Lead Machinist - 5 Axis

Job Description

Job Description

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to solve water scarcity and inclement weather problems. We develop and incorporate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable cloud seeds into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

The Production team at Rainmaker builds our UAS platforms, assembles dispersion payloads, and integrates in-situ/remote sensing systems into every vehicle we deliver. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast-paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and ensures mission success in the field, this is a fantastic opportunity. 

To meet our engineering, test, and production goals Rainmaker requires the ability to manufacture its own machined parts in timelines not possible by outsourcing. Our solution is to bring our own full spectrum prototyping and small batch production capabilities in house. We continue to build out our internal toolset with the most recent addition  of a 2026 Haas UMC 500ss, Mitutoyo Mistar 575 cmm, Shunk workholding, and Haimer tool presetter / shrink station / Balancer. To complement this, we are seeking someone to fill the role of Lead 5 Axis Machinist.

What You'll Do

• Receiving parts and drawings from engineers. Reviewing them to provide feedback for manufacturability.

• Program toolpaths for these parts in your CAM platform of choice.

• Set up and run 5 axis jobs you programmed.

• Maintain a tool and workholding library that can support both highly varied prototypes as well as stable short run production.

• Manage the maintenance and calibrations of our machine tools.

• Program and operate CMM inspection as well as provide results to engineers.

• Manage other CNC operators and machinists.

• Not be afraid to get dirty, make cool parts day in and out, help bring an end to fresh water scarcity.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years minimum of 5 axis programming and operating experience

• Intimate knowledge of G-Code, ability to hand write / edit programs on the fly

• Up to date knowledge of contemporary machining strategies and available tooling

• CMM programming and operating Mitutoyo suite or Polyworks

• Parametric CAD competency Solidworks or Fusion

Preferred Qualifications

• CNC lathe programming with live tooling

• Swiss machining experience

• Broad range of metrology experience

• EDM experience

Base salary + overtime + equity (the advertised compensation reflects total package). We take care of the people who are in the trenches building this with us — and we make sure you share in the upside when we win.

Benefits:

• Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
• Unlimited PTO 
• Paid parental leave for both parents
• Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
• Free EV charging at the HQ