CNC Machinist

Kovari • San Francisco, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Kovari is hiring a CNC Machinist to own machining for its robots. The role involves turning engineering drawings into precise parts using the in-house Haas VF-2SS CNC mill and related equipment, maintaining shop operations, and supplying the mechanical team with parts capable of withstanding real-world use. The machinist programs, sets up, operates, and inspects the machines and helps resolve issues with parts returned from the field.

This is a hands-on, fast-iteration role rather than a pure production-cell position. The machinist works alongside engineers on daily design iterations, producing prototype one-offs and short runs in aluminum and steel. Parts must fit robot actuators, drivetrains, and structures used in demanding live environments, including hotels.

Kovari is a small team of builders, operators, and researchers that develops technology for physical businesses and works in person at its San Francisco base. The company reports having raised over $6 million from investors.

Requirements

• Hands-on CNC milling experience, including setup, tooling, and producing quality parts independently.
• CAM proficiency with Fusion, Mastercam, or similar software.
• Ability to read engineering drawings with GD&T.
• Strong metrology skills and the ability to determine whether a part is within specification.
• Experience machining aluminum and steel.
• Comfort producing one-off parts and short runs, rather than working only in high-volume production.
• Bias toward action and willingness to program, machine, inspect, and improve the process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with a lathe, welding, a manual mill, or fixture design.
• A background in robotics, FSAE, combat robotics, or a similar shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC mills, including CAM, setups, fixtures, tool selection, and establishing proven processes.
• Machine robot parts from engineering drawings and CAD, including brackets, plates, housings, shafts, linkages, and custom fixtures.
• Manage shop workflow, including materials, tooling, workholding, inspection, and turnaround.
• Inspect parts to drawings using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and basic GD&T, and identify nonconforming parts before assembly.
• Maintain machines and shop operations, including tooling inventory, consumables, cleanliness, and basic preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on design for manufacturability, recommending changes to improve machining speed, tolerances, or assembly.
• Support quick-turn prototypes and small production batches as robot designs evolve.
• Address machining or process issues when parts or processes drift.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed