As a Prototype Machinist, you will be responsible for making parts from start to finish in our machine shop in Emeryville. This includes ordering tooling and materials, process development, CAM programming, fixture design, manufacturing the parts on the machines, and metrology / inspection. You will also provide feedback on designs to make manufacturing faster, easier, and more repeatable. You will think quickly, produce quality work, and anticipate concerns before they become blockers. Additionally, you will collaborate with a small team of machinists in charge of keeping the shop clean, safe, and organized, enforcing shop policies, and training staff.
What You’ll Do:
- Interpret 3‑D models & prints, plan setups, program CAM, fixture, and inspect
- Run a variety of CNC equipment (3‑axis, 3 + 2, and true 5‑axis mills, live‑tool lathes, waterjet & laser cutters) to tolerance levels down to ± .0005 in (± 13 µm).
- Develop creative work‑holding and tooling solutions for one‑off and low‑run parts
- Program quickly and efficiently in CAM
- In‑process and final inspections (calipers, micrometers, height gauge, CMM)
- Refine feeds/speeds, propose process improvements, keep machines maintained, and uphold our EHS & dress‑code standards.
- Train & mentor junior machinists and shop technicians, sharing best practices in machining, metrology, and CAM workflows.
- Collaborate with engineers to ensure part manufacturability and suggest design tweaks to increase quality and shorten machining time.
What you’ll need:
- 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in a fast‑paced prototype or R&D environment, including 5‑axis (3+2) or mill‑turn work.
- Demonstrated mastery of at least one modern CAM platform (Fusion 360 preferred, Mastercam, HyperMill, FeatureCAM, etc.) and comfort jumping into others.
- Strong GD&T literacy – can read complex prints, hold < .001 in / 25 µm tolerances, and know when to push back on impossible callouts.
- Fluent in inspection & metrology (CMM a plus) with a drive for first‑article perfection.
- Creative fixture and tooling mindset to design soft jaws, vacuum fixtures, and modular tombstones on the fly.
- Ability to juggle multiple projects and re‑prioritize as designs change, without dropping details.
- Clear, proactive communicator who documents setups, shares lessons learned, and thrives in tight feedback loops with engineers.
- Physical & safety readiness – able to stand for long periods, lift 50 lbs, wear required PPE, and follow all company regulations.
- Familiarity with a range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, Stainless Steel, Ceramics, and Polymers.
- Proficiency with manual machines, such as mills, lathes, drill presses, lapping machines, and saws.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience
- Demonstrated mastery of at least one modern CAM platform
- Strong GD&T literacy
- Fluent in inspection & metrology
- Ability to juggle multiple projects
What We Do
Atomic Machines is redefining humanity’s relationship with matter. We see a future where our tools will allow us to reorganize matter at the atomic level at will, where we will go from bits to atoms for any object or machine that can be designed in alignment with physical laws. We have begun our journey with the development of a robotic manufacturing platform capable of making an entirely new class of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) devices. We are well funded and have exceptionally strong product/market fit and a clear go-to-market path for the device we will make first with our platform. Our platform breaks traditional manufacturing paradigms and constraints, enabling inexpensive rapid prototyping as well as large scale manufacturing with highly compelling economics. Joining forces with us means becoming part of an incredibly talented, inventive and passionate multi-disciplinary team working on a massive world-changing mission. You will have the opportunity to help define the company from its early days. You’ll be challenged to learn and grow as a builder and a leader as the company itself grows rapidly. And you will receive significant equity compensation - you’ll truly be a company owner and benefit financially from our overall success.
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