Founding Machinist

Job Title: Founding Machinist

Location: Los Angeles, CA Job Type: Full-time, On-site Pay: $80,000–$120,000 per year

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.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Join an ambitious industrial hardware company at an early stage • Take meaningful ownership of critical components and manufacturing processes • Work directly with engineers on advanced microturbine technology • Help shape the machine shop and production culture • Contribute to scaling an operation from early prototypes to full production

Work Location

On-site in Los Angeles, California.

Application Instructions

Please submit your updated résumé. Candidates are also encouraged to include a portfolio, photographs of machined components, or examples of relevant fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing projects.

For additional information, contact [email protected].