Machinist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• 10+ years of hands-on machining experience, including CNC mill and CNC lathe operation and setup
• Demonstrated ability to program CNC equipment (conversational and/or G-code)
• Proficient in reading and interpreting GD&T engineering drawings and 3D CAD models
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication
• Legally eligible to work with NFA-regulated items in a licensed manufacturing environment (no disqualifying factors under 18 U.S.C. § 922)
• U.S. citizen or U.S. person as defined under ITAR (22 CFR § 120.62) — required due to the nature of development programs
• Ability to pass an ATF-required background investigation

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a firearms or defense manufacturing environment
• Experience operating or maintaining polymer and metal additive manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC materials and surface finish requirements
• Experience standing up or significantly expanding a machine shop
• Prior experience mentoring junior machinists or engineers on DFM
• Exposure to SAAMI or MIL-STD dimensional requirements for small arms components
• Experience with MIG or TIG welding

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering and operations leadership to specify, procure, and install machine shop equipment for a new R&D facility
• Establish shop layout, safety protocols, inventory systems, and maintenance schedules
• Manage consumables, tooling, and fixture inventory on an ongoing basis
• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes to produce prototype and low-volume production parts from engineering drawings and models
• Write and edit CNC programs (conversational or G-code); optimize feeds, speeds, and toolpaths for prototype iteration cycles
• Perform manual machining operations on mills, lathes, and drill presses as required
• Hold dimensional tolerances consistent with engineering specifications; document inspection results
• Perform sheet metal layout, cutting, forming, and finishing operations
• Operate polymer and metal additive manufacturing systems; manage post-processing and finishing across both material classes
• Fabricate fixtures, jigs, and holding devices to support machining and assembly operations
• Manufacture, handle, and mark NFA items (suppressors, machine guns, destructive devices) in compliance with ATF regulations applicable to an SOT/Class III manufacturer
• Maintain accurate records required under 27 CFR Part 478/479 for all regulated items produced in the shop
• Coordinate with the Responsible Person / RO on any ATF-required approvals prior to fabrication of NFA items
• Review engineering drawings and 3D models prior to manufacture; identify and flag features that are non-manufacturable, unnecessarily tight, or will drive excessive cycle time
• Work directly with engineers to iterate on designs for manufacturability — communicating tradeoffs clearly and suggesting specific geometric changes
• Provide cycle time and material cost estimates in support of engineering design studies
• Participate in design reviews as the shop authority on machining and fabrication constraints
• Interface with outside vendors and contract manufacturers — communicating specifications clearly, reviewing quotes, and managing delivery of outsourced parts and assemblies

Benefits

• Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
• Direct Roadmap Influence: Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.
• Mission-Critical Work: We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.
• The Builder's Playground: Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers.
• 100% Employer-Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
• Unlimited PTO: We value results, not clock-watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge.
• Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
• Austin-Based Culture: Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.
• Relocation Assistance: We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless.