Prototype CNC Machinist 5-Axis / Mastercam

Job Description

Job Description

Machinist IV in Pasadena, CA — $30.50–$57.25/hr DOE, 1st shift, temporary contract. Program and machine complex prototype spacecraft parts on 3- to 5-axis CNC equipment.

THE BASICS

Pay: $30.50–$57.25/hr, depending on experience
Shift: 1st shift, 9/80 schedule, 6:00 AM start; exact workdays and end times confirmed before submission
Location: Pasadena, CA 91109 (on-site)
Type: Temp — full-time contract
Start: Interviewing now — immediate start available
Expected assignment end: 10/29/2028

ABOUT THE ROLE

One-off spacecraft hardware calls for a machinist who can plan the work as well as make the part.

Program, set up, and operate advanced CNC machining centers to produce precision developmental and flight components. Work with engineers on process plans, manufacturability, machining estimates, and efficient resource use.

This is prototype machining with tight tolerances, self-inspection, and responsibility for complex setups. The source includes simultaneous machine use, lights-out machining, and mentoring other machinists. This temporary assignment is currently scheduled through 10/29/2028. The 9/80 schedule includes extended workdays; exact daily hours and the alternating day off will be confirmed before submission.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Program, set up, and operate 3- to 5-axis CNC machining centers
• Machine metallic and nonmetallic components to tight tolerances
• Develop process plans and review designs with engineering teams
• Propose design-for-manufacturability improvements
• Set up and run multiple resources and lights-out machining
• Inspect parts against drawings and GD&T requirements
• Perform routine maintenance and scheduled preventive maintenance
• Mentor machinists and improve cycle time and machine utilization

WHAT YOU NEED

• High school diploma with 10 years of related experience, associate degree with 6 years, or bachelor degree with 3 years, plus completed technical training
• U.S. citizenship as required by the client
• Extensive 5-axis CNC milling, programming, and precision fabrication experience
• At least 5 years of active Mastercam programming experience
• Vericut simulation experience for collision detection and verification
• Ability to interpret complex drawings and GD&T and self-inspect parts
• Knowledge of ESD controls when modifying sensitive flight electronic hardware

NICE TO HAVE

• 12 or more years of aerospace prototype or flight hardware machining
• CNC lathes including Okuma, Mori Seiki, or Monarch
• Electrical discharge machining
• Conventional machining and precision toolroom work
• Lead machinist or team-lead experience

WHY CONTRACTORS CHOOSE FLAG

• Weekly pay, every Friday — direct deposit or pay card
• Medical benefits available to eligible contractors
• Paid sick leave in accordance with California law
• Referral bonuses — get paid when you bring in good people
• A recruiter who actually answers — you get a direct line, not a call center

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Perform detailed hands-on fabrication, inspection, assembly, or testing with hand tools and equipment. Use fine manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, and access the assigned workstations safely. Specific lifting, standing, and access demands will be confirmed before submission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Precision machine shop with CNC equipment, tooling, noise, moving machinery, and metalworking processes. Follow machine guarding and flight-hardware handling requirements. PPE is required and provided where applicable, and all site safety procedures apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Hit Apply and a FLAG recruiter will review your background within one business day. If you're a fit, we'll call you to talk through the work, the shift, and the pay before anything gets submitted to the client — no surprises.

Questions first? Call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or email View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

ABOUT FLAG SOLUTIONS

FLAG Solutions is a Southern California staffing firm with offices in Fullerton and Long Beach, specializing in skilled manufacturing and professional placement across aerospace and defense, food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronics.

FLAG Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The pay scale stated above is the range FLAG Solutions in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local fair chance ordinances.

FLAG Solutions is the employer of record for this position.