Senior CNC Machinist

Hardware FYI; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation is seeking a seasoned machinist to manufacture high-precision components for humanoid robots and actuators in our San Francisco facility. You will operate CNC machines, read engineering drawings, and help scale prototyping into mass production with tight tolerances.

You should bring at least 5 years of experience in precision machining, be comfortable tooling up for multiple parts, and collaborate closely with engineers to improve manufacturability and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a machinist.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and CAD/blueprints.
• Proficient in operating and programming CNC machines.
• Experience with high-precision, mass-produced components.
• Ability to design fixtures and optimize toolpaths for efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture high-precision components for humanoid robots and actuators.
• Support transition from prototype to scalable mass production with consistent quality.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve designs and processes.
• Design and implement automated machining and handling systems as we scale.
• Maintain and operate advanced machining tools to meet tight tolerances.
• Enable internal production of critical components to reduce lead times.

Skills

CNC machining

Precision manufacturing

Reading blueprints

Toolpath optimization

Education

Machining certification

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

CMMs

Job description

About Us:

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to address the labor shortage.

Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries. We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count. We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

Our Culture:

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here: https://foundation.bot/culture.

Who should join:

• You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
• You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
• You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
• You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it.
• You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.

Why We Are Hiring for This Role:

• To manufacture high-precision components critical to the assembly and performance of our humanoid robots and actuators.
• Support the transition from prototype production to scalable manufacturing by ensuring consistent, high-quality machined parts.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to refine designs and optimize machining processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Design and implement automated machining and handling processes as we scale toward mass production.
• Play a key role in maintaining and operating advanced machining tools to meet tight tolerances and specifications.
• Enable the internal production of custom components, reducing lead times and increasing manufacturing agility.
• Contribute to the design and setup of systems for automated, high-throughput manufacturing lines.

What Kind of Person We Are Looking For:

• Experience designing automated process lines and setting up systems for mass production of precision components.
• Experience in evaluating and selecting machining equipment, tooling, and manufacturing methods based on part requirements, tolerances, and production volume.
• Proven ability to support the transition from low-volume prototyping to scalable, high-throughput machining processes.
• Familiarity with process planning for production ramp-up, including fixture design, toolpath optimization, and cycle time reduction.
• Proficient in operating and programming CNC machines, as well as traditional machining tools (e.g., mills, lathes, grinders).
• Preferably someone with experience owning a machine shop or leading precision machining operations.
• Skilled in working with various materials, including aluminum, steel, and advanced composites.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD files, and technical blueprints.
• Strong focus on precision, ensuring all machined parts meet design specifications and tolerances.
• Thorough understanding of quality assurance processes, including the use of measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and CMMs.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, such as Mastercam or Fusion 360, is a plus.
• Resourceful in troubleshooting machining issues, optimizing setups, and resolving production bottlenecks.
• Able to work collaboratively with engineers to refine designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, managing multiple machining projects simultaneously.
• Flexible and willing to adapt to new technologies, tools, and workflows as our production scales.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a machinist, with a focus on high-precision manufacturing.
• Certification in machining or a related technical field is highly desirable.

Benefits:

We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

Salary:

The annual compensation is expected to be between $120,000 - $160,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.