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Senior Prototype Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nikon Corporation

Prototype Machinist

Long Beach, CA

$52 - $58/hr

Prototype Machinist The Prototype Machinist is responsible for programming and operating machinery ... This position reports directly to the Senior Operations Manager. Job Duties / Responsibilities:

Nikon Corporation

Prototype Machinist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$52 - $58/hr

Prototype Machinist The Prototype Machinist is responsible for programming and operating machinery ... This position reports directly to the Senior Operations Manager. Job Duties / Responsibilities:

Joby Aviation

Sr. CNC Prototype Machinist

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$46 - $67/hr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our subtractive prototyping team. This individual's role is to setup, operate, program, make fixtures, jigs, test ...

Archer

Senior Prototype Build Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

We are seeking a Prototype Build Technician to support the Test Equipment Design and Build team. In ... Experience working safely with high-voltage systems and a solid command of OSHA machine safety ...

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding

Portland, OR · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

As a Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding , you will design and build prototype and flight hardware ... You will work side-by-side with engineers and machinists to turn concepts into hardware quickly and ...

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How much do senior prototype machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior prototype machinist in the United States is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Prototype Machinist do?

A Senior Prototype Machinist is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and testing prototype parts and components, often from engineering drawings or CAD files. They operate a variety of machine tools such as lathes, mills, and grinders to create custom parts with high precision. In addition to technical machining skills, they often collaborate with engineers and designers to refine prototypes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure products meet design specifications. Their expertise is critical in developing new products and improving manufacturing processes.

How does a Senior Prototype Machinist typically collaborate with engineering and design teams during the development process?

Senior Prototype Machinists work closely with engineers and designers to transform conceptual drawings and CAD models into functional prototypes. Regular communication is essential to clarify technical details, suggest design improvements for manufacturability, and quickly iterate on prototypes based on feedback. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and problem-solving, as machinists often provide insights on material selection and machining techniques that can enhance the final product. Team meetings, design reviews, and hands-on sessions in the workshop are common aspects of this collaborative process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Prototype Machinist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Prototype Machinist, you need advanced machining skills, experience with blueprint reading, and a strong background in materials and fabrication methods, generally supported by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Proficiency in operating CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and precision measuring tools is typically required, along with knowledge of safety standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting complex designs and collaborating with engineers. These skills ensure the accurate production of prototypes, support innovation, and maintain high-quality standards in manufacturing environments.
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Senior Prototype Machinist jobs near you
Senior Prototype Machinist (7:00am - 3:30pm)

Senior Prototype Machinist (7:00am - 3:30pm)

Atomic Machines

Emeryville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Atomic Machines is ushering in a new era of micromanufacturing with its Matter Compiler™ technology. This full-stack technology enables new classes of micromachines to be designed and built by offering manufacturing processes and a materials library that is inaccessible to semiconductor manufacturing methods. It promises to unlock MEMS manufacturing for the many device classes frustrated by semiconductor methods and to open up entirely new product classes. The Matter Compiler™ technology fully realizes the digital manufacturing dream: bits and raw materials go in, and complete, functional micromachines come out. The Atomic Machines team has also created an exciting first device - one that was only made possible by the existence of the Matter Compiler™ technology - that we will be unveiling to the world soon.
Our offices are in Emeryville and Santa Clara, California.
About the role:
Atomic Machines is looking for a Machinist to Senior Prototype Machinist to join our machine shop in Emeryville, CA. In this role, you will take ownership of precision machined parts from start to finish, including material and tooling selection, CAM programming, fixture and workholding design, CNC setup and operation, in process inspection, and final part verification.
This is a hands-on role in a fast paced prototype and R&D environment. You will work directly with engineers to turn complex designs into high quality hardware, provide manufacturability feedback, and help shorten the path from concept to functional part. The right person is comfortable moving quickly, solving ambiguous machining problems, holding tight tolerances, and adjusting priorities as designs evolve. This role supports a 24/7 machine shop operation on a 5-2 schedule, with shift assignments based on business and production needs.
At the senior levels, you will also help raise the standard of the shop by improving setup practices, documenting proven processes, enforcing safe and organized shop behavior, training other users, and helping the team build repeatable systems for prototype and low volume production work.
What You'll Do:
  • Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T callouts, work instructions, and inspection requirements.
  • Own machined parts from start to finish, including planning, programming, setup, machining, inspection, documentation, and delivery.
  • Program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and operate CNC mills and lathes, including 3 axis and 5 axis milling equipment across multiple machines during the shift.
  • Develop efficient CAM programs using Fusion 360 or similar platforms such as Mastercam, HyperMill, or FeatureCAM.
  • Design setups, fixtures, soft jaws, vacuum fixtures, and other creative workholding solutions for one off, prototype, and low volume parts.
  • Select tools, create tool lists, order tooling and materials, and prepare jobs for efficient execution.
  • Machine precision parts across a range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, ceramics, and engineering polymers.
  • Inspect parts using CMM data, calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other metrology tools, then adjust machining processes to produce conforming hardware.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering to identify manufacturability risks, improve designs, reduce machining time, and increase part quality.
  • Manage multiple jobs based on priority, due dates, material availability, machine capacity, and changing engineering needs.
  • Delegate appropriate setup, machining, inspection, and shop support tasks to shop technicians based on priority, skill level, and production needs.
  • Document setups, inspection results, lessons learned, and process changes so future builds become faster and more repeatable.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, organized machine shop and follow all shop policies, safety procedures, and company requirements.
  • Train new employees, engineers, and other internal shop users on equipment, setup practices, and safe shop behavior.
  • For senior level candidates, mentor other machinists, lead more complex jobs, and help define best practices for prototype machining.
What You'll Need:
  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 4+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience in aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, robotics, automotive, or another high precision industry.
  • Strong experience programming, setting up, proving out, and operating CNC mills and lathes, including 3 axis and 5 axis machining.
  • Experience with toolpath strategy, tool selection, work offsets, probing, setup verification, and process troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with at least one modern CAM platform. Fusion 360 experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of machining fundamentals, including feeds and speeds, tool wear, surface finish, workholding, rigidity, and tolerance stackup.
  • Ability to read complex prints, interpret GD&T, and hold tight tolerances, including features below 0.001 inch or 25 microns when required.
  • Strong inspection and metrology skills, with the ability to verify hardware against engineering specifications.
  • Ability to design practical fixtures, soft jaws, and custom tooling for prototype parts with limited direction.
  • Experience working in a fast paced prototype, R&D, or low volume production environment where priorities and requirements can change quickly.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects at once, reprioritize quickly, and maintain attention to detail under schedule pressure.
  • Clear and proactive communication style, especially when flagging manufacturability risks, schedule risks, quality concerns, or unclear drawing requirements.
  • Proficiency with manual shop equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, lapping machines, and basic hand tools.
  • Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, wear required PPE, and follow all company safety requirements.
  • Ability to support a 24/7 operation on a 5-2 schedule, including assigned shifts based on business and production needs.
  • Ability to work onsite in Emeryville, CA.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience with HAAS and MAZAK CNC machines.
  • Experience programming or operating CMMs.
  • Strong Fusion 360 CAM experience.
  • Experience with TIG welding or other joining processes.
  • Experience machining difficult materials, ceramics, thin wall parts, tight tolerance parts, or complex 5 axis geometry.
  • Experience documenting builds, inspection data, nonconformances, and process notes in an MES, PLM, ERP, or similar system.

Hourly Rate Range
$48-$68 USD

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