CNC Prototype Machinist

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 63,369 - 92,299; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs

Job summary

Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our subtractive prototyping team in Santa Cruz, CA. You will setup, operate, program, and fixture tooling for aircraft components from rough stock to finished parts, collaborating with engineers and technicians in a fast‑paced shop.

The role emphasizes hands‑on machining, G‑code work, tool selection, process development, and documentation.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 2+ years of CNC programming.
• 1+ year of machining experience.
• Operate manual lathe and mill.
• Knowledge of CNC probing routines.
• Operate, program and setup CNC 3‑axis and 5‑axis mill.
• Basic machine edits, knowledge of G&M codes.
• Proficient with common shop measuring tools.
• Excellent documentation and written communication.
• Maintenance of machines and other equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, grinders, and other equipment.
• Set up and operate both 3‑axis and 5‑axis mills and lathes to create complex aircraft components, fixtures, and tooling from rough stock to finished part.
• Determine the best setup, machining strategy, order of operations, tool selection, speed/feed parameters for each project.
• Evaluate new tools and dial in speeds and feeds based on machine limitations, material types, and tool library.
• Shift between jobs when priorities change and communicate with co‑workers.
• Juggle multiple projects, often sidelining some to expedite others.
• Basic understanding of G‑code editing.
• Select, procure, and organize tooling and fixturing based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, and system capability.
• Collaborate with team members to develop a standardized process for machining, work holding, and set‑up to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborate with engineers, QC technicians, and programmers to provide solutions, feedback or alternative approaches to solve technical manufacturing problems with design and manufacturability of tools and components.
• Support engineering activities including prototype development, proof of concept studies, process and assembly validation.
• Help develop, draft, and update assembly documentation to guide others in assembly processes, train others as needed.
• Perform inspections and measurements of product dimensions using basic Quality Control measuring tools, probing routines, calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and other equipment.
• Document and communicate well within the team environment.
• Read blueprints and design documents and interpret verbal design instructions.
• Prioritize quality on completed parts, maintain tight tolerances, inspect own parts and co‑worker’s work.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining experience

G-code editing

Documentation & communication

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Haas controls

Fanuc controls

CNC probing routines

CAD/CAM software

Job description

CNC Prototype Machinist

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our subtractive prototyping team. This individual’s role is to setup, operate, program, make fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components while collaborating with engineers and other technicians through hands‑on experience. You will be responsible for the entire process of CNC operations from start to finish cutting a wide variety of metals and plastics. A willing attitude is very important for this position and goes a long way when thinking through a variety of solutions to complete jobs on time due to the fast pace of parts flowing through the shop. This position is hands on and we aim to attract, retain, develop and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our team.

Responsibilities

• Operate mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, grinders, and other equipment.
• Set up and operate both 3‑axis and 5‑axis mills and lathes to create complex aircraft components, fixtures, and tooling from rough stock to finished part.
• Determine the best setup, machining strategy, order of operations, tool selection, speed/feed parameters for each project.
• Evaluate new tools and dial in speeds and feeds based on machine limitations, material types, and tool library.
• Shift between jobs when priorities change and communicate with co‑workers.
• Juggle multiple projects, often sidelining some to expedite others.
• Basic understanding of G‑code editing.
• Select, procure, and organize tooling and fixturing based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, and system capability.
• Collaborate with team members to develop a standardized process for machining, work holding, and set‑up to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborate with engineers, QC technicians, and programmers to provide solutions, feedback or alternative approaches to solve technical manufacturing problems with design and manufacturability of tools and components.
• Support engineering activities including prototype development, proof of concept studies, process and assembly validation.
• Help develop, draft, and update assembly documentation to guide others in assembly processes, train others as needed.
• Perform inspections and measurements of product dimensions using basic Quality Control measuring tools, probing routines, calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and other equipment.
• Document and communicate well within the team environment.
• Read blueprints and design documents and interpret verbal design instructions.
• Prioritize quality on completed parts, maintain tight tolerances, inspect own parts and co‑worker’s work.

Required

• HS Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 2+ years of CNC programming.
• 1+ year of machining experience.
• Operate manual lathe and mill.
• Knowledge of CNC probing routines.
• Operate, program and setup CNC 3‑axis and 5‑axis mill.
• Basic machine edits, knowledge of G&M codes.
• Proficient with common shop measuring tools.
• Excellent documentation and written communication.
• Maintenance of machines and other equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs unaided.

Desired

• Full 5‑axis machining experience.
• Operate, program and set up CNC lathe with live tooling.
• Knowledge of Haas and Fanuc controls.
• Fusion360, Powermill, Solidworks, SolidCAM or other CAD/CAM experience.
• Basic Jira, SharePoint and Microsoft D365 experience.
• Forklift experience.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $46‑$67 /hr. The compensation package will be determined by job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.