Prototype Machinist (CNC)

Bellwether Coffee; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Bellwether Coffee, headquartered in Berkeley, CA, is seeking a hands‑on Prototype Machinist (CNC) to help our hardware team rapidly produce prototype parts. You will set up Haas 3‑axis mills, write toolpaths in Fusion, read GD&T drawings, and verify parts in a small, fast‑paced shop.

You’ll work directly with hardware engineers to troubleshoot designs, optimize setups, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances while keeping safety and organization top of mind.

Qualifications

• Hands-on setup, running, and troubleshooting on HAAS 3-axis mills.
• Strong CAM programming in Autodesk Fusion.
• Able to program complex 3D parts with multiple setups and custom fixturing.
• Experience machining stainless steel and aluminum with appropriate feeds and tools.
• Familiar with GD&T and inspection using hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and run HAAS 3-axis mills to make prototype and short-run parts.
• Write toolpaths in Autodesk Fusion, including 3D contours and freeform surfaces.
• Read drawings and models (including GD&T) and figure out how to hold and cut the part.
• Choose tools, fixtures, speeds, and feeds to hit tolerance and finish.
• Check parts with calipers, mics, gauges, etc., during and after the run.
• Fix problems when parts or programs don’t come out right, and improve the process over time.
• Work with mechanical engineers on design-for-manufacturing and prototype builds.
• Keep the shop safe, clean, and organized, and keep machines maintained.

Skills

HAAS 3-axis mills

Fusion CAM

GD&T reading

Tolerance inspection

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

US work authorization

Stainless/Aluminum machining

Tools

Autodesk Fusion

G-code editing

CNC simulation

Job description

Role: Prototype Machinist (CNC)

Department: Hardware Engineering

Reports To: Director of Hardware Engineering

Employment Type: Part-time or Full-time

Compensation Range: $35.00 - $55.00 per hour

About Us

Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, Bellwether Coffee is working to positively transform the coffee industry by making coffee roasting more accessible and sustainable.

Our revolutionary electric, ventless commercial coffee roaster does not require gas lines or expensive ventilation. It’s the most consistent and controllable roaster available, has the lowest carbon footprint of any commercial roaster ever made, and was designed by coffee people who want a better future. Our roasting platform allows Bellwether customers to easily and responsibly source green coffee from incredible coffee farms around the world, expertly roast using artisan-crafted roast profiles, and share fresh, delicious coffee!

About this Role

This role will report to the Director of Hardware Engineering. We're looking for a hands‑on CNC machinist to help us make prototype parts fast, so our engineers can test ideas and get them into production. It's a small shop, so you'll set up your own jobs, write your own programs, check your own parts, and tell us when a design won't work. We're open to part‑time or full‑time for the right person.

Job Location

The role requires on-site presence at Bellwether’s Berkeley HQ.

Primary Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and run HAAS 3-axis mills to make prototype and short‑run parts
• Write toolpaths in Autodesk Fusion, including 3D contours and freeform surfaces
• Read drawings and models (including GD&T) and figure out how to hold and cut the part
• Choose tools, fixtures, speeds, and feeds to hit tolerance and finish
• Check parts with calipers, mics, gauges, etc., during and after the run
• Fix problems when parts or programs don't come out right, and improve the process over time
• Work with mechanical engineers on design‑for‑manufacturing and prototype builds
• Keep the shop safe, clean, and organized, and keep machines maintained

Qualifications

• Years of hands‑on time on HAAS 3-axis mills: setup, running, and troubleshooting on the machine
• Strong CAM programming in Autodesk Fusion
• Ability to program complex 3D parts on a 3‑axis machine, including multiple setups and custom fixturing
• Lots of experience machining stainless steel and aluminum, including choosing tools and feeds for each
• Experience running Haas High Speed Machining (HSM), including setting G187 smoothness and accuracy for roughing and finishing passes
• Experience holding tight tolerances and inspecting with hand measuring tools
• Nice to have: experience assembling, wiring, or debugging electromechanical prototypes (harnesses, sensors, motors, heaters); 4th‑axis or 5‑axis experience; hand‑editing G‑code at the HAAS control; wire EDM or surface grinding; manual mill, lathe, and saw experience; enough GD&T knowledge to push back on a drawing; sheet metal, food equipment, or appliance experience
• Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable working across cross‑functional teams
• Self‑starter and operates with urgency
• Takes ownership and embraces accountability with the ability to manage tasks with minimal supervision
• You are authorized to work in the U.S. without Visa Sponsorship

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, veteran status, or any other class protected by local, state or federal law.