Prototype Machinist (CNC)

Bellwether Coffee • Berkeley, CA

28d • $35 - $55 • Onsite

About The Position

Bellwether Coffee is seeking a hands-on CNC machinist to produce prototype parts quickly so engineers can test ideas and prepare them for production. This is a small-shop role in which the machinist sets up jobs, writes programs, inspects parts, and provides feedback when a design may not be manufacturable. The position reports to the Director of Hardware Engineering and is available part-time or full-time. It requires on-site presence at Bellwether’s Berkeley headquarters.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting HAAS 3-axis mills.
• Strong CAM programming skills in Autodesk Fusion.
• Ability to program complex 3D parts on a 3-axis machine, including multiple setups and custom fixturing.
• Extensive experience machining stainless steel and aluminum, including selecting appropriate tools and feeds.
• Experience using Haas High Speed Machining (HSM), including setting G187 smoothness and accuracy for roughing and finishing passes.
• Experience holding tight tolerances and inspecting parts with hand measuring tools.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including comfort working across cross-functional teams.
• Self-starter who operates with urgency.
• Takes ownership and embraces accountability, with the ability to manage tasks with minimal supervision.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience assembling, wiring, or debugging electromechanical prototypes, including harnesses, sensors, motors, or heaters.
• 4th-axis or 5th-axis machining experience.
• Experience hand-editing G-code at the HAAS control.
• Wire EDM or surface grinding experience.
• Experience with manual mills, lathes, and saws.
• Sufficient GD&T knowledge to challenge a drawing when appropriate.
• Sheet metal, food equipment, or appliance experience.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate HAAS 3-axis mills to produce prototype and short-run parts.
• Write toolpaths in Autodesk Fusion, including 3D contours and freeform surfaces.
• Read drawings and models, including GD&T, and determine how to hold and machine parts.
• Select tools, fixtures, speeds, and feeds to meet tolerance and finish requirements.
• Inspect parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other measuring tools during and after production.
• Troubleshoot machining or programming issues and improve processes over time.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on design-for-manufacturing and prototype builds.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop and maintain machines.

What This Job Offers

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