Machining Operations Coordinator

Space Kinetic•El Segundo, CA

2d•$75,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. We are seeking a highly organized and driven Machining Operations Coordinator to support both internal manufacturing operations and external machining business opportunities. This role will be responsible for coordinating machine shop workflow, managing production scheduling, supporting outside customer machining work, preparing quotes and bids, and coordinating third-party vendors and services. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and capable of balancing customer needs, production priorities, and operational deadlines.

Requirements

High school Diploma or equivalent
5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, machining coordination, production scheduling, estimating, or related field
Strong understanding of machining and manufacturing environments
Experience coordinating with machine shops, vendors, suppliers, or manufacturing service providers
Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills
Ability to manage shifting priorities and multiple active jobs simultaneously
Comfortable reading basic engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and production tracking systems
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with 5-axis machining and/or mill-turn equipment
Prototype or short-run machining experience
G-code editing and troubleshooting
Mastercam or CAM exposure a plus
Experience with a variety of materials (aluminum, stainless, titanium, etc.)
Strong understanding of tooling, feeds/speeds, and workholding
Ability to work independently in a fast-moving shop environment
Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing industries
Familiarity with CNC machining processes and manufacturing terminology
Experience with ERP/MRP systems
Experience supporting rapid prototype or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments
Prior experience in customer-facing manufacturing or operations coordination roles

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue external machining opportunities to support machine shop utilization and business growth
Prepare machining quotes, estimates, and written bid submissions for prospective and existing customers
Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout quoting, scheduling, production, and delivery activities
Coordinate internal machining schedules to ensure machines are efficiently utilized and production deadlines are met
Balance external customer work with internal Space Kinetic manufacturing priorities and schedules
Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and supply chain teams to prioritize jobs and resolve scheduling conflicts
Coordinate with third-party suppliers and service providers including heat treat, grinding, coatings, raw material vendors, and specialty processing vendors
Coordinate outside technician or contract machining support as needed
Track outsourced parts, supplier schedules, and critical-path items to ensure timely delivery
Assist with production tracking, workflow management, and schedule reporting
Support ERP/MRP updates, job tracking, and manufacturing documentation management
Participate in production and operations meetings and provide status updates on active work and supplier coordination
Help identify bottlenecks, production risks, or delays and escalate issues proactively