Founding Machinist

Job Summary

A well-funded, a16z-backed industrial hardware startup is seeking an exceptional Founding Machinist to help develop compact microturbine generators for drones, humanoid robots, and other advanced systems.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership position for someone who wants to help build a manufacturing operation from the ground up. You will machine critical prototypes and precision components while developing the setups, fixtures, tooling, inspection methods, and repeatable processes required to scale production.

Responsibilities

• Machine tight-tolerance components and prototypes using CNC and/or manual equipment
• Independently plan and execute machine setups, workholding, tooling, and cutting strategies
• Program, operate, and troubleshoot machining equipment
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing specifications
• Design and improve fixtures, jigs, tooling, and production processes
• Inspect finished parts using appropriate precision measurement equipment
• Partner closely with mechanical engineers to move designs from CAD to tested hardware
• Identify manufacturability issues and recommend practical design improvements
• Improve production quality, repeatability, throughput, and efficiency
• Support the transition from prototype parts to reliable production
• Help establish machine-shop standards, documentation, and manufacturing culture

Qualifications
Strong hands-on CNC and/or manual machining experience
• Demonstrated ability to own setups, tooling selection, workholding, and finished-part quality
• Experience machining tight-tolerance or complex components
• Ability to interpret drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Knowledge of dimensional inspection and precision measurement tools
• Strong troubleshooting skills and practical manufacturing judgment
• High level of craftsmanship, accountability, and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with engineers in a fast-paced hardware environment
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3-axis or 5-axis milling, CNC turning, mill-turn, EDM, or grinding
• Experience with Mastercam, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, GibbsCAM, or similar CAM software
• Background in aerospace, turbines, propulsion, robotics, defense, or advanced hardware
• Experience machining titanium, Inconel, ceramics, superalloys, or other challenging materials
• Familiarity with CMM inspection, probing, first-article inspection, SPC, or AS9100 practices
• Experience moving hardware from prototype development into repeatable production
• Experience creating custom fixtures, tooling, or manufacturing processes

Education and Experience

Formal machining education, an apprenticeship, trade-school training, or relevant professional experience is preferred. Candidates with degrees or coursework in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, machining technology, or a related field are also encouraged to apply.

Exceptional new graduates with strong machining projects, internships, portfolios, or substantial machine-shop experience will be considered.