Prototype Machinist (7:00am-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.

What You’ll Do:

• Interpret 3‑D models & prints, plan setups, program CAM, fixture, and inspect
• Run a variety of CNC equipment (3‑axis, 3 + 2, and true 5‑axis mills, live‑tool lathes, waterjet & laser cutters) to tolerance levels down to ± .0005 in (± 13 µm).
• Develop creative work‑holding and tooling solutions for one‑off and low‑run parts 
• Program quickly and efficiently in CAM 
• In‑process and final inspections (calipers, micrometers, height gauge, CMM)
• Refine feeds/speeds, propose process improvements, keep machines maintained, and uphold our EHS & dress‑code standards.
• Train & mentor junior machinists and shop technicians, sharing best practices in machining, metrology, and CAM workflows.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure part manufacturability and suggest design tweaks to increase quality and shorten machining time.

What you’ll need: 

• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in a fast‑paced prototype or R&D environment, including 5‑axis (3+2) or mill‑turn work.
• Demonstrated mastery of at least one modern CAM platform (Fusion 360 preferred, Mastercam, HyperMill, FeatureCAM, etc.) and comfort jumping into others.
• Strong GD&T literacy – can read complex prints, hold < .001 in / 25 µm tolerances, and know when to push back on impossible callouts.
• Fluent in inspection & metrology (CMM a plus) with a drive for first‑article perfection.
• Creative fixture and tooling mindset to design soft jaws, vacuum fixtures, and modular tombstones on the fly.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and re‑prioritize as designs change, without dropping details.
• Clear, proactive communicator who documents setups, shares lessons learned, and thrives in tight feedback loops with engineers.
• Physical & safety readiness – able to stand for long periods, lift 50 lbs, wear required PPE, and follow all company regulations.
• Familiarity with a range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, Stainless Steel, Ceramics, and Polymers.
• Proficiency with manual machines, such as mills, lathes, drill presses, lapping machines, and saws.