Machinist / CNC Operator

Elve Inc • Davis, CA

5d • $25 - $47 • Onsite

About The Position

Elve, Inc. is a deep-tech startup in Davis, California, developing technology for high-efficiency millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers. The company is seeking an experienced precision Machinist / CNC Operator to fabricate miniature components for high-vacuum assemblies. The role involves working with specialized high-purity materials, holding sub-thousandth-inch tolerances, and maintaining the cleanliness and contamination controls needed for ultra-high-vacuum and space-flight applications. Operators may also contribute to process development and improvement projects. The position offers opportunities to take on new responsibilities and develop additional skills as the team grows.

Work may take place in a machine shop, manufacturing environment, ISO 5–ISO 8 cleanroom, laboratory, warehouse, or office. The role requires adherence to controlled-environment procedures and safety requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment.

The stated starting pay is $25 per hour, increasing to $28.85 per hour after completion of a three-month probationary period. Elve offers regular salary increases and advancement opportunities to Machinist / CNC Operator II, III, IV, and V, with salaries up to $47 per hour.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting manual machines such as lathes, mills, and grinders and/or CNC machinery, including 3-axis, 5-axis, horizontal, or vertical mills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and GD&T symbols.
• Knowledge of manual G-code/M-code programming or CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, or SolidCAM.
• Familiarity with precision measurement and inspection tools, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, dial indicators, and CMMs.
• Ability to work with specialty high-vacuum, high-purity materials, including OFHC copper, molybdenum, tungsten, ceramics, and stainless steel alloys.
• Understanding of metal properties, optimal speeds and feeds, tool geometry, and cutter selection.
• Ability to perform delicate deburring and inspection under high magnification without damaging part geometry or critical surfaces.
• Ability to follow cleanroom and contamination-control protocols, including clean machining and post-machining cleaning procedures.
• Ability to complete detailed process documentation supporting aerospace/defense compliance standards such as AS9100 and ISO 9001.
• Ability to develop, understand, and/or follow procedures.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Responsible, communicative, self-motivated, and able to multitask.
• Willingness to learn and adapt or work flexibly.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Within a commutable distance of Davis, California.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations to comply with U.S. technology export regulations.
• Ability to stand for long periods (8–12-hour shifts) and regularly lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Strong hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and accurate visual perception for inspecting detailed parts.
• Strict adherence to safety standards and proper use of PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and ear protection.

Nice To Haves

• Experience setting up and operating CNC precision Swiss lathes, 4/5-axis micro-mills, or wire EDM.
• Ability to machine small, complex components to tolerances within ±0.0001 inches (±2.5 µm).
• Experience inspecting micro-features using optical comparators, Keyence or Micro-Vu vision measuring systems, and high-resolution CMMs.
• Experience maintaining tight surface-roughness requirements for RF wave propagation.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot manual machines and/or CNC machinery.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and GD&T symbols.
• Program or edit and optimize toolpaths using G-code/M-code or CAM software.
• Measure and inspect components using precision measurement tools and coordinate measuring machines to verify tolerances.
• Handle specialty high-vacuum and high-purity materials, including OFHC copper, molybdenum, tungsten, ceramics, and stainless steel alloys.
• Perform delicate burr removal under high-magnification microscopes without altering part geometry or damaging critical vacuum-sealing surfaces.
• Follow cleanroom and controlled-environment protocols to prevent cross-contamination, including oil-free or dry machining and appropriate coolant management and post-machining ultrasonic solvent cleaning.
• Complete routing sheets, inspection logs, and clean-handling records.
• Develop, understand, and follow procedures; maintain organized and detailed work practices.
• Comply with OSHA standards, use required PPE, and follow equipment maintenance protocols.
• When applicable, set up and operate CNC precision Swiss lathes, 4/5-axis micro-mills, or wire EDM to produce small, complex components.
• When applicable, inspect micro-features using optical comparators, vision measuring systems, and high-resolution CMMs, and maintain surface roughness requirements for RF wave propagation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health benefits.
• Vacation.
• Regular salary increases.
• Advancement opportunities to Machinist / CNC Operator II, III, IV, and V, with salaries up to $47 per hour.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.
• Engagement with experts and PhD-level engineers.
• A taste of the start-up life.

What This Job Offers

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