Manufacturing Lead: CNC

SAEKI - Manufacturing at software speed

Europe's defense industrial base cannot respond at the speed modern conflict requires. Legacy suppliers operate on month-long timelines. Tribal knowledge is retiring. Supply chains are fragile. SAEKI is building the operating system for autonomous factories — the infrastructure that lets Europe manufacture mission-critical components at software speed. You\'ll own the subtractive manufacturing core of SAEKI: the precision machining operations that turn near-net-shape blanks and additively manufactured preforms into finished, aerospace-grade components. Your expertise directly determines whether we can hold the tolerances and surface finishes that the world\'s most demanding defense and aerospace primes require.

The Role

As the Manufacturing Lead — CNC, you are the owner of all subtractive machining operations at Factory ONE. Your mandate is to establish, scale, and optimize our 5-axis CNC capabilities — from process development and toolpath strategy to operator training and production output. You are the bridge between our Manufacturing Intelligence software and the physical reality of machining. Based on-site at Factory ONE in Munich, you will run the CNC department and ensure every part that leaves the machine meets spec, on time.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of hands-on CNC experience , including significant time as a machinist or CAM programmer before moving into leadership. You understand spindle speeds, toolpath strategies, and fixturing tradeoffs at a visceral level.
• 5-Axis Mastery: Proven expertise programming and operating 5-axis machining centers for complex aerospace or defense geometries.
• CAM Proficiency: Expert-level ability in Hypermill or similar. You can evaluate a CAM setup, challenge a process plan, and know when a tolerance callout is unrealistic before it hits the shop floor.
• Team Leadership: Experience building and leading a machining team. You set the standard for quality and discipline on the shop floor.
• Quality Mindset: Deep familiarity with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality systems. You understand GD&T, first-article inspection, and traceability requirements.
• Software-Driven Mindset: You are energized — not threatened — by the idea that software and AI will automate significant portions of CAM programming and machine operation. You want to shape that future.
• Location: Based in Munich (on-site at Factory ONE).
• Language: Fluent in German and English.

What we\'re not looking for

• Supervisors who haven\'t touched a machine in years. You must be able to step in, diagnose a problem, and fix a setup.
• People who see automation as a threat to their expertise. We are building the future of manufacturing — you need to embrace it.
• Operators who prefer to work in isolation. This role requires constant collaboration with our software and AI teams.
• Leaders who manage by spreadsheet instead of by presence on the shop floor.

What we offer

• Mission: Rebuild the industrial sovereignty of the West. Your work directly enables the production of mission-critical hardware for defense and space.
• Total Ownership: High-stakes autonomy in your domain. You own both the problems and the solutions — and have the authority to execute.
• The Environment: Access to a 5,000m² state-of-the-art facility featuring 5-axis CNCs, industrial robots, and industrial 3D printers. Your work runs on real hardware from day one.
• The Team: "Special Forces" model. Everyone senior, everyone ships. No politics, no bureaucracy. Direct feedback, high standards.
• Compensation: Competitive salary + meaningful equity.
• Location: Factory ONE in Munich, depending on role. Hybrid options available where applicable.

Apply

• Resume: Focus on systems you\'ve built and owned.
• Portfolio: Show us work you\'re proud of — code, machines, or production systems.
• Cover letter: Why this mission? Why now? What would you build first?