Prototype Machinist

Mach Industries•Huntington Beach, CA

11h

About The Position

Mach Industries is seeking a highly skilled Prototype Machinist to support development of next-generation hardware through precision machining and rapid iteration. The role works closely with engineering teams to turn early-stage designs into functional prototypes and accelerate product development from concept to reality. The machinist owns the complete machining process, including setup, programming adjustments, inspection, and troubleshooting, in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where speed, quality, and innovation are critical. Mach Industries is a defense technology company founded in 2023, focused on developing autonomous defense platforms and scalable, decentralized defense systems. The company reports approximately 350 employees and aims to advance manufacturing and national security capabilities.

Requirements

At least 4 years of CNC machining experience, including setup and operation of multi-axis milling and turning equipment.
Experience producing prototype, R&D, or low-volume precision components in a fast-paced environment.
Strong proficiency reading engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T specifications.
Experience setting up and operating 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
Ability to edit and troubleshoot G-code programs.
Strong understanding of feeds, speeds, tooling selection, and machining fundamentals.
Proficiency using precision inspection equipment and interpreting inspection results.
Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality challenges.
Comfort working directly with engineers and providing manufacturing feedback during the design process.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work hands-on in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Strong commitment to safe shop practices and equipment maintenance.
Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Technical trade school education or machining certification.
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, space, automotive, or advanced hardware development programs.
CAM programming experience using Fusion 360, Mastercam, NX CAM, HyperMill, or similar software.
Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other difficult-to-machine materials.
Knowledge of fixture design, custom workholding, and process development.
Experience with CMM programming and advanced metrology tools.
Familiarity with CAD software and the product development lifecycle.
Experience in startup, R&D, or rapid-prototyping environments where flexibility and speed are essential.
Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.

Responsibilities

Machine complex prototype and low-volume production components using CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers.
Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements to determine machining strategies.
Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC equipment with minimal supervision.
Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers to improve manufacturability and reduce iteration cycles.
Program, edit, and optimize CNC programs and toolpaths to meet development timelines.
Select tooling, workholding, and machining parameters for varied materials and geometries.
Perform first-article and in-process inspections using precision measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMMs.
Identify root causes of machining and quality issues and implement corrective actions.
Maintain tight tolerances and exceptional surface finishes on precision components.
Support process development, fixture design, and manufacturing experiments to improve efficiency and capability.
Document machining processes, inspection results, and lessons learned to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient machine shop environment.