CNC Lathe Machinist I and II, Prototype Shop

Varda Space•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Varda Space Industries is seeking a CNC Machinist to support its prototype shop in El Segundo, California. The role focuses on programming, setting up, and operating CNC equipment, especially CNC lathes, to produce complex, one-off aerospace components and flight-support hardware. The machinist will use Mastercam and own manufacturing work from CAM programming through fixturing, tool selection, optimization, on-machine probing, and final inspection or verification. This position is part of an in-house prototype shop supporting a fast-paced aerospace environment. The work includes urgent, complex projects that outside vendors may not be able to complete, and priorities or project scopes may change quickly. The machinist will work closely with engineers, quality assurance, and shop peers, providing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and communicating through digital work orders, CAD/CAM notes, and direct discussion. The team values continuous improvement, knowledge-sharing, mentoring, troubleshooting, and cross-training as shop needs evolve. The posting describes two experience levels: Level 1 requires 1–4 years of experience, and Level 2 requires 5 or more years of hands-on manual and CNC machining experience. The role is on-site in El Segundo, California. Pay is $29–$40 per hour for Level 1 and $40–$55 per hour for Level 2. Leveling and base salary are determined by job-related skills, education, experience, and performance. The position is eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Applicants must meet the stated U.S.-person eligibility requirements for access to export-controlled items.

Requirements

Level 1: 1–4 years of experience.
Level 2: 5 or more years of hands-on manual and CNC machining experience in a fast-paced prototype, aerospace, R&D, or advanced manufacturing environment.
Expert-level proficiency in Mastercam programming for complex CNC lathe work.
Deep, hands-on operational and programming experience with CNC lathes.
Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and inspection.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and communicate digitally with people of varied backgrounds and personalities.
Comfort working in an environment where priorities change quickly.
U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is listed as a qualification; the posting's ITAR section states that the company hires U.S. persons, including citizens, lawful permanent residents, and protected individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum.

Responsibilities

Use Mastercam to program, set up, and operate CNC equipment, with an emphasis on CNC lathes and complex geometries.
Fabricate prototype and flight-support components from aerospace materials under tight and changing deadlines.
Own manufacturing processes from CAM programming through fixturing, tool selection, optimization, on-machine probing, and final inspection or verification.
Handle high-priority, complex work that commercial vendors cannot turn around or execute.
Adapt to changing priorities and project scopes while maintaining part integrity and precision.
Maintain quality through in-process inspection and collaboration with quality assurance.
Interpret blueprints and GD&T and provide proactive Design for Manufacturability feedback to help optimize designs for efficiency, strength, and manufacturability.
Collaborate and communicate with engineers and peers through digital work orders, CAD/CAM notes, and direct dialogue.
Share expertise, mentor peers, and troubleshoot setups collaboratively.
Contribute to cross-training by sharing CNC lathe and Mastercam knowledge and learning other machines and processes as shop needs evolve.
Contribute to continuous improvement and a cohesive, high-performing shop floor.