CNC Machinist (Mill & Lathe)

About the role

General Matter is seeking a highly skilled Senior CNC Machinist with deep hands-on experience across CNC Mills and CNC Lathes, with a strong emphasis on live tooling programming and complex multi-axis work. This role operates at the intersection of production machining and R&D, supporting rapid iteration, fixture development, and continuous cycle-time reduction.

The ideal candidate is a technically grounded machinist who values craftsmanship, understands fundamentals, and can also think strategically-partnering with engineering to optimize processes, improve throughput, and enable scalable manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Machining & Programming

• Program, set up, and operate CNC Mills and CNC Lathes, including live tooling and multi-axis operations.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs (G-code and CAM-generated) for complex geometries and tight tolerances.
• Execute first-article builds, prove-outs, and low-volume production runs in an R&D environment.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, fixturing, materials, and machine dynamics.

Fixture & Process Development

• Design, fabricate, and iterate custom fixtures and workholding solutions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to improve part stability, repeatability, and setup efficiency.
• Lead or support cycle-time reduction initiatives through toolpath optimization, tooling selection, and process redesign.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce setup time, scrap, and rework.
• Contribute to standard work, setup documentation, and machining best practices.
• Support the transition of R&D processes into stable, repeatable production workflows.

Collaboration & R&D Support

• Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers during early-stage development.
• Provide manufacturability feedback on part designs (DFM).
• Support rapid prototyping, design changes, and engineering experiments with short turnaround times.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 7+ years of CNC machining experience in a mill/lathe environment.
• Strong expertise in live tooling programming.
• Proven experience programming and running complex multi-axis parts.
• Strong understanding of GD&T.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced CAM experience (e.g. Mastercam, Fusion, NX, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting production ramp-ups from prototype to volume.
• Background in aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, or precision components.
• Able to read blueprints and complete basic shop math.
• Able to work independently and problem-solve efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well on a team.
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes, and parts.
• Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail.

Additional Requirements

• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime and/or weekends as needed

Pay range

Technician: $27.00 - $60.00/hour

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors.

In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.