Prototype Machinist / Machine Shop Lead

About the role

Company: comma.ai, Inc. Location: San Diego, California Pay: $80,000-$120,000 per year Job type: Full-time Work environment: On-site Machines: Haas VF-2 • CNC lathe • 3D printers Focus: Prototype machining • CAM programming • Shop leadership Why this role is worth considering comma.ai is a small team building openpilot, an open-source driving agent, and the comma four hardware that runs it - both designed and built right here in San Diego. The company is bringing prototype manufacturing fully in-house, and this role runs that effort. This is a lead position, not a production machining seat: you'll own prototype parts from CAD to finished component for every future comma.ai product, from comma four-style hardware to new datacenter systems, working directly with the hardware team as designs evolve. The shop already has a Haas VF-2, a CNC lathe and 3D printers, with budget to add whatever else the work needs. ️ What you'll be doing Run and help build out comma.ai's in-house prototype machine shop Lead prototype manufacturing for current and future comma.ai products, from comma four-style hardware to new datacenter systems Take parts from CAD models or ambiguous early designs through to finished prototypes Program, set up and operate CNC milling and turning equipment Handle fixturing, workholding and tooling for one-off and short-run prototype work Inspect finished parts and iterate with the hardware team as designs change Recommend additional machines, tooling and equipment as the shop grows ️ Machines, controls & software CNC mill: Haas VF-2 Turning: CNC lathe Additional equipment: 3D printers Controls: Haas experience is a plus Software: CAM experience required; specific platforms not listed What we're looking for Required Experience with CAM, CNC setup and machining Excellent attention to detail Ability to take an ambiguous design from sketch to a working prototype Examples of projects you've personally built, submitted with your application Preferred Haas CNC experience Mechanical engineering and CAD skills Pay, benefits & schedule Pay: $80,000-$120,000 per year Full-time, on-site in San Diego, CA. comma.ai's standard benefits include: Medical, dental and vision insurance Flexible paid time off On-site gym and yoga studio Chef-prepared lunch and dinner Visa and green-card sponsorship About comma.ai comma.ai is a San Diego technology company building openpilot, an open-source driving agent designed to make supported vehicles more capable, and the comma four, the hardware that runs it. Its fleet drives hundreds of millions of miles a year across real-world roads. Unlike companies that focus only on software, comma.ai designs and manufactures its own hardware in San Diego, and is now bringing prototype manufacturing for that hardware fully in-house - this role leads that shop. Apply today Want to run a new prototype machine shop and help build the hardware behind self-driving cars? Email with examples of cool projects you've built.