Senior 5-Axis CNC Programmer

At a glance

Company: AST Space Mobile
Location: Midland, Texas
Pay: DOE
Job type: Full-time
Shift: 8–12-hour shifts
Experience: 10+ years
Machines: 5-axis CNC mills
CAM software: Mastercam
• Fusion 360
Materials: CFRP
• Advanced composites

AST Space Mobile is building a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Its mission is to eliminate mobile connectivity gaps and bring broadband access to billions of people around the world.

This is a senior-level opportunity to help scale aerospace-grade composite manufacturing in Midland, Texas. You’ll lead the development and optimization of 5-axis CNC programs used to produce high-volume, Class-A CFRP components.

This is not a routine programming position. AST Space Mobile needs an experienced CNC programmer who can take ownership of the entire process—from CAD and tooling strategy through validated production programs and finished parts. You’ll establish programming standards, solve difficult composite-machining problems, improve cycle times, and mentor other programmers.

Your work will directly affect throughput, quality, repeatability, and production capacity as AST Space Mobile continues expanding its manufacturing operations.

• Develop, validate, and deploy 5-axis CNC programs for aerospace-grade CFRP production components
• Create efficient toolpaths for trimming, drilling, countersinking, and edge finishing
• Optimize feeds, speeds, tooling, and machining strategies to increase throughput
• Minimize tool wear, delamination, dimensional variation, and cosmetic defects
• Select and qualify PCD, diamond, and other advanced cutting tools
• Develop and improve fixtures, work holding, and vacuum systems
• Troubleshoot machining and process issues using data-driven root-cause analysis
• Implement permanent corrective actions instead of temporary production fixes
• Improve cycle times while protecting dimensional and Class-A cosmetic quality
• Standardize CAM templates, programming practices, and work instructions
• Establish programming benchmarks and performance expectations
• Mentor junior CNC programmers and help strengthen shop-wide capabilities
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Production to meet yield and production targets

Machining: 5-axis CNC milling and high-volume composite machining
CAM software: Mastercam and Fusion 360
CAD and data systems: Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault, and AutoCAD
Programming capabilities: Multi-axis toolpath development, simulation, collision avoidance, and process validation
Tooling: PCD, diamond, ceramic, and other advanced tooling for composite materials
Workholding: Composite fixtures, vacuum fixtures, and custom work holding systems
Quality: Blueprint interpretation, GD&T, dimensional verification, and cosmetic inspection

• Advanced aerospace and space-technology manufacturing
• Senior-level ownership of the CNC programming process
• Complex 5-axis composite machining
• High-volume production environment
• Class-A aerospace components
• Opportunity to establish shop-wide programming standards
• Direct collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Production
• Strong focus on process control and repeatability
• Leadership and mentoring responsibilities
• Mission-driven work with global impact

• Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)
• Aerospace-grade composite materials
• Advanced composite structures

Required:

• 10+ years of proven aerospace composite machining experience
• At least five years of 5-axis CNC milling and programming experience
• Deep experience machining CFRP and other advanced composites
• Advanced proficiency with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion 360
• Strong understanding of multi-axis toolpath development and simulation
• Advanced knowledge of feeds, speeds, tool geometry, tooling selection, and work holding
• Ability to prevent and troubleshoot delamination, tool wear, and composite-machining defects
• Exceptional blueprint-reading and GD&T skills
• Experience supporting high-volume aerospace production
• Strong understanding of process control, repeatability, and lean manufacturing
• Ability to…