LES Machinist

Overview

We are launching people to the Moon and Mars. If you want to be part of this amazing mission and enjoy working in a great team environment, we would love to have you as part of our team that is making history, today. It takes big ideas and determination to take NASA's vision and make it reality. That's what we do every day.

The COMET contract provides overall management and implementation of ground systems capabilities, flight hardware processing, and launch operations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. These tasks will support the International Space Station, Ground Systems Development and Operations, and the Space Launch System, Orion Multi‑Purpose Crew Vehicle, and Launch Services programs.

• Independently perform as a technician in the installation, construction, layout, fabrication, modification, assembly, repair, machining, milling, turning, shaping, grinding, cutting, and other precision machined parts, components and assemblies.
• Interpret engineering drawings, sketches, and work instructions to carry out written work assignments with minimal oversight.
• Rework, repair, or modify existing fabrications for fit and dimensional accuracy as a certified technician.
• Operate all shop floor CNC and manual machines such as lathes, grinders, shapers, milling machines, presses, etc., in a fast‑paced job shop environment.
• Work directly with engineering personnel and technicians on the installation and operation of components, special systems, and equipment.
• Build up manufactured parts into final assemblies per print and work instructions.
• Operate forklift, man‑lift equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and other elevated platforms as required.
• Maintain equipment, including minor preventive maintenance, repairs, or replacement of parts.
• Execute all work duties in a skilled, safe, and technically acceptable manner, including use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
• Identify and correct potential hazards, notify supervision, and maintain a neat, clean, orderly safety condition.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical support for operations and maintenance issues.
• Interface with customers and communicate completion of tasks per schedule, to the customer's satisfaction.

• High School diploma and 3 years of related experience.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Minimum of 2 years’ demonstrated experience with CAD/CAM.
• Minimum of 3 years’ demonstrated experience with CNC (mill & lathe) and a fundamental understanding of maintenance requirements and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience working with G‑code and ability to hand‑edit G‑code on the shop floor.
• Experience interpreting complex drawings, including GD&T fundamentals and symbols.
• Ability to independently set up and perform fabrication per print.
• Ability to determine speed and feed rates for common cutting tools and materials.
• Formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to resolve technical issues and facilitate troubleshooting.
• Ability to coordinate work between multiple project disciplines and manage/prioritize multiple projects without missing deadlines.
• Self‑motivated, initiative‑driven, and capable of working independently or with minimal supervision.
• Professional written and verbal presentation skills for interfacing with management and customers (internal and external).
• Familiarity with basic mechanical equipment and systems.
• Capacity to build positive/effective relationships with clients and coworkers, focusing on customer satisfaction.
• Acceptance of responsibility for safety of self and others.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

• Climb stairs to access equipment for troubleshooting and evaluation.
• Wear hearing protection, eye protection, hard hat, safety shoes, and other personal protective equipment.
• Extended periods of sitting or standing; extensive use of stairs; access to remote structures.
• Ability to evacuate buildings/areas quickly in an emergency.

Work occurs both inside and outside the shop, requiring daily travel to different areas on site. Walking on uneven terrain, paved areas,…