Machinist

recruyt; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

San Francisco-based CNC Machinist role for an early-stage robotics company building autonomous systems for ocean applications. You will own the full machining process from CAM programming and setup to inspection, iteration, and production.

You’ll work with real hardware for autonomous surface and subsea robots, enjoying varied tasks from prototyping to production runs in demanding marine environments.

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years hands-on CNC experience required.
• Reading and applying GD&T on complex parts.
• Strong fundamentals from machining/manufacturing programs or apprenticeships.

Responsibilities

• Program parts in Fusion 360 CAM and set up jobs for first article through production.
• Operate 3-axis, 5-axis milling and turning with Haas controls.
• Inspect own parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMM.
• Design and build fixtures and workholding for efficient production.
• Adjust toolpaths, offsets, feeds, speeds based on inspection results.
• Collaborate with engineers on DFM and GD&T to improve processes and quality.

Skills

CNC machining experience

Fusion 360 CAM

GD&T

Metrology & inspection

5-axis milling/turning

Fixture design

Education

Machining/manufacturing technology program or apprenticeship

Tools

Haas controls

CMM use

Job description

I’m hiring a CNC Machinist on behalf of my client, an early-stage robotics company building autonomous systems for ocean and maritime applications.

This is a hands-on role based in San Francisco for someone who wants to own the full machining process — from CAM programming and setup through inspection, iteration, and production.

You’ll be working on real hardware going into autonomous surface and subsea robots, so the work varies constantly. One week might be a one-off prototype for the engineering team; the next could be a production run of components heading into demanding marine environments.

What you’ll be doing

• Programming parts in Fusion 360 CAM
• Working across 3-axis, 5-axis milling, and turning
• Setting up and proving out jobs from first article through production
• Inspecting your own parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, and CMM
• Designing and building your own fixtures and workholding
• Adjusting toolpaths, offsets, feeds, speeds, and setups based on inspection results
• Working directly with engineers on DFM and GD&T
• Helping improve machining processes, quality systems, documentation, and shop workflows

What we’re looking for:

We’re open to machinists with 2–3+ years of hands‑on CNC experience, as well as strong graduates from machining/manufacturing technology programs or apprenticeships who already have solid fundamentals.

You should be comfortable with:

• Fusion 360 CAM
• Haas machines and controls
• CNC setups, offsets, work coordinates, and tooling
• Reading and working from GD&T
• Metrology and first-article inspection
• Fixturing and workholding
• Understanding how machining strategy translates from CAM to the actual machine

Some 5-axis experience is preferred, but if your fundamentals are strong and you’re eager to learn, my client is happy to teach you.

Bonus points for simultaneous 5-axis programming, CMM experience, G-code/post-processor work, production machining, ISO 9001 exposure, or fabrication skills.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys solving machining problems, cares deeply about quality, and wants far more variety and ownership than running the same part thousands of times.