Machinist/Fabrication Lead

About the role

You will program, set up, and operate CNC milling equipment to produce precision enclosures and components that define the physical form of our communication pods. You will run laser cutting systems to create flat patterns and profiles that integrate with metal 3D printed features for complex geometries. You will own the end-to-end fabrication cell, managing the flow of raw stock through subtractive and additive processes to finished goods Ready for assembly. You will develop and refine fixture strategies that improve repeatability, reduce changeover time, and support scalable production workflows. You will optimize toolpaths, feeds, and speeds to maximize machine utilization while maintaining strict tolerance control and surface quality. You will maintain the health of the fabrication equipment, performing preventative maintenance and troubleshooting issues before they impact the production schedule. You will inspect parts in process and final output, ensuring every enclosure meets dimensional, structural, and cosmetic standards. You will work closely with engineering and assembly teams to solve manufacturing constraints and improve the overall manufacturability of our hardware products.

Key facts

What you'll do

Program, set up, and operate CNC mills (Haas experience preferred) and laser cutting equipment to machine precision metal components.

Operate wire-laser directed energy deposition (DED) equipment for additive manufacturing of metal components including custom heat sinks and prototype parts.

Own fabrication workflows from raw stock to finished enclosure components, ensuring traceability and quality at every step.

Design and build fixtures to improve repeatability, throughput, and safety within the fabrication cell.

Optimize toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and setups for production efficiency without sacrificing dimensional accuracy or surface finish.

Maintain machines, tooling, and fabrication equipment in working order to minimize downtime and support continuous production.

Troubleshoot machining issues and resolve production bottlenecks using diagnostic skills and practical knowledge of machine behavior.

Perform in-process inspection and ensure parts meet dimensional and cosmetic requirements using appropriate measurement tools.

Collaborate with engineering and assembly teams to improve manufacturability and simplify assembly operations.

Maintain organized workspaces and uphold shop safety standards to support a safe and efficient production environment.

Support daily production targets (~2 units/day) by managing setup schedules and prioritizing work to meet commitments.

Process materials including aluminum, copper, and bronze alloys to create housings, frames, and integrated structural parts.

Integrate additive and subtractive methods, printing near-net-shape parts and finish machining to final tolerances.

Document standard operating procedures and best practices to enable consistent execution by the fabrication team.

Assist with material planning, inventory management, and supplier coordination to ensure the shop is stocked and efficient.

Requirements

Prove hands-on experience programming and operating CNC mills, with Haas machine proficiency being a strong asset.

Bring experience operating laser cutters or similar fabrication equipment used in enclosure and panel manufacturing.

Develop and refine additive-to-subtractive workflows, managing the transition from printed metal parts to finished machined components.

Independently manage setup, fixturing, and tooling decisions to keep the fabrication cell running smoothly.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of machining fundamentals, tolerances, metrology, and how material behavior affects finished parts.

Have prior experience in a production or fabrication environment focused on repeatable manufacturing rather than one-off prototyping.

Show mechanical intuition and strong troubleshooting skills when machines, tools, or processes behave unexpectedly.

Maintain a high attention to detail and a quality-first mindset that prevents defects from reaching downstream operations.

Perform routine machine maintenance and diagnostics, including cleaning, lubrication, and basic calibration checks.

Have experience with sheet metal fabrication or enclosure manufacturing, including bending, forming, and joining methods.

Use CAM software such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar tools to generate efficient and reliable toolpaths.

Support low-volume production scaling, balancing prototype flexibility with the demands of consistent unit economics.

Have welding or general fabrication experience, including the ability to join metal components and fit assemblies.

Thrive in a startup or fast-moving build environment where priorities shift quickly and adaptability is essential.

Nice to have

Experience with metal 3D printing processes such as DED or powder bed fusion is preferred.

Familiarity with injection molding, urethane casting, or composite fabrication methods is a plus.

Knowledge of quality management systems or experience implementing inspection routines is encouraged.

Experience with automated test equipment or integration of sensors into fabricated enclosures is valued.

Background in aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial hardware markets is preferred.

Practical notes

Hours are full time, with flexibility to work extended hours during production ramp periods or critical milestones.

This role may require travel between offices or to customer sites as project needs dictate.

Visa sponsorship may be considered for qualified candidates who meet the requirements of the position.

Candidates must be able to start within a reasonable timeframe as defined by current hiring pipelines.