Machine Shop Technician

As our Machine Shop Technician, you will take parts from raw stock and metal 3D-printed blanks through to finished, inspected hardware — supporting both development builds and flight article production. You'll work across a wide range of equipment, from Wire EDM and Waterjet to 5-axis CNC milling, bringing precision and reliability to every part you touch.

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

• Own Core Responsibilities: Set up and operate Wire EDM, Waterjet, mill, lathe, and laser cutting equipment; program 5-axis machining operations using Siemens NX; machine metal additively manufactured (3D-printed) parts, including post-processing and cleanup specific to printed components.
• Produce Clear Deliverables: Finished, print-conforming components for both development and flight article builds; basic dimensional inspection and QA records; accurate travelers, work records, and inspection documentation to maintain full traceability.

Impacts and Outcomes

• Deliver machined parts that meet dimensional, GD&T, and surface finish requirements on schedule for both R&D and flight programs
• Uphold the higher documentation and traceability standards required for flight article hardware versus development work
• Reduce scrap and rework through careful setup, in-process checks, and sound 5-axis programming practices
• Apply judgment when machining metal printed parts to account for internal stresses, support structures, and surface characteristics unique to additive manufacturing
• Flag dimensional or material nonconformances early and escalate appropriately to keep builds on schedule and within spec
• Own the quality and accuracy of your own work across the full process, from raw stock or printed blank to finished, inspected part

What You Bring to the Team

• Hands-on experience operating Wire EDM, Waterjet, mill, lathe, and laser cutting equipment
• Proficiency programming 5-axis CNC machining operations using Siemens NX
• Working knowledge of basic QA/inspection processes and standard metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges)
• Experience machining metal 3D-printed (additive manufactured) parts
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience supporting both prototype/development work and flight-certified production hardware
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-accountability shop environment

Bonus Points

• Aerospace, defense, or other regulated industry experience (AS9100 familiarity a plus)
• CMM programming or operation experience
• Experience in high-growth, startup, or technically complex manufacturing environments

Compensation

Hourly pay is based on the experience level of the selected candidate:

• Level 1: $19.23 – $36.06 / hour
• Level 2: $33.00 – $48.07 / hour
• Level 3: $45.00 – $62.50 / hour
• Level 4: $50.00 – $72.12 / hour

The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees following an initial 90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team performance. All equity grants are subject to executive…