CNC Lathe Machinist I and II, Prototype Shop

CNC MachinistVarda Space Industries is scaling the commercial space and microgravity frontier, building the world's first commercial orbital material production and reentry infrastructure. By designing and manufacturing orbital platforms end-to-end in-house, we can iterate faster, fly more often, tackle physical problems that terrestrial-based facilities cannot touch. Then reliably bring these complex manufacturing processes back to Earth.Seeking an experienced CNC Machinist to anchor our prototyping capabilities. In this role, you will leverage extensive Mastercam expertise and advanced CNC Lathe experience to program, set up, and execute complex, one-off aerospace components. Beyond machining mastery, you will serve as a vital cross-functional partner, collaborating digitally and interpersonally with all teams to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) in an environment where speed and flexibility are paramount.As a part of the captive prototype machine shop embedded directly within this high-cadence aerospace environment, you're a critical moving part of this internal engine that addresses the complex, high-urgency work that most job shops simply cannot. Priorities can change quickly here, and we thrive on the momentum of real hardware coming back from flight. The requirement is not just machine parts. As a team we are looking forward to work together. Building an efficient prototype environment where we lean into each other's strengths and cross-train as opportunities arise.Key Responsibilities:Advanced Machining & Lathe Programming: Use Mastercam to program, set up, and operate CNC equipment, with a heavy emphasis on CNC Lathe and complex geometries.Fabricate challenging prototype and flight-support components from diverse aerospace materials under tight, rapidly evolving deadlines.Own the manufacturing process from CAM programming through fixturing, tool selection, optimization, on-machine probing, and final inspection/verification.Captive Shop Agility & Rapid-Response Prototyping: A hands-on builder's mentality who embraces continuous improvement and loves seeing physical hardware come to life, test, and fly.Handle high-priority, complex work that commercial vendors cannot turn around or execute, acting as the critical link between design concept and physical hardware.Adapt seamlessly when priorities change, managing shifting project scopes without sacrificing part integrity or precision.Maintain rigorous quality standards through in-process inspection and close collaboration with quality assurance.Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation and inspection allowing you to partner with any team to offer proactive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback, optimizing part designs for efficiency, strength, and manufacturability.Work collaboratively and digitally with engineers and peers of all backgrounds and personalities, ensuring transparent communication through digital work orders, CAD/CAM notes, and direct dialogue.Team Contribution & Cross-Training Culture: Actively contributes to building a cohesive, high-performing shop floor by sharing your expertise, mentoring peers, and troubleshooting setups collaboratively.Embrace a cross-training mindset—sharing your specialized CNC Lathe and Mastercam knowledge while stepping outside your comfort zone to learn other machines and processes as shop needs evolve.Qualifications & Skills:Experience: Level 1 - 1-4 years of experience. Level 2 - 5+ years of hands-on Manual and CNC machining experience within a fast-paced prototype, aerospace, R&D, or advanced manufacturing environment.Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Mastercam programming for complex CNC Lathe.Hardware Expertise: Deep, hands-on operational and programming background with CNC Lathe.Adaptability & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and digitally with all personalities. Comfortable thriving in an environment where priorities change quickly.U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.Pay RangePay Range: Level 1: $29 - $40 hourly Level 2: $40 - $55 hourlyThis role is on-site in El Segundo, CALeveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performanceYou will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awardsITAR RequirementsVarda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license."US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).E-Verify StatementVarda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.