CNC Machinist

Do you enjoy turning designs into high-precision components? We’re looking for a talented CNC Machinist to take ownership of machining jobs on a variety of CNC machines—4‑axis Mill‑Turn, or 3‑5‑axis milling machines. You will be responsible for manufacturing components across all stages of the product lifecycle, from rapid R&D prototyping to product ionizing existing parts for reliable, unmanned production.

Dawn Aerospace manufactures satellite propulsion systems and the world’s fastest climbing space plane. If you want to be working on cutting‑edge parts with high demands, then this is the place for you.

You’ll work closely with engineering and production teams to deliver high‑quality, complex parts on time every time. A passion for high speed and high quality is essential, as well as an attitude of overcoming obstacles rather than leaving the problems for other people.

• Create and edit CNC programs using CAM software such as Fusion 360 or Top Solid.
• Design and implement fixturing for safe, repeatable machining for both R&D and production parts.
• Primarily machine stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium parts from raw stock or post‑machine 3D‑printed components.
• Select tooling, work holding, strategy, and cutting parameters for high‑precision applications such as sealing surfaces.
• Proof out NC programs and bring them into production.
• Run production jobs while monitoring quality, tolerances, and machine performance.
• Inspect finished components using precision measuring equipment.

• Identify and execute opportunities to improve cycle times, repeatability, tooling, and machining methods.
• Implement fixture and tooling improvements to increase quality and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineers and supervisors to resolve machining and design challenges.
• Develop reliable, repeatable and scalable machining processes.

• Proven experience as a CNC Machinist—5+ years.
• Experience with CNC programming, setup, and operation.
• Preference for experience with Fusion 360 and Top Solid CAM software.
• Preference for experience with Fanuc and Heidenhain controllers.
• Ability to read, interpret, and provide feedback on engineering drawings with complex GD&T.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, tooling, and work holding.
• Proven track‑record using precision measuring equipment to validate work to specifications.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Able to work independently and take ownership of jobs while collaborating in a broader team.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.

• Experience programming and running any of the following machines: NTX 1000, NLX 2000, DMU
  50, HAAS VM2.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Dawn Aerospace, we believe that diverse teams build better solutions. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued and supported to do their best work.

About Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company with a purpose. Our mission is to enable the next generation of space users by providing more sustainable and scalable ways to access and move around in space. We believe this access, in the form of a transportation network, will fundamentally change what’s possible from space. We currently focus on three areas of space transportation:

• In‑space propulsion – We’re a leading supplier of turnkey green propulsion systems for various classes of satellites. Our systems utilise safe, accessible propellants and we have over 170 of these propulsion units on more than 40 operational satellites already. A further 200 units are in production.
• In‑space servicing – Coupled with our propulsion expertise, we are ensuring that our customers’ satellites are refuellable. In the coming years, Dawn will offer a refueling service to enable life extension of customer satellites. This new market is aligned with our sustainability goal to ensure a clean and safe space for everyone!
• Space plane – We are developing the fastest and highest‑flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high‑frequency, low‑cost access to sub‑orbital space.

Our international teams are distributed across four locations: the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.