CAD/CAM Engineer

RivCut Inc.; Union City (CA); On-site; USD 55,104 - 68,880; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Overtime opportunities

Professional development including Mastercam training

Performance bonuses

Job summary

A dynamic CNC programming startup in Union City is looking for a skilled CNC Programmer to take ownership of programming tasks. You will create efficient tool paths and work closely with machinists on the shop floor, optimizing processes for various machining operations using Mastercam. This position offers a competitive hourly rate of $40–$50, alongside performance bonuses and paid training opportunities. Join us to build a strong programming library and advance your career in an innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC programming experience with Mastercam.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings with GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Program 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC milling operations in Mastercam.
• Develop efficient tool paths optimized for cycle time and surface finish.
• Collaborate with machinists to refine programs based on real-world feedback.

Skills

CNC programming experience with Mastercam

Proficiency in 3-axis through 5-axis milling operations

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Mastercam

SolidWorks

Job description

Turn complex geometry into flawless tool paths. Your programs drive everything we make.

Union City, CA · $40 – $50/hour · 3+ years

Reports to: Lead CNC Programmer / Engineering Manager

About This Role

Own the programming side of our CNC operation. You'll take customer models and engineering drawings, develop efficient tool paths in Mastercam, and optimize programs for cycle time, surface finish, and accuracy across our 3, 4, and 5-axis milling centers and multi-axis lathes.

We're a startup building our programming library from scratch — every program you write becomes part of the foundation. You'll work closely with machinists on prove-outs, refine feeds and speeds for exotic materials, and push our machines to their full capability. This isn't a desk-only role — you'll be on the floor verifying your work.

Key Responsibilities

• Program 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC milling operations in Mastercam
• Program multi-axis CNC turning and mill-turn operations
• Develop efficient tool paths optimized for cycle time and surface finish
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and feeds for each operation
• Create and maintain setup sheets and operation documentation
• Support first-article prove-outs on the shop floor
• Collaborate with machinists to refine programs based on real-world feedback
• Review customer models and drawings for manufacturability
• Build and maintain a library of proven programs and templates
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tool paths and programming

Requirements

• 3+ years of CNC programming experience with Mastercam
• Proficiency programming 3-axis through 5-axis milling operations
• Experience with CNC turning and/or mill-turn programming
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings with GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Knowledge of aerospace materials: aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, Inconel
• SolidWorks or equivalent CAD proficiency for model manipulation
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Experience with post-processor configuration and editing

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with modern CNC controls
• Multi-axis simultaneous machining programming
• Experience with high-speed machining (HSM) strategies
• Familiarity with CAM simulation and verification tools
• AS9100 or aerospace manufacturing environment experience
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement background
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Overtime opportunities available (time and a half)
• Professional development including Mastercam training and certifications
• Modern CAM workstations with latest Mastercam licenses
• Startup culture with performance bonuses and growth opportunities

Additional Information

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, standard business hours. Split time between the CAM office and the shop floor.

Your Growth Path

Every engineer who's joined RivCut has had a clear path upward. Here's where this role can take you.

You are here. Program parts, optimize tool paths, build the program library.

Own complex 5-axis programs. Set standards for feeds, speeds, and strategies.

Lead CNC Programmer

Manage the programming team. Drive cycle time targets and quality metrics.

Director of Engineering

Shape the technical direction of the company.

What We Offer

Startup Rewards for Startup Effort

We're building something from the ground up. The people who go all-in with us get rewarded — in pay, in growth, and in ownership of their craft.

Competitive Pay

$40–$50/hr + OT available. Performance bonuses for cycle time improvements.

Full Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision. We invest in the people who build our programs.

Growth Investment

Paid Mastercam training, certifications, and conferences. Stay on the cutting edge.

Work Hard, Live Well

Monday–Friday schedule, PTO, and paid holidays. We respect your time.