Lead CNC Machinist - Multi-Axis Precision Manufacturing
About The Position
At Verterra Energy, we're on a mission to harness the power in the world's rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water-power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero emission electricity. Backed by top-tier investors and a multi-year government contract, we are growing our founding team to help achieve key milestones. Partners and collaborators include: NIRON, DoD, DoE, University of Minnesota, WEG Group, Beckhoff, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Army Corp of Engineers. Recent press releases can be found on our website: https://www.verterraenergy.com/news Role Overview You will be responsible for programming, setup, machining, and process improvement for precision components used in Verterra’s systems and test platforms. You will work directly with mechanical engineers to improve part manufacturability and reduce iteration cycles. You will also help establish shop discipline, tooling strategy, and repeatable machining processes as we scale.
Requirements
- 8+ years of full-time CNC machining experience
- Demonstrated experience programming and setting up CNC mills independently
- Experience holding tight tolerances on structural or precision parts
- Strong understanding of GD&T and print interpretation
- Experience designing and building custom fixtures
- Comfortable working in a prototype-heavy environment
Nice To Haves
- 5-axis machining experience
- Experience machining components for marine, aerospace, energy, or high-load systems
- Experience transitioning parts from prototype to low-rate production
- Familiarity with Haas or similar industrial machines
- Experience working in a small engineering-driven team
Responsibilities
- Programming & Setup
- Program 3- and 4-axis CNC mills (5-axis experience preferred)
- Develop efficient toolpaths using CAM software
- Perform full machine setup: fixturing, workholding, tool selection, probing, and offsets
- Optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection for performance and surface finish
- Precision Machining
- Machine tight-tolerance components in aluminum, stainless steel, and other engineering materials
- Maintain dimensional accuracy across prototype and repeat builds
- Identify and prevent tolerance stack-up and geometric drift
- Perform in-process inspection and final verification
- Fixturing & Process Development
- Design and build custom fixtures for complex or repeat parts
- Improve setup repeatability and reduce cycle time where appropriate
- Establish machining standards for common part families
- Support transition from one-off prototypes to repeatable production runs
- Quality & Inspection
- Perform inspection using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other precision tools
- Understand GD&T and apply it correctly
- Identify root causes of dimensional or surface defects
- Maintain documentation for repeatable setups and part history
- Collaboration & Shop Leadership
- Work directly with engineering to improve part designs for manufacturability
- Flag tolerance or geometry issues early
- Help maintain shop organization, tooling discipline, and equipment condition
- Mentor junior machinists where appropriate
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
