Sr. CNC Prototype Machinist - 2nd shift

XWING; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 53,726 - 79,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

XWING is seeking an experienced Sr. CNC Prototype Machinist for the 2nd shift in Santa Cruz, California. The role involves setting up, operating, and programming CNC mills and lathes to create complex aircraft components.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of machining experience, 5+ years in CNC programming, and a deep understanding of blueprint reading. This position offers competitive pay between $39 to $58 per hour and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of machining experience.
• 5+ years of CNC programming.
• Advanced understanding of GD&T and blueprint reading.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis mills and lathes.
• Collaborate with engineers and QC technicians.
• Document and communicate well within the team environment.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining experience

Blueprint reading

Quality Control measuring tools

Problem-solving skills

Education

HS Diploma or GED equivalent

Tools

CNC mill

Lathe

Common shop measuring tools

Fusion360

Solidworks

Job description

Sr. CNC Prototype Machinist - 2nd shift

Job Locations: US-CA-Santa Cruz

• ID: 2026-4791
• Category: Subtractive Manufacturing
• Type: Regular Full-Time

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our subtractive prototyping team. This individual’s role is to set up, operate, program, make fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components while collaborating with engineers and other technicians through hands‑on experience. You will be responsible for the entire process of CNC operations from start to finish cutting a wide variety of metals and plastics. A willing attitude is very important for this position and goes a long way when thinking through a variety of solutions to complete jobs on time due to the fast pace of parts flowing through the shop. This position is hands‑on experience, we aim to attract, retain, develop and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our team.

Responsibilities

• Be self‑sufficient, self‑motivated, work independently and collaboratively with the 2nd Shift team.
• Communicate what status a job is left for the day shift team.
• Operate mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, grinders, and a variety of other equipment.
• Set up and operate 3‑axis and 5‑axis mills and lathes with live tooling to create complex aircraft components, fixtures, and tooling, from rough stock to finished part.
• Determine the best setup, machining strategy, order of operations, tool selection, speed/feed parameters for each project while coordinating with the 2nd Shift and Day Shift Programmers.
• Evaluate new tools and dial in speeds and feeds based on machine limitations, material types and tool library.
• Shift between jobs when priorities change and communicate with co‑workers.
• Juggle multiple projects often sidelining some projects to expedite others.
• Basic understanding of G‑code editing.
• Strong understanding of CAM editing.
• Use Haas and Fanuc controls.
• Select, organize appropriate tooling and fixturing based on available tooling for projects based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, and system capability.
• Collaborate with team members to standardise processes for machining, work holding, and setup to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborate with engineers, QC technicians and programmers to provide solutions, feedback or alternative approaches to solve technical manufacturing problems with design and manufacturability of tools and components.
• Support engineering activities including prototype development, proof of concept studies, process and assembly validation.
• Perform inspections and measurements of product dimensions using basic Quality Control measuring tools, probing routines, calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and other measuring equipment.
• Document and communicate well within the team environment.
• Continuous improvement of a well‑organized and safe environment for all workspaces.
• Interpret and read blueprints and other design documents as well as interpret verbal design instructions.
• Prioritise quality on completed parts, hold tight tolerances, inspect own parts and can inspect co‑worker’s work.

Required

• HS Diploma or GED equivalent
• Work shift for this position is Mon‑Fri – 4 pm‑12:30 am
• 10 + years of machining experience
• 5 + years of CNC programming
• Operate manual lathe and mill
• Knowledge of CNC probing routines
• Operate, program and set up CNC 3‑axis, 5‑axis mill and live‑tooling lathe
• Basic machine edits, knowledge of G & M codes
• Design and build shop fixtures and tools
• Advanced understanding of GD & T and blueprint reading
• Proficient with use of common shop measuring tools
• Excellent documentation and written communication
• Familiarity with 5S, or similar workplace organisation methods
• Flexibility to work in a fast‑growing environment with aggressive timelines
• Attention to detail, excellent problem solving and communication skills
• Willingness to do a variety of tasks to get the job done
• Maintenance of machines and other equipment
• Ability to lift 50 lbs unaided
• Willingness to train other team members

Desired

• Full 5‑axis machining experience
• Operate, program and set up CNC lathe with live tooling
• Fusion360, Powermill, Solidworks, SolidCAM or other CAD/CAM experience
• Use a manual touch‑off CMM
• Basic Jira, SharePoint and Microsoft D365 experience
• Forklift experience

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $39–$58 per hour. The compensation package will be determined by job‑related knowledge, skills and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.