Machinist / CNC Operator

Who is Elve?

Elve, Inc is a deep-tech startup in Davis, CA whose patented technology enables 100x faster wireless internet access in urban settings and remote locations. Elve delivers a transformative approach to the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers in large quantities. Our solutions enable the next generation of wireless connectivity well beyond 5G as well as high-resolution imaging and radar. We are looking for Production Operators to play a role in bringing our technology to market. If you are passionate about the future of RF electronics, additive manufacturing, precision assembly, microfabrication, vacuum systems, advanced materials processing, and working within a small and energetic team - we can’t wait to meet you!

Requirements

We are seeking an experienced precision Machinist / CNC Operator to fabricate miniature, components for high-vacuum assemblies. In this role, you will work with specialized high-purity materials to hold sub-thousandth tolerances while maintaining pristine parts cleanliness and contamination control required for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and space-flight applications. Operators may also be asked to work on process development or improvement projects. Given the size of our team, and the growth we are experiencing, there are lots of opportunities to be challenged and to develop by taking on new opportunities, skills and responsibilities.

May be a combination of the following but not limited to:

- Machine shop
- Manufacturing Environment
- ISO 5 - ISO 8 Cleanroom
- Laboratory
- Warehouse
- Office

Requirements

- Machine Operation & Setup: Hands-on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting manual machines (lathes, mills, grinders) and/or CNC machinery (3-axis, 5-axis, horizontal/vertical mills).
- Blueprint Reading & Schematics: Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.
- G-Code & M-Code Proficiency: Knowledge of manual G/M code programming or CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM) to edit and optimize toolpaths.
- Precision Measurement & Inspection: Familiarity with precision tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, dial indicators, and CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) to verify tight tolerances.
- Material Handling: Work with specialty high-vacuum, high-purity materials including oxygen-free high-conductivity (OFHC) copper, molybdenum, tungsten, ceramics, and stainless steel alloys.
- Material & Tooling Knowledge: Understanding of metal properties (steel, aluminum, titanium, composites), optimal speeds and feeds, tool geometry, and cutter selections.
- Micro-Deburring & Inspection: Perform delicate burr removal under high-magnification microscopes without altering part geometry or scratching critical vacuum-sealing surfaces.
- UHV Cleanliness & Contamination Control: Strict adherence to cleanroom/controlled-environment protocols. Prevent cross-contamination through oil-free machining, dry cutting, or ultra-clean coolant management and post-machining ultrasonic solvent cleaning protocols.
- Process Documentation: Complete detailed routing sheets, inspection logs, and clean-handling records to support aerospace/defense compliance standards (AS9100 / ISO 9001).
- Ability to develop, understand and/or follow procedures
- Detail oriented and organized
- Responsible
- Great communication
- Willing to learn and be adaptable/flexible
- Experience working in a team environment
- Be able to multitask
- Self-motivated
- Within a commutable distance of Davis, CA
- To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to work in this role you must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about export control here.

Physical Requirements & Safety

- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods (8–12 hour shifts) and lift or move objects weighing up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Dexterity & Vision: Strong hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and accurate visual perception for inspecting detailed parts.
- Safety & PPE Compliance: Strict adherence to OSHA standards, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (safety glasses, steel-toe boots, ear protection), and equipment maintenance protocols.

EXTRA PROS:

- Micro-Machining & Setup: Set up and operate CNC precision Swiss lathes, 4/5-axis micro-mills, or wire EDM to produce small, complex TWT components to tolerances within ±0.0001" (±2.5 µm).
- Quality Assurance: Inspect micro-features using optical comparators, vision measuring systems (Keyence/Micro-Vu), and high-resolution CMMs. Maintain tight Surface Roughness requirements for RF wave propagation.

Benefits

Benefits Include:

- Salary starts at $25/hour, and increases to $28.85/hour after a 3 month probationary period is completed. Elve offers regular salary increases, plus ample advancement opportunities to Machinist / CNC Operator II, III, IV, and V, which carry salaries up to $47/hour.
- Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- Vacation
- A taste of the start-up life
- Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing
- Engagement with experts and PhD level engineers

What it’s like to work at Elve

We are an expanding team, on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements- we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We work really hard, make sure we get good sleep, we handle conflict intentionally, and we expect great things from each other.