Senior Prototype Machinist
2 months ago
Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist
Location: El Segundo, CA
We are looking for an exceptional Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join our Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in machining complex, high-precision components critical to our spacecraft systems. This hands-on role will challenge you to program, set up, and operate advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. You’ll lead efforts to streamline machining processes, tackle novel manufacturing challenges, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge spaceflight hardware.
This is not a production environment — this is a dynamic, high-stakes role that demands precision, ingenuity, and a passion for advanced manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Machine Programming, Setup, and Operation:
- Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines (e.g., DMG MORI, Haas UMC) to produce complex aerospace components to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005”.
- Work with a wide range of materials, including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, ensuring exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
- Create and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.
CAM Programming and Process Optimization:
- Develop and refine toolpaths using Mastercam, HyperMILL, Esprit, or equivalent software, leveraging advanced strategies such as high-speed machining, trochoidal milling, and adaptive clearing.
- Integrate on-machine probing and macros for part alignment, feature verification, and adaptive toolpath adjustments.
- Continuously optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection to minimize cycle times without compromising quality.
Process Ownership and Collaboration:
- Take full ownership of the machining process, from raw material selection to final inspection.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and propose creative solutions for complex part geometries.
- Maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing processes and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.
Inspection and Quality Control:
- Conduct in-process inspections and first article verifications using tools such as CMMs, laser scanners, micrometers, and other precision measurement instruments.
- Troubleshoot machining issues through root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate (vocational or technical training in machining preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, with a focus on aerospace or high-precision components.
- Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, HyperMILL, or Esprit) and 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
- Deep understanding of G-code, M-code, and CNC program editing.
- Expertise in machining exotic materials such as titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber composites.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, CMMs).
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining, including advanced 5-axis operations.
- Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
- Proven ability to lead or mentor junior machinists, with a focus on improving team efficiency and quality.
- Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations, such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
- Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
- Familiarity with production tracking tools (e.g., Jira) and continuous improvement methodologies.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Hourly Range: $35–$50/hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- Equity: Ownership in a rapidly growing space startup with significant potential for growth.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) Matching: Invest in your future with employer contributions.
- Unlimited PTO: Work hard, recharge often.
- Onsite Perks: Daily lunches, snacks, and weekly dinners provided.
- Parental Leave: Generous maternity/paternity leave policy.
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
ITAR Requirements:
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
Benefits:
- Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field to working by your side
- Working in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
- Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
- 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
- Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
- Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
- Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
- Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)
Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
-
Prototype Machinist
4 months ago
el segundo, United States Castelion Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We design, build, and test next generation weapon systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge in...
-
Prototype Machinist
3 months ago
El Segundo, United States Castelion Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We design, build, and test next generation weapon systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge in...
-
Prototype Machinist
4 months ago
El Segundo, United States Castelion Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We design, build, and test next generation weapon systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge in...
-
El Segundo, California, United States Axient Full timeAbout the RoleWe are looking for a skilled Satellite Systems Acquisition Specialist to join our team in El Segundo, CA.The successful candidate will work closely with the Space Systems Command, Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, Innovation and Prototyping Delta.This position requires a DoD Top Secret Clearance to start.ResponsibilitiesSupport the...
-
Senior Machinist
4 weeks ago
El Segundo, California, United States Trio Manufacturing Full timeJob OverviewTrio Manufacturing is seeking a skilled Senior Machinist to join our team in El Segundo, CA. As a key member of our production team, you will be responsible for setting up and operating various 5-axis machining centers.Key Responsibilities:Operate 5-axis machining centers with precision and efficiencySet up machines, tools, and fixtures according...
-
High-Precision Manufacturing Expert
1 month ago
El Segundo, California, United States Varda Space Industries Full timeUnlocking Innovation in Space-Grade MachiningWe are seeking an exceptional Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join our esteemed Manufacturing Team at Varda Space Industries. In this pivotal role, you will play a critical part in machining complex, high-precision components essential for our spacecraft systems. This hands-on position demands precision,...
-
Senior Cloud Architect
2 weeks ago
El Segundo, California, United States Tekfortune Inc Full timeAt Tekfortune Inc, we are seeking an experienced Senior Cloud Architect to join our team. This is a 6-month contract opportunity with a competitive salary of $140,000 - $160,000 per annum based in El Segundo, CA (remote work options available).About the RoleWe are looking for a skilled professional with expertise in data engineering using Google Big Query...
-
El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full timeThis Senior Electronics Engineer role offers an exciting opportunity to work on advanced circuit development projects for the aerospace industry. With a strong background in analog circuit design and power systems, you will be responsible for leading teams in the development of prototypes and mentoring junior engineers.As a member of our team, you will have...
-
Senior Mechanical Engineer
3 days ago
El Segundo, United States Singularity Full timeSenior Mechanical EngineerOverview:We are seeking a skilled mechanical engineer with a strong flight system design andmanufacturing background. You will design (for manufacture), prototype, and test complexelectro-mechanical hardware for aerospace rocket/missile systems. You will own systemcomponents from conception through to flight testing and manufacture...
-
Senior Mechanical Engineer
4 days ago
El Segundo, United States Singularity Full timeSenior Mechanical EngineerOverview:We are seeking a skilled mechanical engineer with a strong flight system design andmanufacturing background. You will design (for manufacture), prototype, and test complexelectro-mechanical hardware for aerospace rocket/missile systems. You will own systemcomponents from conception through to flight testing and manufacture...
-
Singularity | Senior Mechanical Engineer
5 days ago
el segundo, United States Singularity Full timeSenior Mechanical EngineerOverview:We are seeking a skilled mechanical engineer with a strong flight system design andmanufacturing background. You will design (for manufacture), prototype, and test complexelectro-mechanical hardware for aerospace rocket/missile systems. You will own systemcomponents from conception through to flight testing and manufacture...
-
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer
2 weeks ago
El Segundo, California, United States Top Secret Clearance Jobs Full timeAbout the JobWe are seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to join our team at The Aerospace Corporation. As a trusted partner to the nation's space programs, we deliver innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial customers. As a member of our Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD),...
-
Machinist Programmer Specialist
3 weeks ago
El Segundo, California, United States W3Global Inc. Full timeJob Title: CNC ProgrammerWe are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer to join our team at W3Global Inc. in El Segundo, CA.The estimated annual salary for this position is $120,000 - $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.About the Job:This role involves developing, testing, and optimizing CNC programs for machining complex aerospace components. The...
-
Lead Machinist
1 month ago
El Segundo, United States W3Global Inc. Full timeJob DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: CNC ProgrammerLocation: El Segundo CA About Us:We are a leading aerospace manufacturer dedicated to innovation and precision in creating complex, high-quality components for the aerospace industry. Our team values technical excellence, safety, and a commitment to exceeding industry standards. We are looking for a...
-
Lead Machinist
1 week ago
El Segundo, United States W3Global Inc. Full timeJob DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: CNC ProgrammerLocation: El Segundo CAAbout Us:We are a leading aerospace manufacturer dedicated to innovation and precision in creating complex, high-quality components for the aerospace industry. Our team values technical excellence, safety, and a commitment to exceeding industry standards. We are looking for a...
-
Senior Principal Software Architect Lead
2 weeks ago
El Segundo, California, United States RTX Full timeAbout RTXWe are a leading aerospace and defense company that values trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Our mission is to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression.Job Overview:We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Systems-Software Lead to join our Electronic Warfare & Signal Processing group....
-
Senior Radio Frequency Design Engineer
2 weeks ago
El Segundo, United States 7percent Ventures Ltd. Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We’re designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its...
-
Senior Radio Frequency Design Engineer
1 month ago
El Segundo, United States 7percent Ventures Ltd. Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We’re designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its...
-
Senior RF Hardware Design Engineer
4 days ago
El Segundo, United States Castelion Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We’re designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its...
-
Senior RF Hardware Design Engineer
3 days ago
El Segundo, United States Castelion Full timeAbout CastelionCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We’re designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its...
