Machinist / CNC Operator

Elve • Davis, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Elve, Inc. is a deep-tech startup in Davis, California, developing high-efficiency, lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers for wireless connectivity, imaging, and radar. Elve 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 tolerances, and maintaining the cleanliness and contamination controls required 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 skills and responsibilities as the company grows.

Work may take place in a machine shop, manufacturing environment, ISO 5–ISO 8 cleanroom, laboratory, warehouse, or office. The role requires strict adherence to controlled-environment and safety procedures, accurate documentation, and collaboration within a team. Candidates must be within commuting distance of Davis, California. Due to U.S. Government technology export regulations, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting manual machines such as lathes, mills, and grinders, and/or CNC machinery such as 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 high-vacuum, high-purity materials, including OFHC copper, molybdenum, tungsten, ceramics, and stainless steel alloys.
• Understanding of metal properties, machining speeds and feeds, tool geometry, and cutter selection.
• Ability to perform delicate micro-deburring and inspection without altering part geometry or damaging critical surfaces.
• Ability to adhere to cleanroom and contamination-control protocols, including oil-free or dry machining, ultra-clean coolant management, and ultrasonic solvent cleaning procedures.
• Ability to complete detailed process and inspection documentation.
• Detail-oriented, organized, responsible, adaptable, and willing to learn.
• Good communication skills and experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to multitask and work independently with self-motivation.
• Within a commutable distance of Davis, California.
• Must meet applicable U.S. Government technology export-control eligibility requirements.
• Ability to stand for long periods, including 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.
• Ability to comply with OSHA standards and use required 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.
• Experience producing small, complex TWT components to tolerances within ±0.0001 inches (±2.5 µm).
• Experience inspecting micro-features with optical comparators, vision measuring systems such as Keyence or Micro-Vu, 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.
• Fabricate miniature components for high-vacuum assemblies from specialized high-purity materials while maintaining tight tolerances.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and GD&T symbols.
• Program or edit toolpaths using manual G-code/M-code or CAM software.
• Measure and inspect parts using precision measurement equipment to verify tolerances.
• Handle materials such as OFHC copper, molybdenum, tungsten, ceramics, and stainless steel alloys.
• Select appropriate machining speeds, feeds, tools, and cutters based on material and process requirements.
• Perform delicate burr removal under high-magnification microscopes without damaging part geometry or vacuum-sealing surfaces.
• Follow cleanroom and controlled-environment protocols, prevent cross-contamination, and perform required post-machining cleaning.
• Complete routing sheets, inspection logs, and clean-handling records.
• Develop, understand, and follow procedures; contribute to process development or improvement projects as needed.
• Follow OSHA requirements, use PPE, and comply with equipment maintenance protocols.

Benefits

• Starting pay of $25 per hour, increasing to $28.85 per hour after completion of a three-month probationary period.
• Regular salary increases and advancement opportunities to Machinist / CNC Operator II, III, IV, and V, with salaries up to $47 per hour.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Vacation.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.
• Engagement with experts and PhD-level engineers.

What This Job Offers

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