Senior CNC Machinist
- Pay
- $120,000 – $160,000 per year
- Location
- San Francisco, CA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Lead / Staff
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Listed
- 14 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- CNC machine operation and programming
- Traditional machining (mills, lathes, grinders)
- Reading engineering drawings, CAD files, and technical blueprints
- Precision measurement with calipers, micrometers, and CMMs
- Quality assurance processes
- Machining of aluminum, steel, and advanced composites
- Process planning for production ramp-up
- Troubleshooting machining issues and optimizing setups
- Minimum 5 years of machinist experience in high-precision manufacturing
Also useful
- CAD/CAM software (Mastercam, Fusion 360)
- Experience owning a machine shop or leading precision machining operations
- Experience designing automated process lines and mass production systems
- Equipment and tooling evaluation and selection
- Machining certification or related technical certification
Why We Are Hiring for This Role
- To manufacture high-precision components critical to the assembly and performance of our humanoid robots and actuators.
- Support the transition from prototype production to scalable manufacturing by ensuring consistent, high-quality machined parts.
- Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to refine designs and optimize machining processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Design and implement automated machining and handling processes as we scale toward mass production.
- Play a key role in maintaining and operating advanced machining tools to meet tight tolerances and specifications.
- Enable the internal production of custom components, reducing lead times and increasing manufacturing agility.
- Contribute to the design and setup of systems for automated, high-throughput manufacturing lines.
What Kind of Person We Are Looking For
- Experience designing automated process lines and setting up systems for mass production of precision components.
- Experience in evaluating and selecting machining equipment, tooling, and manufacturing methods based on part requirements, tolerances, and production volume.
- Proven ability to support the transition from low-volume prototyping to scalable, high-throughput machining processes.
- Familiarity with process planning for production ramp-up, including fixture design, toolpath optimization, and cycle time reduction.
- Proficient in operating and programming CNC machines, as well as traditional machining tools (e.g., mills, lathes, grinders).
- Preferably someone with experience owning a machine shop or leading precision machining operations.
- Skilled in working with various materials, including aluminum, steel, and advanced composites.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD files, and technical blueprints.
- Strong focus on precision, ensuring all machined parts meet design specifications and tolerances.
- Thorough understanding of quality assurance processes, including the use of measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and CMMs.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, such as Mastercam or Fusion 360, is a plus.
- Resourceful in troubleshooting machining issues, optimizing setups, and resolving production bottlenecks.
- Able to work collaboratively with engineers to refine designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, managing multiple machining projects simultaneously.
- Flexible and willing to adapt to new technologies, tools, and workflows as our production scales.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a machinist, with a focus on high-precision manufacturing.
- Certification in machining or a related technical field is highly desirable.
Benefits
We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.
Salary
The annual compensation is expected to be between $120,000 - $160,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
Who should join
- You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
- You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
- You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
- You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to "fix" it.
- You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.
About Us
Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to address the labor shortage.
Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries. We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite - it's your talent and determination that truly count. We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.
Our Culture
We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with.
From Foundation's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 27, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
How Rolev.ai helps with this application
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Senior CNC Machinist role at Foundation?
The Senior CNC Machinist posting at Foundation states compensation of $120,000 – $160,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Foundation's official career site.
Where is the Senior CNC Machinist job at Foundation located?
This Senior CNC Machinist position at Foundation is located in San Francisco, CA (On-site). Always check Foundation's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Senior CNC Machinist at Foundation?
For the Senior CNC Machinist role, Foundation highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; experience with CNC machine operation and programming, Traditional machining (mills, lathes, grinders), Reading engineering drawings, CAD files, and technical blueprints, Precision measurement with calipers, micrometers, and CMMs, Quality assurance processes, Machining of aluminum, steel, and advanced composites. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Senior CNC Machinist position at Foundation?
This listing links directly to Foundation's Rippling application page. You can apply directly on Foundation's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Rippling application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.