CNC Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Machinist III
Location: Pasadena, CA
Duration: 1 year
Shift: 1st
9/80 Schedule
Pay Range: $36.10-55.75/HR

• This unique opportunity is part of the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section, reporting directly to the Group Supervisor for Precision Machining & Fabrication Services. This section maintains the advanced technical facilities required to fabricate, assemble, and test electro-mechanical developmental and flight hardware for current and future missions.
• Our Client is seeking a Prototype Machinist—a technology-driven craftsperson who excels at turning one-of-a-kind engineering designs into space-qualified flight components. In this role within Precision Machining & Fabrication Services, you will produce highly complex prototype spacecraft hardware using advanced manufacturing methods.

Some Challenges You Will Solve:

• Program, set up, and operate a variety of 3- to 5-axis CNC machining centers (including Makino, Matsuura, Mitsui Seiki, DMG Mori, and Haas) within established process plans to manufacture complex, high-precision components from metallic and non-metallic materials.
• Manufacture high-precision parts to exceptionally tight tolerances. 
• Collaborate with shop leads and Manufacturing Engineers to follow established process plans and meet approved machining estimates.
• Manage and run multiple machining resources simultaneously to support efficient shop operations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and scheduled Preventive Maintenance (PMs).
• Train and assist less experienced machinists, ensuring adherence to safe operating procedures on shop equipment.
• Contribute to shop productivity improvements by identifying opportunities to reduce cycle times and support efficient machining practices.

You Must Have:

• A High School diploma with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; an Associate’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, plus completed technical training.
• Extensive hands-on experience and programming proficiency in 3-axis CNC milling, with working experience in 5-axis machining and programming under established process plans.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM programming tools—specifically Mastercam—with at least 2–3 years of programming experience.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), with the capability to self-inspect parts.
• An innovative mindset and the ability to apply complex machining techniques, working with limited day-to-day supervision to develop practical solutions to machining and fabrication challenges ordinarily encountered in the shop.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.

Desired Skills:

• 10+ years of prior aerospace or space industry programming and machining experience dealing with prototype and flight hardware.
• Experience with the programming, setup, and operation of CNC lathes (e.g., Okuma, Mori Seiki, and Monarch).
• Experience with the programming, setup, and operation of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).
• Solid background in conventional machining and precision toolroom operations.
• Experience assisting with shop coordination or informal leadership activities.
• Experience using Vericut software simulations for collision detection and verification.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.