Senior CNC Machinist

Cowboy Space • Kent, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corporation is hiring a Senior CNC Machinist to own parts from model through finished, inspected hardware as it builds a rocket engine factory. Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, the role programs, sets up, and operates multi-axis mills and lathes to produce tight-tolerance flight and ground hardware and helps define machine-shop operations. The machinist works directly with design and manufacturing engineers, providing early and ongoing design-for-manufacturability feedback to reduce cost and production time and improve manufacturability. The position is full-time and on-site in Kent, Washington, within Production Engineering.

The role covers CNC programming and operation, process planning, fixture and tooling work, inspection, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. It includes quick-turn prototype work as well as recurring production, with ownership of hardware delivery and independent troubleshooting. The successful candidate will communicate clear, actionable technical feedback and mentor junior machinists.

Requirements

• 13 or more years of professional experience setting up and operating CNC mills and/or lathes.
• At least 5 years of CNC programming experience, including CAM programming and reading or editing G-code.
• Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, and GD&T.
• Experience selecting cutting tools and designing workholding.
• High school diploma or GED, or related vocational or technical education.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to give constructive technical feedback to engineers.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lb and stand for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• 15 or more years of CNC machining experience, including 5-axis and multi-tasking mill-turn experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Siemens NX CAM, including multi-axis toolpath programming.
• Experience setting up and running Mazak, DMG MORI, Okuma, Fanuc, Haas, or similar machines and controls; Renishaw probing and macro programming.
• Aerospace hardware experience machining nickel superalloys such as Inconel, stainless steels, titanium, and copper alloys.
• Tooling and fixture design experience and familiarity with outside processes such as heat treat, plating, and coating.
• Associate's degree in Machine Tool Technology or equivalent technical training.
• Continuous improvement or lean experience; crane and forklift experience.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and optimize Siemens NX CAM programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and multi-tasking turning.
• Read, interpret, and hand-edit G-code at the control; build and apply probing, setup, and tool-compensation macros, such as Renishaw macros.
• Select cutting tools, toolpaths, speeds, and feeds to balance cycle time, tool life, and surface finish across aerospace alloys.
• Set up, prove out, and operate CNC mills and lathes, as well as manual machines and EDM when needed, working from raw stock, castings, and weldments.
• Plan jobs from start to finish, including machine and material selection, operation sequence, workholding, and outside processing such as heat treat, plating, coating, and grinding.
• Design and build fixtures, jigs, and soft jaws; coordinate tooling needs and support installation and commissioning of new equipment.
• Perform quick-turn first-run prototype work and recurring production, troubleshooting problems independently.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts with precision gauges and height gauges; report as-built dimensions and nonconformances.
• Interpret engineering models, drawings, and specifications, applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Participate in early design and process reviews and provide engineers and designers actionable DFM feedback on tolerances, features, materials, and setups.
• Work directly with design engineers to take prototypes from concept to finished part and define production-ready approaches.
• Review existing part processes with engineering to improve efficiency, quality, and cost, and document shop best practices.
• Deburr and finish parts to requirements and maintain a clean, safe, organized work area.
• Mentor junior machinists in programming, setup, and process planning, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off.
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED