Senior Prototype Machinist
About The Position
Varda is seeking a Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join its Manufacturing Team. The role involves machining complex, high-precision components for spacecraft systems and programming, setting up, and operating advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. The machinist will own and optimize machining processes, address novel manufacturing challenges, and collaborate with engineering teams to produce spaceflight hardware. This is an on-site, hands-on role in a dynamic, high-stakes prototype manufacturing environment rather than a production environment. The position covers the machining process from raw material selection through final inspection, including CAM programming, fixture and work-holding design, process documentation, inspection, and troubleshooting. The machinist will work with materials including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, and produce parts to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005”.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate; vocational or technical machining training is preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, focused on aerospace or high-precision components.
- Proficiency with 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, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and CMMs.
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR requirements.
Nice To Haves
- 10 or more years of hands-on manual and CNC machining experience, 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 of 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.
- Machine a range of materials, including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, while ensuring surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
- Create and implement fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.
- Develop and refine CAM toolpaths using advanced machining strategies, including high-speed machining, trochoidal milling, and adaptive clearing.
- 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 machining processes 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 manufacturing-process documentation and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.
- Perform in-process inspections and first article verifications using CMMs, laser scanners, micrometers, and other precision measurement instruments.
- Troubleshoot machining issues using 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
