Master Machinist

Subcritical Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Job summary

Subcritical Systems, Inc. in Austin, Texas seeks a hands-on Master Machinist to fabricate precision components for the Energy Amplifier project. The role involves CNC and manual machining, reading complex drawings, and contributing to shop growth with tooling and process improvements.

You will work in a team setting, ensuring tight tolerances on challenging materials, with responsibility for setup, inspection, and process development in a fully in-person facility near Austin Airport.

Qualifications

• Proficient in reading engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Experience operating manual and CNC machines for precision parts.
• Capable of using precision measuring instruments for QA.
• Background with diverse metals and tooling repair is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints, 3D CAD data, and specifications.
• Fabricate and assemble precision components on CNC and manual machines.
• Finish parts with filing, grinding, and polishing per specs.
• Inspect tooling for accuracy and perform setup adjustments.
• Record measurements with micrometers, calipers, gauges.
• Assist in selecting shop machines, tools, and fixtures.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Analytical skills

Tolerance analysis

Measuring tools

Education

Associates Degree in Machining

Tool & Die training

Tools

CNC milling

CNC turning

EDM

Grinding equipment

Micrometers & Calipers

Job description

ABOUT SUBCRITICAL SYSTEMS

Subcritical Systems, Inc. is a venture-backed startup in Austin, Texas building the accelerator driven systems and the only US commercial manufacturer of accelerator cavities. What Space X did for rockets, we plan to do for accelerator cavities and commercialize across applications of power production, medical isotopes, semiconductors and waste transmutation.

We are in the process of building the Energy Amplifier — a novel nuclear fission system in which a particle accelerator drives a subcritical core, making meltdown physically impossible for clean power production. Due to its inherent safety, our system has a more streamlined licensing process. Our founding team includes successful entrepreneurs with a track record of building several multibillion dollar companies in deep-tech, and scientists who were leading U.S. national labs with deep experience in accelerator & nuclear technologies.

We are actively hiring to expand our team as we work toward licensing, regulatory submissions, and construction of our first energy amplifier. More information is available at subcritical.com.

ROLE SUMMARY

Subcritical Systems is seeking a hands‑on Master Machinist adept in manufacturing and assembling equipment or devices. The desired candidate knows their way around a machine shop. This position will not only fabricate parts using CNC & manual systems but will be an integral team member deciding how our machine shop grows to produce precision components made from challenging materials for SSI’s Energy Amplifier.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reading Technical Blueprints: interpreting complex engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and mathematical specifications.
• Operating Machine Equipment: use manual and computer‑controlled (CNC) tools such as lathes, mills, saw, and electrical discharge machines (EDM) to create precision components from metals and plastics.
• Fitting and Assembly: filing, grinding, and polishing individual pieces so they fit together per engineering specifications.
• Testing and Maintenance: inspect finished tools for accuracy and repairing/adjusting active production tooling and dies.
• Use of Measuring Instruments: use and record measurements with micrometers, calipers, gauges, and scales to ensure fabrication requirements are met.
• Shop Development: specification of shop machines, tools, cutting tools, fixtures, and processes for production of the SSI Energy Amplifier components.
• Training: training of junior machinists

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Comprehensive knowledge of available tool and die equipment uses, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to operate manual and CNC machining and grinding equipment.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments.
• Experience working with a range of metals (i.e. not just SS or Al).
• Strong knowledge and understanding of reading engineering drawings, tolerances, and machining principles.
• Skill in techniques for tooling repair.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve tooling issues.
• Working knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, and algebra for tool design and operation.
• 10 years of experience as a Machinist, Tool and Die

Preferred

• Proven ability to fabricate complex assemblies and communicate challenges.
• Comprehensive knowledge of tool and die equipment uses, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to operate manual and CNC machining and grinding equipment.
• Proficiency in using hand‑held precision measuring instruments.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of blueprints, tolerances, and machining principles.
• Skill in techniques for tooling repair.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to diagnose and resolve fabrication and tooling issues. Working knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, and algebra for tool design and operation.
• Associates Degree and training with experience as a Fabricator, Machinist, and/or Tool and Die Maker is preferred.

BENEFITS

We offer health, dental, and vision insurance.

LOCATION & WORK POLICY

This role is fully in person in Austin, Texas. Our facility is located next to Austin Airport.