Cnc Machinist

CNC Machinist

This role focuses on fabricating high-precision components, fixtures, and prototypes that support both experimental and production systems. As a CNC Machinist, you take full ownership of the parts you produce, ensuring quality, surface finish, and on-time delivery from initial drawing to final handoff. You collaborate closely with mechanical engineering and physics teams to convert complex CAD models into manufacturable parts, often working at the limits of tolerance, finish, and material performance to support advanced hardware and cutting-edge manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate precision components, fixtures, and prototypes using manual and CNC equipment, including mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines.
• Own the full lifecycle of each part from drawing to delivery, including setup, machining, inspection, and final handoff.
• Translate complex CAD models into manufacturable parts by applying sound machining strategies and best practices.
• Program and optimize CAM toolpaths using software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360 CAM, NX CAM, or similar tools.
• Develop and implement fixturing strategies to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and efficiency in machining operations.
• Machine a wide range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steels, copper, titanium, and exotic alloys, while maintaining tight tolerances.
• Achieve ultra-precision tolerances, including sub-thousandth-level accuracy, and maintain high-quality surface finishes.
• Interpret mechanical drawings and apply GD&T principles to ensure parts meet all dimensional and geometric requirements.
• Perform detailed inspection and metrology using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and CMM equipment.
• Document and own quality for each part, identifying nonconformances and driving corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment, including proper care and maintenance of tools and machines.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to flag manufacturability issues early and recommend design improvements.
• Apply vacuum-clean machining practices for parts destined for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications when required.
• Support specialty machining processes such as EDM, surface grinding, lapping, welding, jig boring, or 5-axis programming, as applicable.
• Contribute to a R&D environment by adapting quickly to changing priorities and new technical challenges.

Essential Skills

• Trade school certification, apprenticeship, military machinist training, or equivalent hands-on machining experience.
• 5+ years of experience machining precision parts to sub-thousandth tolerances on manual and CNC equipment, including mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines.
• Hands-on CAM experience with software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360 CAM, NX CAM, or similar tools, including toolpath optimization and fixturing strategy.
• Proven ability to machine a wide range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steels, copper, titanium, and exotic alloys.
• Strong proficiency in reading mechanical drawings and interpreting GD&T.
• Advanced inspection and metrology skills using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and CMM.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver ultra-precision CNC machining work with tight tolerances and high-quality finishes.
• Clean, organized shop habits with strong attention to safety and proper tool and machine care.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams.
• Experience operating CNC mills, CNC lathes, and other CNC machines in a production or R&D environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in startup or R&D environments.
• Familiarity with vacuum-clean machining practices for UHV-bound parts.
• Experience with cleanroom-compatible part preparation.
• Exposure to specialty processes such as EDM (wire or sinker), surface grinding, lapping, welding, jig boring, or 5-axis programming.
• Experience in machining for semiconductor equipment, accelerator hardware, or aerospace components.
• Strong sense of quality ownership and accountability for the parts produced.
• Ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to design-for-manufacturability discussions.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a compelling combination of benefits, support, and long-term upside. Team members receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with generous premium support, helping to ensure peace of mind and well-being. A monthly housing subsidy is available for those living within an approved distance of the facility, easing the cost of living in the area. Relocation support is provided for individuals moving to San Francisco, making transitions smoother and more accessible.

In addition to competitive cash compensation, a generous equity package allows employees to share in the long-term success and growth of the company. The culture emphasizes innovation, ownership, and collaboration in a highly technical environment, giving you the opportunity to work on frontier…