Lead CNC Machinist - Multi-Axis Precision Manufacturing

What We Do at Verterra Energy

At Verterra Energy, we're on a mission to harness the power in the world's rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water-power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero emission electricity.

Backed by top-tier investors and a multi-year government contract, we are growing our founding team to help achieve key milestones. Partners and collaborators include: NIRON, DoD, DoE, University of Minnesota, WEG Group, Beckhoff, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Recent press releases can be found on our website:

Role Overview

You will be responsible for programming, setup, machining, and process improvement for precision components used in Verterra's systems and test platforms.

You will work directly with mechanical engineers to improve part manufacturability and reduce iteration cycles. You will also help establish shop discipline, tooling strategy, and repeatable machining processes as we scale.

Core Responsibilities

Programming & Setup

• Program 3- and 4-axis CNC mills (5-axis experience preferred)
• Develop efficient toolpaths using CAM software
• Perform full machine setup: fixturing, work holding, tool selection, probing, and offsets
• Optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection for performance and surface finish

Precision Machining

• Machine tight-tolerance components in aluminum, stainless steel, and other engineering materials
• Maintain dimensional accuracy across prototype and repeat builds
• Identify and prevent tolerance stack-up and geometric drift
• Perform in-process inspection and final verification

Fixturing & Process Development

• Design and build custom fixtures for complex or repeat parts
• Improve setup repeatability and reduce cycle time where appropriate
• Establish machining standards for common part families
• Support transition from one-off prototypes to repeatable production runs

Quality & Inspection

• Perform inspection using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other precision tools
• Understand GD&T and apply it correctly
• Identify root causes of dimensional or surface defects
• Maintain documentation for repeatable setups and part history

Collaboration & Shop Leadership

• Work directly with engineering to improve part designs for manufacturability
• Flag tolerance or geometry issues early
• Help maintain shop organization, tooling discipline, and equipment condition
• Mentor junior machinists where appropriate

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of full-time CNC machining experience
• Demonstrated experience programming and setting up CNC mills independently
• Experience holding tight tolerances on structural or precision parts
• Strong understanding of GD&T and print interpretation
• Experience designing and building custom fixtures
• Comfortable working in a prototype-heavy environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-axis machining experience
• Experience machining components for marine, aerospace, energy, or high-load systems
• Experience transitioning parts from prototype to low-rate production
• Familiarity with Haas or similar industrial machines
• Experience working in a small engineering-driven team

What Success Looks Like

• Parts are machined correctly the first time with minimal rework
• Setup time decreases due to improved fixturing and documentation
• Engineering changes get incorporated cleanly without chaos
• Dimensional consistency improves across builds
• The machine shop operates with discipline, not firefighting

Verterra Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.