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

This role will begin 8:30am – 5:00pm to support initial ramp-up and training. Within the first three months, it will transition to a permanent day shift, operating from 7:00am to 3:30pm.

As a Prototype Machinist, you will be responsible for making parts from start to finish in our machine shop in Emeryville. This includes ordering tooling and materials, process development, CAM programming, fixture design, manufacturing the parts on the machines, and metrology / inspection.. You will also provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable. You will think quickly, produce quality work, and anticipate concerns before they become blockers. Additionally, you will collaborate with a small team of machinists in charge of keeping the shop clean, safe, and organized, enforcing shop policies, and training staff.

• Interpret 3D models and engineering drawings to plan setups, program CAM, design fixturing, and run inspection workflows.
• Operate a variety of CNC machines (3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis mills; live-tool lathes; waterjets; and laser cutters) while maintaining tolerances down to ±0.0005 in (±13 µm).
• Develop innovative work-holding and tooling solutions for prototyping 
• Generate efficient CAM programs, manage tool libraries, and maintain CAM templates.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM.
• Optimize feeds and speeds and drive continuous improvements in shop processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and machinists to provide design-for-manufacturing feedback on machined and welded parts/assemblies.
• Support fabrication of tooling, fixturing, and other structures for R&D hardware.
• Document setups, offsets, inspection results, and lessons learned to strengthen tribal knowledge.
• Uphold safety protocols, PPE usage, and compliance with company standards.
• Contribute to shop cleanliness, organization, and equipment readiness.
• Proactively manage assigned projects to deliver parts on schedule.

• A first-principles mindset — You question assumptions, break problems down to fundamentals, and prefer root-cause solutions over pattern-matching.
• 3+ years of CNC machining experience in a high-mix, low-volume environment, with exposure to 5-axis or mill-turn systems.
• Welding certification with strong knowledge of codes, symbols, and techniques.
• Expertise in at least one CAM platform (e.g., Fusion 360, Mastercam, HyperMill), with flexibility to adapt to others.
• Strong GD&T literacy and ability to interpret complex drawings, consistently holding tolerances of <0.001 in / 25 µm.
• Proficiency in metrology tools and inspection methods (CMM experience preferred).
• Experience machining and welding a range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
• Skilled in manual machining equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, and saws.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to document, share workflows, and provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to lift heavy items (up to 50 lbs) as needed.