CNC Machinist & Programmer

True Anomaly•Long Beach, CA

2d•$32 - $90•Onsite

About The Position

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. As a CNC Machinist in Long Beach, you will be foundational to how we build hardware that operates in the most contested environment humanity has ever faced — space. In this role, you will own standing up and expanding our machine shop, selecting tooling, and establishing the processes and standards that will define our machining culture. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our engineering team to push the boundaries of what's manufacturable, with a heavy emphasis on R&D prototyping and rapid iteration. If you're someone who thrives in the earliest stages of building something consequential, this is your seat.

Requirements

CNC machining experience, with demonstrated proficiency in 5-axis milling and complex multi-axis programming
Strong CAM experience in Mastercam, Esprit, or HyperMill — you write your own programs and know why each toolpath decision matters
Proven track record in an R&D or prototype-heavy environment where no two parts are the same
Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
Experience with a broad range of materials including aluminum alloys, titanium, stainless steel, and advanced composites
Strong metrology skills and familiarity with inspection equipment and methods
Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions with minimal supervision
Strong written and verbal communication skills — you can clearly articulate a DFM concern or a tooling recommendation to an engineer who has never touched a machine

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, or space hardware manufacturing
Prior involvement in machine shop build-outs, equipment procurement, or facility stand-up
Familiarity with lean manufacturing and 5S principles
Experience with turning, EDM, surface grinding, or other complementary processes
Exposure to cleanroom protocols, FOD/ESD awareness, and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ITAR)
Background in fixture design and development for complex geometries

Responsibilities

Set up, program, and operate 5-axis CNC mills, lathes, and other CNC machines to produce precision aerospace components from engineering drawings and models in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Develop and optimize toolpaths using Mastercam, Esprit, or HyperMill for complex multi-axis parts. Own the full programming workflow from model import to proven first article.
Partner directly with engineers to rapidly iterate on prototype hardware — from concept to hardware, bringing a machinist's eye to early-stage designs and help engineering understand what's possible and what's not.
Play a lead role in laying out and standing up the machine shop — specifying and purchasing machines, tooling, fixturing, metrology equipment, and consumables to support current and future production needs.
Provide deep design-for-manufacturability input on new parts and assemblies. Engage early in the design cycle to reduce cost, lead time, and complexity without sacrificing performance.
Maintain tight tolerances and impeccable workmanship standards. Inspect own work using metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM, etc.) and ensure compliance with engineering requirements.
Work closely with structures, propulsion, avionics, and test teams to ensure machined components integrate cleanly into the broader vehicle architecture.