Senior CNC Machinist

Cowboy Space Corp.

4d • $46 - $58 • Onsite

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corporation is seeking a Senior CNC Machinist to own parts from model through finished, inspected hardware while the company 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 to shape designs before release and provide ongoing design-for-manufacturability feedback that reduces cost and production time and improves manufacturability. This role is suited to someone who takes ownership of hardware delivery, troubleshoots independently, and provides clear, actionable technical feedback.

The position is full-time and on-site in Kent, Washington, within Production Engineering. Work includes CNC programming and machining, process planning, fixture and tooling development, inspection, prototype and production work, and maintaining a clean, safe, organized work area. The position also involves mentoring junior machinists and contributing to continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 13 or more years of professional experience setting up and operating CNC mills and/or lathes.
• 5 or more 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 operating Mazak, DMG MORI, Okuma, Fanuc, Haas, or similar machines and controls; Renishaw probing and macro programming.
• Aerospace hardware machining experience with 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 as needed, working from raw stock, castings, and weldments.
• Plan jobs from start to finish, including machine and material selection, operation sequencing, 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 new equipment installation and commissioning.
• Perform quick-turn, first-run prototype work and recurring production, troubleshooting independently when problems arise.
• Inspect in-process and finished parts using 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 with actionable DFM feedback on tolerances, features, materials, and setups.
• Work with design engineers to take prototypes from concept through 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; drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance enrollment 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