Prototyping Technician, Machining

We’re looking for a Prototyping Technician with deep manual lathe, manual mill, and CNC machining skills and a mindset for continuous improvement. You’ll prototype robot parts, partner with hardware engineers, and keep the shop running smoothly to support rapid hardware iteration. 

This is a hands-on, full-time role based in Palo Alto. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Manual machining: Set up and run manual lathes and mills to fabricate prototype and low‑volume parts in various metals

• CNC programming & operation: Create CAM toolpaths, set fixtures, and operate 3‑/4‑axis mills and CNC lathes to hit tight tolerances

• Collaborate with engineers: Review prints, suggest design‑for‑manufacture tweaks, and plan machining strategies

• Inspect & iterate: Verify dimensions with calipers, micrometers, or CMM and refine processes until fit/function is correct

• Maintain the shop: Keep machines and workspaces clean, maintain inventory of consumables and raw materials, enforce safety protocols

• Design tools and fixtures: Build simple jigs, vices, or soft jaws to speed up setups and validation

EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Operating manual lathes and mills

• Programming and running CNC machines

• Using CAM software

• Hold tight tolerances

GOOD TO HAVE

• High‑precision background (Robotics, aerospace, or similar)

• Comfortable partnering with 3D‑print technicians when needed

HOW YOU WORK

The prototyping team builds fast and solves real problems with limited time and tools. Those who succeed here tend to:

• Take ownership – You don’t just complete tasks—you own outcomes. You think long‑term, take initiative, and hold yourself accountable for quality and results

• Move quickly – You make decisions and iterate without waiting for perfect inputs

• Learn and be curious – You ask questions, explore unfamiliar tools or ideas, and actively look for ways to improve yourself and the work

• Earn trust – You listen well, speak honestly, and treat people with respect. You hold a high bar for yourself and others, and you deliver reliably

• Be resourceful – You work around ambiguity and always find a way to keep momentum