Machinist / Model Maker III

Nelson Connects; Rohnert Park (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects is seeking a skilled Machinist / Model Maker III to join our Design Engineering team in California on-site. You will program CNC equipment, setup four-axis mills and Swiss-type lathes, and help turn concepts into working prototypes with high precision.

Bring 15+ years of machining and model-making experience, strong knowledge of CAD/CAM and G-code, and a systematic approach to tool selection, inspection, and safety. This role reports to the Design Engineering group.

Qualifications

• Fifteen years of related machining and model-making experience.
• A high school diploma or GED and completion of a machine tool technology program.
• Strong knowledge of CNC programming, CAD/CAM, G-code, and high-speed machining techniques.
• Experience selecting cutting tools, feeds, and speeds for different materials.
• Proficiency with precision inspection tools and shop math.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, organization, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate CNC equipment, including four-axis mills, lathes, and Swiss-type lathes with live tooling and sub-spindles.
• Develop G-code using CAM software and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses.
• Read engineering drawings and interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Build and inspect precision components, prototypes, and tooling.
• Recommend equipment and tooling to support new product development.
• Prepare cost and material estimates for prototypes, tooling, and short production runs.
• Support equipment qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ, and maintain project documentation under ISO 13485 requirements.
• Maintain shop equipment, tooling, and materials while following safety procedures.

Skills

CNC programming

CAD/CAM

G-code

High-speed machining

Precision inspection

Shop math

Troubleshooting

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Machine Tool Technology Program

Tools

CAM software

Four-axis/multi-axis machines

Swiss-type lathe

Job description

Machinist / Model Maker III

Sonoma County, CA | On-site

$40–$60 per hour, depending on experience

Bring your precision machining expertise to a stable manufacturing firm where your work will help turn new product concepts into working prototypes.

As part of the Design Engineering team, you’ll support R&D by programming CNC equipment and designing and building prototypes, tooling, dies, jigs, fixtures, and mold tools. This is a hands‑on opportunity for an experienced machinist who enjoys solving technical challenges and collaborating with engineers.

What you’ll do

• Set up, program, and operate CNC equipment, including four‑axis mills, lathes, and Swiss‑type lathes with live tooling and sub‑spindles.
• Develop G‑code using CAM software and operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and drill presses.
• Read engineering drawings and interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Build and inspect precision components, prototypes, and tooling.
• Recommend equipment and tooling to support new product development.
• Prepare cost and material estimates for prototypes, tooling, and short production runs.
• Support equipment qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ, and maintain project documentation under ISO 13485 requirements.
• Maintain shop equipment, tooling, and materials while following safety procedures.

What you’ll bring

• Fifteen years of related machining and model‑making experience.
• A high school diploma or GED and completion of a machine tool technology program.
• Strong knowledge of CNC programming, CAD/CAM, G‑code, and high‑speed machining techniques.
• Experience selecting cutting tools, feeds, and speeds for different materials.
• Proficiency with precision inspection tools and shop math.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, organization, and attention to detail

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