Prototype CNC Machinist

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril’s Development Manufacturing team turns ambitious engineering designs into physical hardware that supports the company’s mission.

The CNC team is where those designs become real. We machine low-volume, high-complexity prototype hardware for some of Anduril’s highest-priority development programs, often taking a part from engineering handoff to finished hardware in a matter of days.

This is not a production shop built around running the same part hundreds of times. You may be machining one of only one or two parts in existence, working from a design that is still evolving, or collaborating with engineering to solve a manufacturing problem while the hardware is already on the machine.

Our machinists work across modern multi-axis equipment and operate with significant autonomy. The expectation is simple: understand the job, protect the hardware, solve problems early, and keep critical development work moving.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Prototype CNC Machinist, you’ll take complex parts from program handoff through finished, inspected hardware.

You’ll set up and run multi-axis CNC equipment, establish tooling and offsets, prove out programs, inspect critical features, troubleshoot issues at the machine, and make the adjustments needed to deliver a good part on a demanding timeline.

You won’t be isolated from the engineering process. You’ll work directly with CNC programmers and engineers when a toolpath needs to change, a design creates a manufacturing challenge, or the fastest path to usable hardware requires real-time collaboration.

The work rewards machinists who combine speed with judgment. Sometimes the right answer is to move quickly. Sometimes it is to stop, verify the setup, and protect a one-of-one part before pressing cycle start.

You’ll also have the opportunity to expand beyond the machines and processes you already know. A strong machinist here is not defined by one control, one machine, or one type of part, but by the ability to apply strong fundamentals to whatever the next development challenge requires.

If you want to spend your time building new hardware instead of running the same production job, this is that kind of shop.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Own CNC setups from start to finish — review the job, verify stock, install workholding, load tooling, establish offsets, prove out the program, machine the part, and inspect critical features.
• Run complex multi-axis equipment across 3+2, 5-axis, turning, live-tool, and multitask environments while expanding your capability across the shop.
• Turn drawings and models into hardware by interpreting GD&T, datum structures, tolerances, and critical dimensions to guide setup and inspection decisions.
• Catch problems before they become scrap by reviewing toolpaths, monitoring machining conditions, identifying risk, and adjusting feeds, speeds, offsets, or other machine-side parameters when appropriate.
• Inspect your own work in process using precision metrology tools and verify accessible critical dimensions before removing the part from the machine.
• Solve real-time manufacturing problems involving tooling, workholding, dimensional variation, finish, material behavior, or machine performance.
• Partner directly with CNC programmers and engineers when a program, model, or manufacturing approach needs to change.
• Work with urgency without sacrificing quality in a rapid R&D environment where one-off hardware may need to move from design to finished part in as little as a few days.
• Operate with ownership and autonomy by managing your workload, seeking out the next priority, and contributing wherever the shop needs support.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience with independent setup and operation responsibility
• 4+ years experience setting up and running multi-axis CNC equipment, including at minimum 3+2 machining or comparable complex milling/turning work
• Working knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, G/M code, tooling, offsets, feeds and speeds, and dimensional inspection
• Ability to independently perform the core CNC workflow: setup, prove-out, machining, troubleshooting, and inspection
• Experience using precision inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges, bore gauges, or pin gauges
• Ability to work effectively in a low-volume, high-mix, prototype, development, aerospace, defense, automotive, motorsports, or similarly complex machining environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with simultaneous 5-axis, mill-turn, live-tool, or multitask machining
• Experience with Siemens controls or comparable advanced CNC control platforms
• Experience using CAD/CAM viewers or programming tools such as ESPRIT, hyperMILL, NX CAM, Mastercam, or similar software
• Experience machining a range of materials, including aluminum, steel, stainless, titanium, or nickel-based alloys
• Previous experience working directly with engineering or CNC programming teams in a prototype or rapid-development environment