Senior Prototype Machinist
About The Position
Varda is seeking a Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join its Manufacturing Team and machine complex, high-precision components for spacecraft systems. This hands-on role involves programming, setting up, and operating advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. The machinist will improve machining processes, address novel manufacturing challenges, and collaborate with engineering teams to produce spaceflight hardware. This is a dynamic, high-stakes prototype machining role rather than a production environment. The position covers the machining process from raw material selection through final inspection. It includes working with materials such as Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites; developing fixturing and work-holding solutions; creating and refining CAM toolpaths; integrating probing and macros; and optimizing feeds, speeds, and tool selection. The machinist will also provide design-for-manufacturability feedback, document processes and lessons learned, conduct inspections and first-article verifications, and troubleshoot quality or machining issues. The role is on-site in El Segundo, California. The stated salary range is $46.75–$63.25 per hour. The position is eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. Candidates must meet Varda’s U.S.-person requirements for access to export-controlled items.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- At least 5 years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, focused on aerospace or high-precision components.
- Proficiency in CAM software such as Mastercam, HyperMILL, or Esprit and 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX.
- Deep understanding of G-code, M-code, and CNC program editing.
- Expertise machining materials such as titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber composites.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance stack-ups.
- Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and CMMs.
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is listed as a basic qualification to comply with ITAR regulations; the ITAR section also defines eligible U.S. persons to include protected individuals admitted as refugees or granted asylum.
Nice To Haves
- Vocational or technical training in machining.
- At least 10 years of hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining, including advanced 5-axis operations.
- Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
- Ability to lead or mentor junior machinists with a focus on improving team efficiency and quality.
- Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations, such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
- Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
- Familiarity with production tracking tools such as Jira and continuous improvement methodologies.
Responsibilities
- Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines, such as DMG MORI and Haas UMC machines, to produce complex aerospace components to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inches.
- Machine materials including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites while achieving high surface-finish and dimensional-accuracy standards.
- Create and implement fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.
- Develop and refine toolpaths using Mastercam, HsmWorks, or equivalent CAM software, including high-speed machining, trochoidal milling, and adaptive clearing strategies.
- Integrate on-machine probing and macros for part alignment, feature verification, and adaptive toolpath adjustments.
- Optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection to reduce cycle times without compromising quality.
- Own the machining process from raw material selection through final inspection.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability feedback and propose solutions for complex part geometries.
- Maintain detailed manufacturing-process documentation and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.
- Conduct in-process inspections and first-article verifications using CMMs, laser scanners, micrometers, and other precision measurement instruments.
- Troubleshoot machining issues through root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
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
High school or GED
