CNC Machinist

Arxlight; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arxlight, an Oakland-based hardware startup, seeks an experienced CNC machinist to support in-house machining operations. This hourly, on‑demand role will help us get Haas CNC processes up and running, train the team on proper machine operation, and return periodically to machine parts as needed.

The initial engagement includes several days on-site to understand equipment, tooling, and workflow. There are opportunities for additional hourly work based on production and prototyping needs.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating and setting up Haas CNC machines is required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Proficient with common inspection and measurement tools.
• Experience with CNC programming or editing G-code preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up Haas CNC machines for prototypes and production.
• Develop safe, efficient CNC machining workflows.
• Train team members on CNC operation.
• Assist with tooling selection, workholding, feeds and speeds.
• Read and interpret drawings and CAD models.
• Ensure parts meet specifications through inspection.
• Maintain a clean, safe machining workspace.
• Return for additional machining work as needed based on production and prototyping needs.

Skills

Haas CNC setup

GD&T interpretation

Blueprint interpretation

Precision measurement

Tools

G-code programming

CAD/CAM software

Inspection tools

Job description

Arxlight Company OverviewWe are a rapidly growing technology startup focused on delivering next-generation drones for security and safety applications. Our company vertically integrates hardware and software to create leading edge capabilities in the UAV space, with a focus on saving lives.

Arxlight Company OverviewWe are a rapidly growing technology startup focused on delivering next-generation drones for security and safety applications. Our company vertically integrates hardware and software to create leading edge capabilities in the UAV space, with a focus on saving lives.

Arxlight is seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to provide hands-on support with our in-house machining operations. This is an hourly, flexible position ideal for an experienced machinist who can help us get our CNC processes up and running, train our team on proper machine operation and best practices, and return periodically to machine parts as needed. The initial engagement may involve spending a few days on-site helping the team understand the equipment, tooling, setup, programming, and machining workflow. Following the initial setup, there will be opportunities for additional hourly work based on production and prototyping needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and set up Haas CNC machines to produce prototype and production components
• Help establish safe and effective CNC machining workflows
• Provide hands-on guidance and training to team members on CNC machine operation
• Assist with tooling selection, workholding, setup, feeds and speeds, and machining practices
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models
• Set work and tool offsets and perform machine setup
• Inspect machined parts using appropriate measurement tools
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and setup issues
• Machine one-off and small-batch parts for engineering and prototype applications
• Help establish repeatable processes for frequently machined components
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized machining workspace
• Return for additional machining work as needed based on Arxlight's production and prototyping schedule

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating and setting up Haas CNC machines is required
• Demonstrated professional experience as a CNC machinist
• Ability to independently set up machines and produce parts to engineering specifications
• Experience reading engineering drawings and interpreting GD&T
• Proficiency with common inspection and measurement tools
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining processes
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and setup issues independently
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality parts
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced hardware development environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience machining prototypes or low-volume parts
• Experience in a startup, aerospace, robotics, defense, or advanced manufacturing environment
• Experience with CNC programming or editing G-code
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software
• Experience working with aluminum and other common aerospace/robotics materials
• Experience training or mentoring less-experienced machinists or engineers

Engagement

• Hourly position
• $55/hour
• Flexible, on-demand schedule based on machining and prototyping needs
• Initial engagement expected to include several days of hands-on setup, training, and knowledge transfer
• Additional days available periodically as parts and machining needs arise

This is a great opportunity for an experienced machinist who enjoys working directly with engineers and helping a growing hardware team establish practical, repeatable CNC machining capabilities.