Prototype Machinist (7:00am to 3:30pm)

About The Role:

What You’ll Do:

• Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T callouts, work instructions, and inspection requirements.
• Own machined parts from start to finish, including planning, programming, setup, machining, inspection, documentation, and delivery.
• Program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and operate CNC mills and lathes, including 3-axis and 5-axis milling equipment across multiple machines during the shift.
• Develop efficient CAM programs using Fusion 360 or similar platforms such as Mastercam, HyperMill, or FeatureCAM.
• Design setups, fixtures, soft jaws, vacuum fixtures, and other creative workholding solutions for one-off, prototype, and low-volume parts.
• Select tools, create tool lists, order tooling and materials, and prepare jobs for efficient execution.
• Machine precision parts across a range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, ceramics, and engineering polymers.
• Inspect parts using CMM data, calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other metrology tools, then adjust machining processes to produce conforming hardware.
• Collaborate closely with engineering to identify manufacturability risks, improve designs, reduce machining time, and increase part quality.
• Manage multiple jobs based on priority, due dates, material availability, machine capacity, and changing engineering needs.
• Delegate appropriate setup, machining, inspection, and shop support tasks to shop technicians based on priority, skill level, and production needs.
• Document setups, inspection results, lessons learned, and process changes so future builds become faster and more repeatable.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized machine shop and follow all shop policies, safety procedures, and company requirements.
• Train new employees, engineers, and other internal shop users on equipment, setup practices, and safe shop behavior.

What You’ll Need:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, robotics, automotive, or another high precision industry.
• Strong experience programming, setting up, proving out, and operating CNC mills and lathes, including 3-axis and 5-axis machining.
• Experience with toolpath strategy, tool selection, work offsets, probing, setup verification, and process troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least one modern CAM platform. Fusion 360 experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including feeds and speeds, tool wear, surface finish, workholding, rigidity, and tolerance stackup.
• Ability to read complex prints, interpret GD&T, and hold tight tolerances, including features below 0.001 inch or 25 microns when required.
• Strong inspection and metrology skills, with the ability to verify hardware against engineering specifications.
• Ability to design practical fixtures, soft jaws, and custom tooling for prototype parts with limited direction.
• Experience working in a fast-paced prototype, R&D, or low-volume production environment where priorities and requirements can change quickly.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once, reprioritize quickly, and maintain attention to detail under schedule pressure.
• Clear and proactive communication style, especially when flagging manufacturability risks, schedule risks, quality concerns, or unclear drawing requirements.
• Proficiency with manual shop equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, lapping machines, and basic hand tools.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, wear required PPE, and follow all company safety requirements.
• Ability to support a 24/7 operation on a 5-2 schedule, including assigned shifts based on business and production needs.
• Ability to work onsite in Emeryville, CA.