About this Role
Our client is looking for a Senior 5-Axis CNC Programmer to join thei Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will be machining complex, flight-critical components with extreme precision—contributing directly to spacecraft that will leave Earth and return with life-changing materials manufactured in microgravity.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role in a non-production, prototype-driven environment where you will work with cutting-edge equipment, collaborate directly with engineers, and operate with full ownership of your machining processes. You’ll be surrounded by industry veterans in a culture that values humility, speed, and craftsmanship.
Work Environment
- Autonomy and ownership. Responsible for print-to-part. Independent projects.
- One-off prototyping work. You rarely work on the same part twice.
- New 5-axis CNC machines. Premium tooling.
- Generous tooling and inspection budget. No need for personal tools.
- Single shift. No one else touches your machine.
- Clear aerospace environment. Pristine floors.
- Onsite in El Segundo, CA.
- 40-45 hours per week (over-time available with approvals).
- Flexible hours and generous benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Precision Machining
- Machine complex aerospace components on 5-axis mills (Haas UMC1000 etc.) to tolerances of ±0.0005 in.
- Execute the full print-to-part workflow with full autonomy, including CAM programming, custom fixturing, setup, machine operation, and inspection.
- Machine exotic materials such as PEEK, Inconel, stainless steel, and carbon composite materials.
- Design and execute custom fixturing and work-holding solutions for prototype parts.
CAM Programming & Optimization
- Program CAM toolpaths using software such as Mastercam, HSMworks.
- Incorporate probing strategies and macros to reduce setup time and increase accuracy.
- Continuously refine feeds, speeds, and tooling strategies to minimize cycle times while maintaining aerospace-grade quality.
Process Ownership & Engineering Collaboration
- Take end-to-end ownership of machining processes, including raw material selection, programming, setup, machining, inspection, and documentation.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
- Develop and standardize best practices to improve shop efficiency and knowledge sharing.
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience programming and operating 5-axis vertical machining centers (e.g., Haas UMC-1000/750, DMG MORI DMU, or similar) producing tight-tolerance aerospace or flight-critical components.
- Proficiency in Mastercam for 3+2 and full simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths, including simulation and verification.
- Deep understanding of G-code/M-code and advanced CNC program editing.
- Experience machining exotic materials and applying GD&T principles.
- Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools.
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (ITAR compliance).
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 10+ years of CNC machining experience, primarily in 5-axis milling environments.
- 5+ years of Mastercam experience, including post customization and optimization.
- Skilled in custom workholding and fixture design, including modular dovetail, vacuum, and Lang-style clamping systems for small-lot prototype work.
- Demonstrated mentorship or leadership within a high-precision machining environment.
- Familiarity with CNC lathes, mill-turn, or live-tooling equipment — nice to have but not required.
Pay Range
- Pay range: $40.00 – $60.00+ per hour
- Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
- You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards