ASSOCIATE CNC MACHINIST (MILL)

Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.

As an Associate CNC Machinist, you’ll play a key role in Freeform’s machining and post-processing operations. You’ll work with advanced multi-axis CNC machines that transform 3D-printed metal parts into precision-finished aerospace-grade components, helping bridge the gap between 3D printing and final production. You’ll gain hands-on experience operating CNCs, mills, and lathes, making basic program edits, setting up jobs, and inspecting parts. The right candidate for this role will be an energetic go-getter with a positive attitude and a “no job too big or small” mentality. If you are highly motivated to learn and grow as a manufacturing professional, we'd love to hear from you

3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!  

Responsibilities:  

• Operate and support CNC machining, including setup, basic programming edits, tool changes, and part inspection
• Use manual machining tools such as mills, lathes, bandsaws, and grinders to support part finishing and fixture creation
• Learn and apply precision measurement techniques to verify part quality and tolerances
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of CNC machines and shop equipment (air compressors, chillers, inert gas systems, etc.)
• Contribute to shop organization and process improvements, helping build a high-functioning R&D machine shop

Basic Qualifications:  

• 1+ years of experience of CNC operation OR completion of formal technical training (e.g., NTMA, community college machining program, or similar)

Nice to Have:  

• Experience operating CNC mills or lathes, including basic G-code understanding
• Exposure to metal additive manufacturing and post-processing techniques
• Familiarity with manual machining, welding, or fabrication of stainless steel, aluminum, or nickel alloys
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, cranes, forklifts, and other shop equipment
• Experience interpreting blueprints and using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, etc.)
• Comfort working with facility systems such as air, water, and inert gases
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 30lbs unassisted 
• Ability to climb ladders and be on your feet for extended periods of time 
• Must be available and willing to work overtime when needed  

Location: 

• Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.

• Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer: 

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions. 
• We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology. 
• Benefits
  • Significant stock option packages
  • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
  • Life insurance
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
  • Relocation assistance provided
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
  • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
  • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
• Compensation
  • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
  • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated pay range for this role is $25-$35/hour. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
• Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. 

About the Company

General Matter is enriching uranium in America.

Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States.  

Our mission is to restore America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel—fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors. 

Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society. 

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.  

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency. 

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable. 

CNC Machinist (Mill & Lathe)

General Matter is seeking a highly skilled Senior CNC Machinist with deep hands-on experience across CNC Mills and CNC Lathes, with a strong emphasis on live tooling programming and complex multi-axis work. This role operates at the intersection of production machining and R&D, supporting rapid iteration, fixture development, and continuous cycle-time reduction.

The ideal candidate is a technically grounded machinist who values craftsmanship, understands fundamentals, and can also think strategically—partnering with engineering to optimize processes, improve throughput, and enable scalable manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Machining & Programming

• Program, set up, and operate CNC Mills and CNC Lathes, including live tooling and multi-axis operations.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs (G-code and CAM-generated) for complex geometries and tight tolerances.
• Execute first-article builds, prove-outs, and low-volume production runs in an R&D environment.
• Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, fixturing, materials, and machine dynamics.

Fixture & Process Development

• Design, fabricate, and iterate custom fixtures and workholding solutions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to improve part stability, repeatability, and setup efficiency.
• Lead or support cycle-time reduction initiatives through toolpath optimization, tooling selection, and process redesign.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce setup time, scrap, and rework.
• Contribute to standard work, setup documentation, and machining best practices.
• Support the transition of R&D processes into stable, repeatable production workflows.

Collaboration & R&D Support

• Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers during early-stage development.
• Provide manufacturability feedback on part designs (DFM).
• Support rapid prototyping, design changes, and engineering experiments with short turnaround times.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 7+ years of CNC machining experience in a mill/lathe environment.
• Strong expertise in live tooling programming. 
• Proven experience programming and running complex multi-axis parts. 
• Strong understanding of GD&T.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced CAM experience (e.g. Mastercam, Fusion, NX, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting production ramp-ups from prototype to volume.
• Background in aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, or precision components.
• Able to read blueprints and complete basic shop math.
• Able to work independently and problem-solve efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well on a team.
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes, and parts.
• Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail.

Additional Requirements

• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime and/or weekends as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: Technician: $27.00 - $55.00/hour

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.