Senior CNC Multi-Axis Lathe Machinist, Prototype Shop
About The Position
Varda is seeking an experienced Senior CNC Multi-Axis Lathe Machinist to anchor its prototyping capabilities. The role programs, sets up, and operates multi-axis CNC equipment—particularly CNC multi-axis lathes—to produce complex, one-off aerospace components. The machinist owns the manufacturing process 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 machine shop embedded in a high-cadence aerospace environment. It handles complex, urgent work that commercial vendors may not be able to execute or deliver quickly, and requires adapting to changing priorities while maintaining part integrity and precision. The machinist partners with engineering and other teams to provide Design for Manufacturability feedback, communicates through digital work orders and CAD/CAM notes as well as direct dialogue, and contributes to a collaborative shop culture through mentoring, troubleshooting, and cross-training. The position is on-site in El Segundo, California. Applicants must meet Varda’s U.S.-person requirement for access to export-controlled items.
Requirements
- At least 5 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 multi-axis milling.
- Deep, hands-on operational and programming experience with CNC multi-axis lathes.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and communicate digitally with people of varied backgrounds and personalities.
- Ability to work effectively in an environment where priorities change quickly.
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.
Nice To Haves
- At least 10 years of hands-on manual and CNC machining experience.
- Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
- Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations, such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
- Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
Responsibilities
- Use Mastercam to program, set up, and operate multi-axis CNC equipment, with an emphasis on CNC multi-axis lathes and complex geometries.
- Fabricate challenging prototype and flight-support components from diverse aerospace materials under tight and changing deadlines.
- Own the manufacturing process 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, linking design concepts to physical hardware.
- Adapt to shifting priorities and project scopes without sacrificing part integrity or precision.
- Maintain rigorous quality standards through in-process inspection and collaboration with quality assurance.
- Partner with teams to provide proactive Design for Manufacturability feedback, optimizing designs for efficiency, strength, and manufacturability.
- Communicate transparently with engineers and peers through digital work orders, CAD/CAM notes, and direct dialogue.
- Share expertise, mentor peers, and collaborate on setup troubleshooting.
- Share specialized CNC multi-axis lathe and Mastercam knowledge while learning other machines and processes as shop needs evolve.
Benefits
- Eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
