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Small Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Because we are a small startup, this role is highly cross-functional. You won't just be pushing buttons; you will be programming toolpaths, setting up mills and lathes, welding structural frames, and ...

New

Experience working in a small startup environment (Seed or Series A). * Understanding of data lake/data warehouse, Transformer/Attention/GPU inference. * Experience in building products from zero to ...

Account Executive

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

Account Executive

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$250K/yr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

GTM Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $250/hr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

Accountant Senior Tax

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$88K - $112K/yr

Their current business clients range from small startup companies to large publicly traded companies that are subject to Sarbanes-Oxley reporting requirements. Individual clients typically range in ...

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

Senior Software Engineer, Trust

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Trust is part of the Checkr start-up lab: we operate with the speed of a small startup, while enjoying the leverage and resources of a known technology brand. Since launching, we've seen significant ...

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

We are seeking a talented electrical engineer to join a small startup in the space industry. The candidate will own hardware design and testing efforts on microelectronics and systems for space ...

New

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $300K/yr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

This is a builder role at a small startup with no existing GTM engineering function. You will define what "good" looks like as much as you execute it. What You'll Do * Build and maintain technical ...

GTM Engineer

Berkeley, CA ยท On-site

$140 - $180/hr

This is a builder role at a small startup with no existing GTM engineering function. You will define what "good" looks like as much as you execute it. What You'll Do * Build and maintain technical ...

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Small Startup information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$37

How much do small startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for small startup in California is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small startup?

A Small Startup job typically involves working in a fast-paced, early-stage company where employees take on multiple roles. These jobs require adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to solve challenges with limited resources. Unlike large corporations, startups offer more hands-on experience, direct collaboration with founders, and opportunities for growth. However, they may also come with uncertainties such as fluctuating funding and evolving job responsibilities. Joining a startup can be a great way to gain exposure to various aspects of a business and make a significant impact early in your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a small startup?

To thrive in a Small Startup, strong entrepreneurial drive, versatility, and a willingness to take on multiple responsibilities are crucial, often supported by foundational business, technical, or marketing knowledge. Familiarity with productivity tools such as project management platforms, CRM systems, and basic accounting software is important. Adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that set individuals apart in fast-changing startup environments. These abilities enable rapid iteration, seamless teamwork, and the ability to navigate uncertainty, all of which are essential for startup success.

What should I expect in terms of team structure and collaboration when working at a small startup?

At a small startup, teams are usually lean and highly collaborative, which means you may work closely with founders, early employees, and cross-functional partners. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, often wearing multiple hats and pitching in outside their official job descriptions. This environment fosters continuous learning and quick decision-making but also requires flexibility and open communication. You'll have the chance to see the direct impact of your work and may even influence key company decisions. For those seeking hands-on experience and growth, startups offer a dynamic atmosphere perfect for rapidly developing new skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Small Startup jobs in California?

The most popular types of Small Startup jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Small Startup jobs in California?

For Small Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Small Startup jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Startup jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Small Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Small Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Small Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,324 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

CNC Technician

Wardstone

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Role

We are looking for a highly skilled CNC Technician and Machinist to bridge the gap between design and physical hardware. You will work directly alongside our mechanical engineers to translate CAD models and engineering drawings into high-quality machined aluminum and steel parts.

Because we are a small startup, this role is highly cross-functional. You won't just be pushing buttons; you will be programming toolpaths, setting up mills and lathes, welding structural frames, and advising the engineering team on design for manufacturability (DFM). If you love the challenge of zero-to-one prototyping and taking a part from a digital model to a finished piece of metal, this is the role for you.


Key Responsibilities
  • Rapid Prototyping & Production: Operate and maintain CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual machining equipment to produce precision components from aluminum and steel.
  • CAM & Programming: Generate G-code and program automated machines using industry-standard CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM).
  • Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical engineers to interpret technical drawings, review GD&T, and provide feedback on how to optimize designs for faster, more reliable manufacturing.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Perform welding (TIG/MIG) and general metal fabrication for assembly fixtures, test rigs, and prototype components.
  • Quality & Inspection: Verify part dimensions and tolerances using calipers, micrometers, and other metrology equipment to ensure parts meet engineering specifications.
  • Shop Management: Take ownership of the machine shop environment. Manage tooling inventory, order raw materials, and maintain equipment to ensure maximum uptime.


Required Qualifications
  • Proven experience setting up and operating both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
  • Strong proficiency in generating G-code and using CAM software to program automated machines.
  • Demonstrated experience machining aluminum and steel to tight tolerances.
  • Hands-on experience with welding equipment (TIG/MIG) and general metal fabrication.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T standards.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate directly with mechanical design engineers.
  • Scrappy, adaptable mindsetโ€”willing to tackle a broad variety of projects, troubleshoot on the fly, and wear multiple hats in a small startup environment.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience in aerospace machining, working with aerospace-grade tolerances, materials, and quality standards.
  • Experience working in a prototyping lab, R&D facility, or early-stage startup.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to view models and make minor adjustments.


What We Offer
  • Competitive early-stage salary and equity package.
  • The opportunity to build out and shape the culture of our in-house machine shop.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.