Senior CNC Machinist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision & dental coverage

401(k) plan

Competitive salary

Job summary

Foundation in San Francisco, CA is seeking a skilled machinist to manufacture high-precision components for humanoid robots and actuators. You will drive transitions from prototype to scalable production, ensuring tight tolerances and repeatable quality.

The role requires designing automated machining lines and collaborating with engineers to improve processes. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in precision machining, strong reading of drawings, and experience with Mastercam or Fusion 360.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a machinist.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and CAD/CAM workflows.
• Familiarity with CMMs and precision measurement.
• Ability to optimize setups and reduce cycle times.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture high-precision components for humanoid robots and actuators.
• Support transition from prototype to scalable manufacturing with consistent quality.
• Collaborate with engineering to refine designs and optimize processes.
• Design and implement automated machining and handling systems for mass production.

Skills

High-precision machining

Reading drawings

CNC operation

Team collaboration

Education

Machining certification (desirable)

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

Job description

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.