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Lead Design CNC Programmer/Operator

Lucid Motors · Newark, CA

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Level
Technician
Team
Manufacturing
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Automotive
Posted
11 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level manufacturing role at Lucid Motors (automotive) in Newark, CA. Develop, optimize, and verify CNC programs for complex 3-axis and 5-axis machining applications.

They ask for
5+ years
Tools it names
CNC, Machining, Tooling, CATIA / NX

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Manufacturing Technician roles in California: typical posted base $56k–$78k.

Median of the low and high ends of 10 live postings that list pay, out of 118 manufacturing technician openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 85 other live manufacturing postings in California.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $84k–$121k, from 13 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (5+ vs 4+)

Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Tooling 37%
  • ✓ Machining 35%
  • Team leadership 35%
  • ✓ CNC 35%
  • New product launch 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Training program

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Lucid Motors

    We found 5 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role, 2 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Sanaulla → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
    • How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Lucid Motors in Newark

4 other open roles at this site · 5 people we found in manufacturing roles at Lucid Motors.

Full description from Lucid MotorsAs posted on their careers site.Show

Qualifications

  • ✓5+ years of CNC programming and machining experience.
  • ✓Strong experience programming and operating both 3-axis and 5-axis CNC equipment.
  • ✓Proficiency with Autodesk PowerMill and working knowledge of CATIA and/or Fusion 360.
  • ✓Experience working directly from CAD models and digital design data.
  • ✓Strong understanding of machining principles, tooling selection, work holding, and manufacturing processes.
  • ✓Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • ✓Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • ✓Effective communication and collaboration skills.
  • ✓Ability to work independently within a fast-paced prototype environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Experience within an automotive design studio, prototype manufacturing environment, model shop, motorsports, aerospace, or similar low-volume manufacturing environment
  • ✓Experience programming and operating large-format CNC machinery.
  • ✓Experience machining large-format components and vehicle-scale properties.
  • ✓Familiarity with Heidenhain, Fagor, and Mitsubishi control systems.
  • ✓Experience designing fixtures, supports, and manufacturing aids.
  • ✓Experience machining polyurethane modeling board, aluminum, carbon fiber composites and mold tooling, plastics, and wood.
Show full description ↓

About Lucid

At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.

We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and production happening in-house across our global offices and manufacturing facilities. Our teams come from industries around the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, you can help redefine what’s possible and shape the future of mobility.

Role Overview

The Lead Design CNC Programmer/Operator is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC equipment in support of Design Studio vehicle properties, prototype models, and development programs.

Working closely with Design, Engineering, Modelers, and Fabrication teams, this role supports the manufacture of a diverse range of prototype components, from small development parts to full-scale vehicle bucks, aerodynamic models, composite tooling, fabricated structures, and show car assets.

The ideal candidate combines strong CNC programming and machining expertise with exceptional organization, problem-solving ability, and adaptability. Success in this position requires the ability to work across a broad range of materials, project types, and component scales while consistently delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced prototype environment.

CNC Programming & Machining

  • •Develop, optimize, and verify CNC programs for complex 3-axis and 5-axis machining applications.
  • •Setup, operate, and troubleshoot large-format CNC routers and gantry mills.
  • •Select and implement machining strategies, tooling, and work holding solutions that deliver high-quality prototype parts and properties.
  • •Evaluate CAD data and identify potential manufacturing concerns before machining begins.
  • •Maintain organized PowerMill projects, CNC programs, fixture models, and related manufacturing data.

Prototype Manufacturing Support

  • •Manufacture prototype components supporting vehicle development programs, including design bucks, ergonomic properties, aerodynamic models, composite tooling, fabricated structures, clay studio assets, and show car components.
  • •Interpret CAD models, design data, and engineering information to develop practical manufacturing solutions.
  • •Modify CAD geometry and create fixtures, support structures, and work holding solutions when required.
  • •Collaborate closely with Design, Engineering, Modeling, and Fabrication teams to support successful project execution.

Technical Excellence & Support

  • •Serve as a technical resource for CNC programmers and operators.
  • •Provide guidance on machining strategies, tooling, fixturing, and manufacturing processes.
  • •Take ownership of the department's most technically challenging machining projects.
  • •Support troubleshooting efforts across programming, machine operation, tooling, and manufacturing methods.
  • •Lead by example through technical excellence, craftsmanship, organization, and accountability.

Equipment & Shop Support

  • •Monitor machine performance and operating conditions to ensure reliable operation.
  • •Perform routine maintenance and support preventative maintenance activities.
  • •Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, tooling, machining processes, and overall shop capability.
  • •Support a safe, clean, and organized working environment.

Success Measures

  • •Delivery of high-quality prototype components and vehicle properties.
  • •Successful execution of complex machining projects from programming through final completion.
  • •Safe and reliable operation of CNC equipment.
  • •Organization and maintainability of CNC programs, CAD/CAM data, and fixture files.
  • •Effective technical support provided to the team.
  • •Adaptability across a wide range of materials, project types, and manufacturing challenges
  • •Strong and effective collaboration with Design, Engineering, Modeling, and Fabrication teams.

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