CNC Machinist

Development CNC Machinist
Alameda, California

This is a launch company applying an agile approach to space launch, building on over a decade of technology development in rocket propulsion, structures and avionics. They deliver routine access to Earth orbit for enterprises launching services powered by small satellites.

Their headquarters sits in Alameda, between San Francisco and Oakland. The campus supports full cycle rocket production, from design through manufacturing and test, plus mission control.

The machine shop takes raw material to finished form against dimensional requirements and schedule constraints. The goal is to produce parts faster, cheaper and at higher quality than any outside vendor.

This is a strong individual contributor role reporting directly to the Shop Manager.

• Program and operate CNC machines from start to finish, including CAM programming in software such as NX, calculating feeds and speeds, setting up cutting tools and work holding, proofing programs, loading parts and breaking down setups
• Interpret dimensioned part drawings and select the correct machine tools, work holding and inspection equipment
• Operate manual metal cutting machinery including knee mills, engine and tool room lathes, drill presses, tapping machines, surface grinders and saws
• Inspect finished and in process parts with calipers, micrometers and hard gauges, working with the QC lab where needed
• Communicate with shop, quality control and engineering personnel
• Identify bottlenecks and recurring issues, and offer solutions to improve shop effectiveness

• Someone with 5 or more years as a CNC machinist, used to a fast paced shop
• Able to program, set up and operate CNC mills and lathes using CAM software such as Siemens NX or Mastercam, with direct experience on manual equipment too
• Fluent in shop drawings and GD&T, proficient in thread cutting, and confident with calipers, micrometers, hard gauges and height gauges
• Able to calculate feeds and speeds, solve geometry problems, and identify materials and their machinability quickly
• Someone who can lift 40lbs or more, push heavy carts or crates, and stretch, reach, kneel or crawl as tasks require
• Someone who keeps a clean work area, performs their own preventative maintenance, and spots machinery needing attention
• Useful extras: high mix job shop experience, writing or editing posts, fabrication including welding, sheet metal, waterjet or assembly, engineering or design training, lean certifications, Proto TRAK, multi axis machines, palletised HMCs or VMCs, laser cutting or EDM

$45 to $55 per hour at Level 4, for 5 to 8 years of experience. $56 to $65 per hour at Level 5, for 8 or more years. Equity as part of the package. Health, vision, dental and 401k. This role is subject to US export control regulations, so it is contingent on US citizenship, lawful permanent residence, protected individual status, or eligibility to obtain the required authorisations from the Department of State.