Precision is your craft. Every part tells a story.
Union City, CA
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$28 – $36/hour
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2+ years
Reports to: Senior CNC Machinist / Shop Supervisor
Quick Answer: What Does a CNC Machinist Do?
A CNC machinist sets up and operates computer-controlled mills and lathes to cut precision parts from metal and plastic. At RivCut this CNC machine job runs 3, 4 and 5-axis machines, reads engineering drawings and GD&T, holds tolerances near ±0.0005″ and inspects parts with calipers, micrometers and height gauges.
This page is the full job posting for our Union City, CA CNC machinist opening. It covers responsibilities, requirements, pay, benefits and the promotion path, plus an application form so you can apply directly.
Role at a glance: Pay $28–$36/hr | Experience 2+ years | 3, 4 & 5-axis mills × live-tooling lathes | Materials aluminum, steel, titanium & plastics | Full-time, Union City, CA | Full medical, dental and vision
About This Role
Set up and operate CNC milling and turning centers to produce precision parts for aerospace, defense, medical, and automotive clients. You'll work with aluminum, steel, titanium, and plastics — responsible for in-process inspections, tool changes, and maintaining tight tolerances throughout every run.
This is a hands-on role where your craftsmanship directly shapes the quality of what we deliver. We're a startup — everyone gives 110%, one shared goal. If you take pride in your work and want to be part of something bigger, this is the place.
Work on 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines with the opportunity to grow your skills and take on increasingly complex work. At RivCut, machinists who show initiative move up fast.
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
Learn the craft. Train on CNC mills and lathes under experienced mentors.
Level One CNC Machinist
Run production on established setups with growing independence.
Level Two CNC Machinist
You are here. Set up machines, hold tolerances and build your craft.
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.
