What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer (CNC & Tooling) position at Approach Venture?
CNC Manufacturing Engineer - Build the Future of Advanced Manufacturing
Hawthorne, California | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A venture-backed advanced manufacturing startup is developing next-generation production technologies that enable faster, higher-quality fabrication of complex engineered components. The team is focused on solving longstanding manufacturing challenges through innovative processes that improve performance, scalability, and production efficiency across aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial applications. As a CNC Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a hands-on role in machining high-precision tooling, molds, fixtures, and prototype components that support both product development and production efforts. This position offers the opportunity to own machining operations from programming through finished part delivery while working closely with engineers to improve manufacturability and production readiness. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and shop-floor execution.
About Us
We are an early-stage manufacturing technology company focused on transforming how advanced engineered products are designed and built. Our team combines expertise in engineering, automation, and production systems to develop scalable manufacturing solutions for demanding industries. We move quickly, value ownership, and prioritize practical execution that delivers measurable results.
Job Duties
$90,000 - $125,000
Hawthorne, California | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A venture-backed advanced manufacturing startup is developing next-generation production technologies that enable faster, higher-quality fabrication of complex engineered components. The team is focused on solving longstanding manufacturing challenges through innovative processes that improve performance, scalability, and production efficiency across aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial applications. As a CNC Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a hands-on role in machining high-precision tooling, molds, fixtures, and prototype components that support both product development and production efforts. This position offers the opportunity to own machining operations from programming through finished part delivery while working closely with engineers to improve manufacturability and production readiness. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and shop-floor execution.
About Us
We are an early-stage manufacturing technology company focused on transforming how advanced engineered products are designed and built. Our team combines expertise in engineering, automation, and production systems to develop scalable manufacturing solutions for demanding industries. We move quickly, value ownership, and prioritize practical execution that delivers measurable results.
Job Duties
- Program, set up, and operate CNC machining equipment to manufacture molds, tooling, fixtures, and prototype components
- Own machining projects from CAM programming through final part completion
- Produce high-precision components while meeting aggressive development and production schedules
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to provide manufacturing feedback and improve design-for-manufacturing outcomes
- Select and optimize tooling, cutting strategies, and machining processes for a variety of materials
- Support tooling development, repair, maintenance, and continuous improvement efforts
- Assist with shop capacity planning, material procurement, and tooling standardization initiatives
- Develop and maintain CAM workflows, templates, and fixturing approaches to improve repeatability and efficiency
- Maintain equipment calibration and support overall machine uptime
- Communicate project status, manufacturing risks, and schedule impacts clearly across teams
- Contribute to a safe, organized, and professional manufacturing environment
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience
- 2 years of CNC machining experience
- Experience operating CNC mills and lathes
- Proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, Onshape, or similar platforms
- Ability to interpret CAD models, engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and manufacturing specifications
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- U.S. Person status in accordance with applicable export control regulations
- Mold-making experience
- High-precision machining experience
- Complex 3D surfacing and advanced CAM programming
- Prototype development or low-volume manufacturing environments
- Composite tooling or advanced materials manufacturing
- Experience developing machining standards, templates, or scalable production workflows
- Exposure to production planning, machine utilization, or manufacturing operations management
- Opportunity to help scale a breakthrough manufacturing technology from early development into production
- Direct ownership over critical manufacturing processes and tooling development
- High visibility across engineering and manufacturing teams
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing methods and emerging technologies
- Clear growth opportunities into machine planning, capacity planning, and manufacturing leadership roles
- Fast-paced startup environment where individual contributions have immediate impact
$90,000 - $125,000
Salary : $90,000 - $125,000