Demo

Sr. CNC Prototype Machinist

Joby Aviation
Santa Cruz, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/18/2027

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
  • 10 years of Machining experience.
  • 5 years of CNC programming.
  • 3 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.
  • Design and build shop fixtures and tools.
  • Advanced understanding of GD&T and blueprint reading.
  • Proficient with use of common shop measuring tools.
  • Excellent documentation and written communication.
  • Familiarity with 5S, or similar workplace organization methods.
  • Flexibility to work in a fast-growing environment with aggressive timelines.
  • Maintenance of machines and other equipment.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs unaided.
  • Willingness to train other team members.

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 $45-$52/hour. 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.

Salary : $45 - $52

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