Varda Space
Senior Prototype Machinist
El Segundo, California, United States · Senior · Full-time · Posted Oct 30, 2026
- Experience
- 5+ years required; 10+ years preferred.
- Education
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate; vocational or technical machining training preferred.
- Visa sponsorship
- Must be a U.S. person: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.
About the job
Programs, sets up, and operates 5-axis CNC machines to produce and inspect high-precision prototype components for spacecraft systems.
What you'll do
- Machine complex aerospace components and develop toolpaths, fixtures, and work-holding solutions for prototype parts.
- Optimize machining processes and collaborate with engineering on manufacturability and complex part designs.
- Inspect components, troubleshoot machining issues, and document processes and corrective actions.
What they ask for
- 5+ years of 5-axis CNC machining experience, focused on aerospace or high-precision components.
- Proficiency with CAM software and 3D CAD tools; strong knowledge of G-code, M-code, GD&T, and blueprint interpretation.
- Experience machining exotic materials and using precision inspection tools.
- U.S. person status for access to export-controlled items.
Nice to have
- 10+ years of manual and CNC machining experience, including advanced 5-axis operations.
- Experience designing fixtures, mentoring machinists, mill-turns or live-tool lathes, and continuous improvement.
Pay
$46.75/hr - $63.25/hr (base salary)
Tools
DMG MORI, Haas UMC, Mastercam, HsmWorks, HyperMILL, Esprit, SolidWorks, Siemens NX
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative