Senior CNC Machinist at Last Energy in Austin, TX

Last Energy is a pioneering US technology company deploying next-generation modular nuclear power plants. We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Senior CNC Machinist to serve as a technical expert within our R&D team. This role requires an experienced builder and doer to operate autonomously, taking ownership of complex part fabrication critical to our fleet-wide product. Your work will directly support high-throughput manufacturing and rapid deployment strategies, demanding speed, ingenuity, and accountability.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Precision Machining Leadership: Lead design and execution on complex component fabrication by independently setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining advanced precision machining equipment, including multi-axis CNC mills and lathes, laser cutters, and high-precision welding equipment
• CNC Programming & Optimization: Drive concept development into reality by developing, editing, and optimizing CNC programs (G-code or CAM software) to maximize efficiency, ensure repeatability, and maintain quality critical for nuclear-grade components
• Quality Assurance & Inspection: Oversee the fabrication process by performing rigorous, high-precision quality control using advanced metrology tools (CMM, gauges) to verify parts meet specified engineering requirements and tight geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards
• DFM Collaboration: Collaborate daily with engineers and leadership on the company’s most urgent fabrication priorities, providing technical insights to streamline designs, improve manufacturability, and accelerate deployment timelines
• Tooling & Fixtures: Design, develop, and implement advanced fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids to streamline assembly and test operations for maximum scalability
• Shop Management: Operate autonomously by establishing and enforcing best practices for all shop operations, advanced tool management, preventive maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols
• Equipment Expertise: Perform advanced troubleshooting and maintenance on all shop equipment, documenting repairs and coordinating external service when necessary to ensure maximum machine uptime

Qualifications

• Experience & Education: Minimum 8+ years of hands-on mechanical fabrication and precision machining experience, with at least 3 years at a lead or senior level in a high-growth, high-urgency environment. Formal apprenticeship or Machinist Certification highly preferred
• Technical Expertise: Deep proficiency in CNC programming (G-code and CAM software), advanced shop mathematics, and complex blueprint reading (including GD&T)
• Prototyping Skill: Proven ability to turn concepts into tested prototypes quickly, managing complex fabrication projects from concept to reality with minimal oversight
• Communication: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, especially when interfacing with engineers and cross-functional teams on urgent technical challenges
• Drive: A bias toward action, creative problem solving, and the drive to own complex fabrication problems end-to-end in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced CAD/CAM proficiency is required
• Experience advising on material science, machinability, and tool selection for specialized alloys is a plus
• Knowledge of specialized welding (TIG/MIG) is a significant asset
• Previous experience as a Machine Shop Supervisor or Lead CNC Machinist is preferred

Last Energy provides decarbonized, reliable, affordable nuclear energy at scale by innovating on the delivery model, not the reactor. By significantly reducing the time and cost of deployment, we are decarbonizing global energy production, increasing access to 24/7 baseload power, and creating a scalable clean energy future for humanity.