CNC Technician

Wardstone; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive early-stage salary

Equity package

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Job summary

Wardstone in Los Angeles seeks a highly skilled CNC Technician and Machinist to bridge design and physical hardware. You will translate CAD models and drawings into precision aluminum and steel parts, working alongside mechanical engineers.

This small startup role is cross-functional—programming toolpaths, setting up mills and lathes, welding frames, and advising on design for manufacturability. You’ll prototype from digital models to finished metal components.

Qualifications

• Proven experience setting up and operating both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Strong proficiency in generating G-code and using CAM software to program automated machines.
• Demonstrated experience machining aluminum and steel to tight tolerances.
• Hands-on experience with welding equipment (TIG/MIG) and general metal fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T standards.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with mechanical design engineers.
• Scrappy, adaptable mindset—willing to tackle a broad variety of projects in a small startup.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual machining equipment to produce precision components from aluminum and steel.
• Generate G-code and program CAM software for automated machines.
• Collaborate with engineers to interpret drawings, review GD&T, and optimize designs for manufacturability.
• Perform welding (TIG/MIG) and general metal fabrication for fixtures and prototypes.
• Verify part dimensions using calipers and micrometers and ensure tolerances meet specifications.
• Manage shop environment, tooling, materials, and equipment uptime.

Skills

CNC mills setup

CNC lathes setup

G-code generation

CAM software

GD&T interpretation

blueprints reading

welding TIG/MIG

metrology (calipers, micrometers)

cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

SolidCAM

TIG welding equipment

MIG welding equipment

Job description

We are looking for a highly skilled CNC Technician and Machinist to bridge the gap between design and physical hardware. You will work directly alongside our mechanical engineers to translate CAD models and engineering drawings into high-quality machined aluminum and steel parts.

Because we are a small startup, this role is highly cross-functional. You won't just be pushing buttons; you will be programming toolpaths, setting up mills and lathes, welding structural frames, and advising the engineering team on design for manufacturability (DFM). If you love the challenge of zero-to-one prototyping and taking a part from a digital model to a finished piece of metal, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

The Role

We are looking for a highly skilled CNC Technician and Machinist to bridge the gap between design and physical hardware. You will work directly alongside our mechanical engineers to translate CAD models and engineering drawings into high-quality machined aluminum and steel parts.

Because we are a small startup, this role is highly cross-functional. You won't just be pushing buttons; you will be programming toolpaths, setting up mills and lathes, welding structural frames, and advising the engineering team on design for manufacturability (DFM). If you love the challenge of zero-to-one prototyping and taking a part from a digital model to a finished piece of metal, this is the role for you.

• Rapid Prototyping & Production: Operate and maintain CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual machining equipment to produce precision components from aluminum and steel.
• CAM & Programming: Generate G-code and program automated machines using industry-standard CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM).
• Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical engineers to interpret technical drawings, review GD&T, and provide feedback on how to optimize designs for faster, more reliable manufacturing.
• Welding & Fabrication: Perform welding (TIG/MIG) and general metal fabrication for assembly fixtures, test rigs, and prototype components.
• Quality & Inspection: Verify part dimensions and tolerances using calipers, micrometers, and other metrology equipment to ensure parts meet engineering specifications.
• Shop Management: Take ownership of the machine shop environment. Manage tooling inventory, order raw materials, and maintain equipment to ensure maximum uptime.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience setting up and operating both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Strong proficiency in generating G-code and using CAM software to program automated machines.
• Demonstrated experience machining aluminum and steel to tight tolerances.
• Hands-on experience with welding equipment (TIG/MIG) and general metal fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T standards.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate directly with mechanical design engineers.
• Scrappy, adaptable mindset—willing to tackle a broad variety of projects, troubleshoot on the fly, and wear multiple hats in a small startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in aerospace machining, working with aerospace-grade tolerances, materials, and quality standards.
• Experience working in a prototyping lab, R&D facility, or early-stage startup.
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to view models and make minor adjustments.

What We Offer

• Competitive early-stage salary and equity package.
• The opportunity to build out and shape the culture of our in-house machine shop.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.