of gender identity or expression, is eligible for paid parental bonding leave. We have implemented a 401k program and all employees are granted stock options with typical vesting periods.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees and are seeking to build a team that reflects the diversity of the people we hope to serve with our revolutionary products. C-Motive is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.