Manufacturing Full-time

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
CMM programming (Zeiss Calypso, PC-DMIS)
Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
Experience mentoring or training junior machinists
SolidWorks or similar CAD proficiency
Experience with probing and in-process inspection

Benefits & Perks

Competitive salary: $90,000 – $110,000/year depending on experience
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.

Apply Now

Full Name *

Email *

Phone *

City

State

Years of Experience *

Current Employer

LinkedIn Profile

Resume *

Click to upload resume

PDF, DOC, DOCX (Max 5MB)

Cover Letter

Available Start Date

Salary Expectation *

Authorized to work in the US? *

How did you hear about us?

By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy and consent to RivCut contacting you about this position.

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

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

You are here. Lead the hardest jobs, own multi-axis projects and set the standard on the floor.

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 Salary

$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.