Research Engineer – Turbomachinery & Advanced Manufacturing
Job Title: Research Engineer – Turbomachinery & Advanced Manufacturing
Location: Los Angeles, California
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Salary: $80,000–$120,000 per year
About the Opportunity
A well-funded, a16z-backed industrial hardware startup is hiring a Founding Machinist to help develop compact microturbine generators for drones, humanoid robots, and other advanced machines.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a student, recent graduate, or early-career machinist with strong hands-on experience who wants to help build a manufacturing operation from the ground up. You will work directly with mechanical engineers to turn designs into precision prototypes and scalable production processes.
What You’ll Do
• Machine precision components and prototypes using CNC and/or manual equipment
• Plan and execute machine setups, workholding, tooling, and cutting strategies
• Read engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing specifications
• Develop and improve fixtures, jigs, tooling, and machining processes
• Inspect finished components using precision measurement equipment
• Collaborate with engineers to move designs quickly from CAD to tested hardware
• Identify manufacturability challenges and recommend practical improvements
• Improve quality, repeatability, throughput, and production efficiency
• Help scale manufacturing from early prototypes to repeatable production
• Contribute to the development of the company’s machine shop and manufacturing culture
Who We’re Looking For
• Hands-on CNC and/or manual machining experience gained through employment, internships, coursework, laboratories, or personal projects
• Understanding of machine setups, tooling, workholding, tolerances, and inspection
• Ability to read technical drawings and manufacturing specifications
• Strong craftsmanship, attention to detail, and practical problem-solving skills
• Interest in advanced hardware, manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, or propulsion
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, early-stage environment
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with CNC milling, turning, 3-axis or 5-axis machining, EDM, or grinding
• Familiarity with Mastercam, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, GibbsCAM, or similar software
• Knowledge of GD&T, CMM inspection, probing, and first-article inspection
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, or workholding solutions
• Exposure to aerospace, turbines, propulsion, robotics, advanced materials, or precision hardware
• Experience machining titanium, Inconel, ceramics, superalloys, or other challenging materials
• Participation in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, rocketry, robotics, machine-shop, or manufacturing projects
Education and Experience
Students and graduates from machining technology, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial technology, trade-school, apprenticeship, or related programs are encouraged to apply.
Professional experience is not required for candidates who can demonstrate exceptional machining ability through internships, academic projects, portfolios, competitions, or substantial shop experience.
Why Join
• Work on next-generation microturbine technology
• Take meaningful ownership of real hardware from the beginning
• Learn directly from engineers and experienced technical builders
• Help establish machining and manufacturing processes from the ground up
• Contribute to scaling an industrial operation from prototype to production
• Join a highly ambitious, well-funded hardware team in Los Angeles
How to Apply
Please submit:
• An updated résumé
• A portfolio or photographs of machined parts, if available
• Examples of relevant fixtures, tooling, shop work, or engineering projects
• Your availability and willingness to work on-site in Los Angeles
For additional information, contact careers@workcentral.ai.