Development CNC Machinist

Location: United States, Onsite
Compensation Range: 43 to 53 USD per hour

We are a rocket manufacturing company building the next generation of launch and spacecraft hardware. Our in‑house machine shop is a critical part of this effort, supporting rapid development cycles and producing high precision components used throughout our vehicles and propulsion systems. We take pride in producing parts faster, at higher quality, and at lower cost than any vendor can match.

We are seeking a highly skilled Development CNC Machinist who can program, set up and operate CNC mills and lathes while also contributing to manual machining, inspection and continuous improvement across the shop. This is a strong individual contributor role for someone who thrives in a fast paced, high mix environment and enjoys taking a part from raw stock to finished product.

About the Role

As a Development CNC Machinist, you will be responsible for programming and machining parts with varying levels of complexity, using CAM software such as Siemens NX or Mastercam. You will be relied upon to select tools, design and install workholding, calculate feeds and speeds, and produce parts to extremely tight tolerances required for aerospace hardware.

You will work closely with engineering, quality and fellow machinists to ensure our manufacturing efforts support rapid rocket development and testing. The work is hands on, varied and technically challenging.

Key Responsibilities

Program and Operate CNC Equipment
Take parts from start to finish using CNC mills and lathes. This includes CAM programming, tool selection, workholding design, program proofing, setup, operation and teardown.

Manual Machining
Operate manual machines such as knee mills, engine lathes, tool room lathes, drill presses, tapping machines, surface grinders and saws.

Interpret Engineering Drawings
Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T with fluency. Select the correct tools, processes and measurement methods to meet dimensional and tolerance requirements.

Inspection and Quality
Inspect finished and in‑process parts using calipers, micrometers, height gauges and hard gauges. Work collaboratively with our quality lab as needed.

Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with engineering and other machinists to ensure clear communication, smooth handoffs and high quality production. Actively contribute to a positive and transparent shop culture.

Continuous Improvement
Identify shop inefficiencies, recurring issues or bottlenecks and propose process improvements. Participate in efforts that improve speed, quality and cost effectiveness.

Required Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Five or more years of experience as a CNC machinist in a fast paced environment
• Proficiency programming, setting up and operating CNC mills using CAM software such as Siemens NX or Mastercam
• Hands on manual machining experience with mills, lathes or drill presses
• Ability to calculate feeds and speeds and solve machining geometry problems
• Understanding of materials, grades and machinability characteristics
• Proficiency in threadcutting and thread inspection
• Strong capability with inspection tools including calipers, micrometers and gauges
• Ability to read shop drawings and understand GD&T
• Ability to lift 40 pounds or more and handle physically demanding tasks
• Experience performing basic preventative maintenance on equipment
• Familiarity with Excel, Word, email and general computer use
• Strong communication skills and comfort discussing technical topics with engineers and colleagues
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a clean, safe work environment

Desired Multipliers

• Experience in a high mix, fast paced job shop
• Experience writing or editing machine posts
• Fabrication experience including welding, sheet metal, waterjet, assembly or finishing
• Training in an engineering or design discipline
• Lean manufacturing certifications
• Experience with Proto‑TRAK, multi‑axis machining, palletized HMCs or VMCs, laser cutting or EDM

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate between 43 and 53 USD depending on experience
• Full medical, dental and vision coverage
• Equity and additional benefits depending on role and tenure
• On site perks such as provided lunches and stocked snacks