Start your machining career. We will teach you the craft.
Union City, CA
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$18 – $22/hour
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Entry level
Reports to: Senior CNC Machinist / Shop Supervisor
Quick Answer: What Is a CNC Apprentice Job?
A CNC apprentice job is a paid, entry-level role where you learn precision CNC machining on the job, no prior experience required. At RivCut in Union City, CA, apprentices earn $18–$22/hour and train on 3, 4 and 5-axis mills and lathes while moving up a clear ladder toward Level One CNC Machinist and beyond.
This page covers the full CNC apprenticeship: day-to-day responsibilities, what we require, benefits and the career path. You can apply directly through the form on this page by submitting your name, contact details, years of experience and a resume.
Role facts: Pay $18–$22/hour | Full-time, on-site Union City, CA | Experience 0 months (entry level) | Machines 3× / 4× / 5×-axis CNC | Tolerances held to spec, often ±0.001″ | Benefits: health, dental, vision, PTO and paid training.
About This Role
This is a paid apprenticeship built for someone who wants to learn precision CNC machining from the ground up. You will train alongside experienced machinists, learn to set up and run CNC mills and lathes, and build the fundamentals of measurement, tooling and shop safety. No prior machining experience is required, only a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
We are a startup where everyone gives 110% toward one shared goal. You will be mentored, given real work, and expected to grow fast. If you are reliable, curious and take pride in doing things right, we will invest in you.
Apprentices who show initiative move into a Level One CNC Machinist role and keep climbing from there. This is the first rung of a real career ladder, not a dead-end job.
Key Responsibilities
Set up and operate CNC milling centers (3, 4, and 5-axis)
Set up and operate CNC turning centers including live-tooling lathes
Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications
Perform in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges
Make tool changes and adjust offsets to maintain tolerances
Edit G-code and make basic program adjustments on the fly
Work with aerospace materials: aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics
Maintain tight tolerances per customer specifications
Perform routine machine maintenance and keep work area clean
Document setups, measurements, and quality checks
Communicate with team leads on job progress and issues
Support first-article inspection processes
Follow safety protocols and maintain OSHA compliance
Contribute to continuous improvement on the shop floor
Requirements
2+ years of CNC mill or lathe operation experience
Ability to read engineering drawings and basic GD&T
Experience with manual measuring tools: calipers, micrometers, height gauges
Comfortable with G-code editing and basic program adjustments
Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
High school diploma or equivalent
Basic shop math (decimals, fractions, trigonometry)
Willingness to learn and grow in a startup environment
Preferred Qualifications
Mastercam or Fusion 360 CAM experience
Experience with live-tooling lathes
Familiarity with aerospace materials (titanium, Inconel)
Trade school certificate or apprenticeship completion
Experience with 5-axis machining
Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems
Benefits & Perks
Competitive pay: $28–$36/hour depending on experience
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Overtime opportunities (time and a half)
Paid training and skill development
Modern CNC equipment and cutting-edge tooling
Startup culture with performance bonuses and growth opportunities
Additional Information
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, standard business hours. Overtime available.
Apply Now
Your Growth Path
From Apprentice to Senior Machinist
Every machinist at RivCut moves up a clear ladder. Here is the full path and where this role sits on it.
Apprenticeship CNC Machinist
You are here. Build the fundamentals of setup, measurement and shop safety.
Level One CNC Machinist
Run production on established setups with growing independence.
Level Two CNC Machinist
Own your setups. Hold tight tolerances on 3 and 4-axis work.
Level Three CNC Machinist
Lead complex 5-axis jobs and mentor junior machinists.
Senior CNC Machinist
Lead the floor on the hardest work and own multi-axis projects end to end.
CNC Programmer / Lead Machinist
Program parts from scratch, optimize processes and lead a machining cell.
Shop Supervisor / Manufacturing Engineer
Run the team and daily output or drive tooling and process strategy.
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.
Competitive Pay
$28–$36/hr + overtime + 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 skill development. We fund your growth because your growth is our growth.
Work Hard, Live Well
Monday–Friday schedule, PTO, and paid holidays. We go hard during work hours and respect your time outside the shop.
