Senior CNC Machinist / Manufacturing Engineer

Senior CNC Machinist / Manufacturing Engineer

Own the process. Set the standard. Build something that matters.

Union City, CA · $90,000 – $110,000/year · 7+ years

Reports to: Director of Operations / VP of Manufacturing

About This Role

Lead complex CNC machining projects from setup to final inspection. Program, set up, and operate multi-axis CNC mills and lathes (3, 4, and 5-axis) to produce precision aerospace, defense, and medical components to tight tolerances (±0.0005"). Mentor junior machinists, optimize processes for cycle-time reduction, and collaborate with engineering on DFM reviews.

This role bridges the gap between the shop floor and engineering — you will have real ownership over how parts are made. We’re a startup, which means you won’t just run machines — you’ll help build the systems, the standards, and the culture from the ground up. Everyone here gives 110%.

This position offers the opportunity to work on high-value, complex parts for industries where failure is not an option. You will be instrumental in establishing best practices and driving continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Program and operate 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC mills and multi-axis lathes
• Set up machines including work-holding, tooling, and offsets for complex jobs
• Perform first-article inspections (FAI) per AS9102 standards
• Interpret complex engineering drawings with GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Mentor and train junior machinists on setups, programming, and best practices
• Optimize machining processes for cycle time reduction and quality improvement
• Collaborate with engineering on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies
• Maintain tight tolerances (±0.0005" or better) on critical aerospace components
• Work with aerospace materials: titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum
• Troubleshoot machining issues and implement corrective actions
• Maintain detailed documentation of setups, programs, and inspection results
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and prove-out processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing practices

Requirements

• 7+ years of CNC milling and/or turning experience
• Expert proficiency in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent CAM software
• Strong GD&T interpretation (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience with 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machining
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings
• Skilled in first-article inspection (FAI) per AS9102
• Proven track record of holding ±0.001" or tighter tolerances
• Experience with aerospace materials: titanium, Inconel, stainless steel
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation habits

Preferred Qualifications

• AS9100 or ISO 9001 audit experience
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
• Experience mentoring or training junior machinists
• SolidWorks or similar CAD proficiency
• Experience with probing and in-process inspection
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Overtime opportunities available (time and a half)
• Professional development including certifications and training
• Modern CNC equipment and cutting-edge tooling
• Startup culture with performance bonuses and growth opportunities

Additional Information

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, standard business hours. Occasional overtime may be available.

Your Growth Path

This Role Is a Launchpad, Not a Ceiling

Every senior machinist who’s joined RivCut has had a clear path upward. Here’s where this role can take you.

Senior CNC Machinist

You are here. Lead projects, mentor machinists, own the process.

Manage a team. Own scheduling, quality, and output for your cell.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Drive process improvements, tooling strategy, and cross-functional engineering.

Director of Operations

Oversee the entire production operation. Capacity planning, P&L, strategic growth.

VP of Manufacturing

Shape the future of the company. Facilities, technology, and team at the highest level.

What We Offer

Startup Rewards for Startup Effort

We’re building something from the ground up. The people who go all-in with us get rewarded — in pay, in growth, and in ownership of their craft.

$90K–$110K base + performance bonuses. We reward results, not just time in a chair.

Full Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage. We take care of the team that builds this company.

Growth Investment

Paid training, certifications, and conferences. We fund your development because your growth is our growth.

Work Hard, Live Well

Monday–Friday core schedule, PTO, and paid holidays. We go hard during work hours and respect your time outside the shop.