XWING logo

CNC Prototype Machinist

XWING

Santa Cruz, CAFull-time$46–67/hrPosted 2mo agoVerified open 6 days ago

Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.

At a glance

Compensation
$46–67/hr
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Job overview

XWING is hiring a CNC Prototype Machinist. Joby Aviation seeks an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to set up, operate, and program CNC equipment, create fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components while collaborating with engineers and technicians in a fast‑paced shop environment.

Key focus areas include Operate mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, grinders, and other equipment, Set up and operate 3‑axis and 5‑axis mills and lathes to create complex aircraft components, fixtures, and tooling, and Determine optimal setup, machining strategy, order of operations, tool selection, and speed/feed parameters for each project.

Successful candidates bring HS Diploma Or GED Equivalent, 2+ Years CNC Programming, and 1+ Years Machining Experience. Important skills include G Code Editing, Operate Manual Lathe, Operate Manual Mill, CNC Probing Routines, Operate CNC 3 Axis Mill, and Program CNC 3 Axis Mill. Preferred (not required): Operate Mills, Operate Lathes, Operate Drill Presses, and Operate Saws.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

G Code EditingOperate Manual LatheOperate Manual MillCNC Probing RoutinesOperate CNC 3 Axis MillProgram CNC 3 Axis MillSetup CNC 3 Axis MillOperate CNC 5 Axis MillProgram CNC 5 Axis MillSetup CNC 5 Axis MillBasic Machine EditsG&M CodesProficient With Common Shop Measuring ToolsExcellent DocumentationCommunicationMaintenance of Machines and Other EquipmentOperate MillsOperate LathesOperate Drill PressesOperate SawsOperate GrindersSet Up 3 Axis MillsSet Up 5 Axis MillsSet Up LathesDetermine Best SetupMachining StrategyOrder of OperationsTool SelectionSpeed/Feed ParametersEvaluate New ToolsDial in Speeds and FeedsSelect ToolingProcure ToolingOrganize ToolingSelect FixturingProcure FixturingOrganize FixturingDevelop Standardized Process for MachiningWork HoldingCollaborate With Team MembersProvide SolutionsProvide FeedbackSupport Engineering ActivitiesPrototype DevelopmentProof of Concept StudiesProcess and Assembly ValidationDevelop Assembly DocumentationDraft Assembly DocumentationUpdate Assembly DocumentationTrain OthersSetup CNC OperationsOperate CNC OperationsProgram CNC OperationsMake FixturesMake JigsMake Test ArticlesMake Flight ComponentsCollaborating With EngineersCollaborating With TechniciansDetermine SetupDetermine Machining StrategyDetermine Order of OperationsDetermine Tool SelectionDetermine Speed/Feed ParametersShift Between JobsCommunicating With Co-WorkersJuggling Multiple ProjectsDevelop Standardized Machining ProcessDevelop Standardized Work Holding ProcessDevelop Standardized Set-Up ProcessCollaborate With EngineersCollaborate With QC TechniciansCollaborate With ProgrammersProvide Alternative ApproachesSupport Prototype DevelopmentSupport Proof of Concept StudiesSupport Process ValidationSupport Assembly Validation

Qualifications

HS Diploma or GED Equivalent2+ Years of CNC Programming1+ Years Machining ExperienceAbility to Lift 50 Lbs UnaidedForklift Experience

Benefits

Paid Time Off
Medical Insurance
401(k) Match

Full job description

CNC Prototype Machinist Job Locations US-CA-Santa Cruz ID 2026-5044 Category R&D Machine Shop Type Regular Full-Time Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our subtractive prototyping team. This individual’s role is to setup, operate, program, make fixtures, jigs, test articles, and flight components while collaborating with engineers and other technicians through hands-on experience. You will be responsible for the entire process of CNC operations from start to finish cutting a wide variety of metals and plastics. A willing attitude is very important for this position and goes a long way when thinking through a variety of solutions to complete jobs on time due to the fast pace of parts flowing through the shop. This position is hands-on experience, we aim to attract, retain, develop and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our team.

Responsibilities Operate mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, grinders, and a variety of other equipment. Set up, and operate both 3 axis, 5 axis mills and lathes to create complex aircraft components, fixtures, and tooling, from rough stock to finished part. Determine the best setup, machining strategy, order of operations, tool selection, speed/feed parameters for each project. Ability to evaluate new tools and dial in speeds and feeds based on machine limitations, material types and tool library. Ability to shift between jobs when priorities change and communicating with co-workers. Willing to juggle multiple projects often sidelining some projects to expedite others. Basic understanding of G code editing. Demonstrate ability to select, procure, and organize appropriate tooling and fixturing for projects based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, and system capability. Collaborate with team members to develop a standardized process for machining, work holding, and set-up to increase efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with engineers, QC technicians and programmers to provide solutions, feedback or alternative approaches to solve technical manufacturing problems with design and manufacturability of tools and components. Support engineering activities including prototype development, proof of concept studies, process and assembly validation. Help develop, draft, and update assembly documentation to guide others in assembly processes, train others as needed. Perform inspections and measurements of product dimensions using basic Quality Control measuring tools, probing routines, calipers, micrometer, depth gauges, and other measuring equipment. Demonstrates ability to document and communicate well within the team environment. Read blueprints and other design documents as well as interpret verbal design instructions. Prioritizes quality on completed parts, hold tight tolerances, performs inspection of own parts and can inspect co-worker’s work. Required HS Diploma or GED equivalent 2+ years of CNC programming. 1+ years Machining experience. Operate manual lathe and mill. Knowledge of CNC Probing routines. Ability to operate, program and setup CNC 3 axis and 5 axis Mill. Basic machine edits, knowledge of G&M codes. Proficient with use of common shop measuring tools. Excellent documentation and written communication. Maintenance of machines and other equipment. Ability to lift 50 lbs unaided. Desired Full 5 Axis Machining experience. Ability to operate, program and setup CNC Lathe with live tooling. Knowledge of Haas and Fanuc controls. Fusion360, Powermill, Solidworks, SolidCAM or other CAD/CAM experience. Basic Jira, SharePoint and Microsoft D365 experience. Forklift experience.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $46-$67/hr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Additional Information Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Options Apply for this job online Apply Share Sorry the Share function is not working properly at this moment. Please refresh the page and try again later. Share on your newsfeed If you have questions about our online applications, please see our application FAQ.

You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.