CNC Machinist (Mill & Lathe)

General Matter, Inc. is an American nuclear energy company based in California that is focused on developing domestic nuclear energy solutions. The company aims to harness nuclear technology to increase national energy prosperity, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, and support the expansion of American capabilities in the energy sector. Their work centers on making nuclear energy more accessible and practical by advancing technologies that can be developed and deployed within the United States. General Matter's mission is rooted in the belief that nuclear power represents a critical pathway toward a cleaner, more energy-independent future. By turning domestic nuclear potential into operational reality, the company positions itself at the intersection of national security, economic growth, and climate-conscious energy production. Their approach emphasizes building nuclear energy infrastructure that is homegrown rather than reliant on foreign supply chains or expertise. The company brings together leaders from nuclear engineering, technology, government, and finance, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to solving the complex challenges of modern nuclear energy development. As a startup operating in the green and climate technology sector, General Matter represents a new wave of private investment in nuclear energy as a viable and scalable low-carbon power source for the United States.

About the Company

General Matter enriches uranium.

We are designing, building, and operating the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.  

In the process, we are restoring America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive. 

Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume.  Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.

Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable.  We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society. 

We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.  

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.