Model Maker CNC Machinist

1X; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

PTO

401(k) match

Job summary

1X is looking for an experienced CNC Machinist to own complex prototype component machining from material prep to inspection. You will program, set up, and run multi-axis CNC equipment, translating 3D CAD/CAM data and detailed drawings into reliable, high-quality parts for rapid iteration with engineering and design teams.

You will maintain tight tolerances, ensure safe, organized operations, and clearly communicate project status and constraints to internal customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years configuring, setting up, operating, and programming CNC machines.
• Experience with multi-axis CNC machining, including mill-turn equipment.
• Experience programming in a 3D CAD/CAM environment; Esprit experience is preferred.
• Experience machining complex 3D parts and holding tight tolerances.
• Proficiency with hand metrology including calipers, micrometers, and surface plate inspection.
• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and applicable experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the machining of complex prototype components from material prep through programming, setup, machining and inspection.
• Use multi-axis CNC equipment and CAD/CAM tools to produce accurate, high-quality parts for rapid iteration.
• Translate 3D CAD/CAM data and drawings into reliable machining strategies and finished components.
• Maintain tight tolerances through proper tooling, workholding, parameters, and in-process inspection.
• Inspect finished components using hand metrology and resolve dimensional issues before delivery.
• Maintain safe, organized, and production-ready machining operations across projects and equipment.
• Communicate with internal engineering and design customers on status, constraints, and potential impacts.

Skills

CNC machining

multi-axis CNC

GD&T

3D CAD/CAM data

read drawings

hand metrology

problem solving

communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Esprit

Job description

About 1X

We’re building humanoid robots that work in any space humans exist with the mission to create an abundance of labor. Simple, but it’s not.

To do this right, we have to solve robotics, AI, software, hardware, manufacturing and operations at the same time, at scale, in a form factor that has to be safe. If you’re inspired by this, you’ll thrive here. We’ve been at this since 2014 and we’re at the point where the hard problems are behind us and the hard work is in front of us.

NEO is our flagship - a general purpose robot designed to move, learn, and operate in the real world alongside real people. We’re not demoing it, we're shipping it. We’re excited to meet you, if this excites you.

If you’ve spent your career working on problems that matter and want to see them actually reach the world - this is that moment. We’re scaling, we’re hiring with intention, and we need people who want to build something that will genuinely change how humans spend their time safely creating abundance for all.

About the Team

The Prototyping team turns designs into physical parts, models, and prototypes that help 1X move quickly from concept to reality. We work directly with industrial design and engineering to solve complex machining and fabrication challenges and deliver high-quality parts for rapid iteration and product development.

Your Charter

Own the machining of complex prototype components from material preparation through programming, setup, machining, and inspection. You’ll use multi-axis CNC equipment and CAD/CAM tools to produce accurate, high-quality parts that help engineering and design teams rapidly iterate on NEO.

Key Outcomes

• Deliver complex prototype components that meet drawing, dimensional, tolerance, and surface-finish requirements.

• Program, set up, and operate multi-axis mill-turn CNC equipment to efficiently produce prototype parts and complex geometries.

• Translate 3D CAD/CAM data and detailed part drawings into reliable machining strategies and finished components.

• Consistently hold tight tolerances through appropriate tooling, workholding, machining parameters, and in-process inspection.

• Inspect finished components using hand metrology and identify and resolve dimensional or machining issues before delivery.

• Maintain safe, organized, and production-ready machining operations across projects and equipment.

• Communicate clearly with internal engineering and design customers on project status, timelines, technical constraints, and potential impacts to deliverables.

Key Competencies

• Deep hands-on CNC machining expertise with strong setup, programming, and troubleshooting skills.

• Comfortable machining complex 3D parts, including free-form and non-standard geometries.

• Strong understanding of cutting tools, workholding, feeds and speeds, and machining strategy.

• High attention to dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and overall part quality.

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD data.

• Self-directed and resourceful, with the judgment to determine the best approach for one-off and rapidly changing prototype work.

• Strong communicator who can work directly with engineers, designers, and other internal customers.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of experience setting up, operating, and programming CNC machines.

• Experience with multi-axis CNC machining, including mill-turn equipment.

• Experience programming in a 3D CAD/CAM environment; Esprit experience is preferred.

• Experience machining complex 3D parts and holding tight tolerances.

• Proficiency with hand metrology including calipers, micrometers, and surface plate inspection.

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and applicable experience.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with G-code/M-code and machine-level CNC programming.

• Experience machining a wide range of materials.

• Experience operating horizontal and vertical saws, manual mills, and lathes.

• Strong understanding of GD&T and detailed part drawing requirements.

• Experience in a prototype, model-making, industrial design, robotics, or other high-mix development environment.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple prototype projects with changing priorities.

What does a successful 1X Team Member look like?

Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it’s the one thing you can’t get back - because it is. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.

Compensation Range

$45.00 - $65.00 /hr

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave

• 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options

• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

• Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support

• Onsite snacks and catered lunches

Equal Opportunity Employer

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.