Machinist (CNC & Manual)

Solcoa Industries•San Francisco, CA

6d•$90,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Solcoa is building American metalmaking capacity, beginning with rare earths, using a process designed to produce high-purity metals more cleanly, cheaply, and quickly than conventional methods. The company is scaling toward thousands of tonnes of annual production. The Machinist will own the machine shop and turn engineering prints and sketches into finished components, including quick-turn parts for reactors, furnaces, fixtures, and prototype hardware used on the plant floor. The role will establish standards for precision, throughput, and shop discipline as Solcoa grows from a pilot plant to production.

Requirements

At least 3 years of machining experience, with demonstrated skill on both CNC and manual mills and lathes.
Ability to program CNC toolpaths using conversational programming or CAM.
Ability to read and interpret GD&T on mechanical drawings.
Experience machining stainless steel and specialty alloys to tight tolerances.
Disciplined and reliable execution, with work completed to specification and on time, and excellent documentation.
Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, hardware-first environment.
Availability to start soon.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting R&D or prototype shops where requirements change daily.
TIG welding and general fabrication ability.
Experience with graphite, refractory metals, or vacuum/furnace components.
CAD proficiency in SolidWorks or Fusion 360 for simple part and fixture design.

Responsibilities

Machine parts from prints and CAD models on CNC and manual mills and lathes, working with stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, graphite, and specialty alloys.
Program, set up, and run CNC jobs using Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar CAM software; select tooling, speeds, and feeds for one-off parts and small batches.
Hold tight tolerances, verify dimensions with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and indicators, and document inspection results.
Complete quick-turn prototype and repair work for R&D and plant operations, often on the same day.
Design and build fixtures, jigs, and tooling to improve shop productivity.
Work with engineers on design for manufacturability, mark up drawings, and provide improvement feedback.
Maintain the shop, including machine upkeep, tooling inventory, organization, and safety practices for hot work and rotating equipment.