Prototype CNC Programmer/Machinist IV-Day Shift

Prototype Machinist

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

The Prototype Machinist is a key technical contributor within the Innovation Lab, serving as the primary manufacturing resource for R&D and new product development programs. This individual partners directly with engineers to translate designs into machined hardware, advise on design-for-manufacturability, and execute precision parts on both CNC and manual equipment. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, high-tempo environment, is passionate about enabling innovation, and takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality hardware under demanding schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• CNC Machining — Mazak Platforms
• Operate and program Mazak Integrex multi-tasking machining centers and Mazak Nexus turning centers for prototype and low-volume R&D hardware.
• Perform on-machine programming of less complex parts using Mazatrol conversational control at an advanced level.
• Develop and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam CAM software for complex geometries, multi-axis toolpaths, and prototype features.
• Select tooling, speeds, feeds, and cutting strategies appropriate for prototype quantities and a variety of engineering materials.
• Manual Machining
• Set up and operate manual mills and lathes for one-off prototype features, secondary operations, and rapid design iterations.
• Apply sound machining practice and craftsmanship to maintain tight tolerances on manual equipment.
• Setup & Workholding
• Design and build all own workholding setups, fixtures, and soft jaws to support prototype requirements with minimal lead time.
• Partner with engineering to develop setup strategies that balance speed of iteration with accuracy and repeatability.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Advisory
• Engage with engineers early in the design process to provide DFM guidance that reduces lead time and cost without compromising design intent.
• Identify manufacturability risks and propose alternative geometries or processes to accelerate the prototype cycle.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering meetings as the manufacturing subject matter expert.
• Inspection & Quality
• Perform first-article and in-process hand inspection using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other standard metrology tools.
• Verify parts to engineering drawings and models, document non-conformances and support engineering dispositioning of deviations.
• Prototype Assembly Support
• Collaborate with engineers on the assembly of prototype hardware, providing machining expertise during fit-up and integration.
• Perform minor modifications and rework during assembly as required to meet design intent.
• Training & Knowledge Transfer
• Train engineers and Innovation Lab staff on the safe and effective use of CNC and manual machining equipment.
• Support a parallel-pathing culture where engineers can contribute to machining tasks under supervision, increasing prototype throughput.
• Develop best-practice documentation for Lab machining projects.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of hands-on machining experience, with significant time in a prototype, R&D, or job-shop environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Mazak Integrex multi-tasking machining centers and Mazak Nexus turning centers.
• Advanced Mazatrol programming — capable of on-control programming of turned and milled features without CAM support for less complex parts.
• Proficiency with Mastercam for CNC program creation, including 3- and 4-axis mill and lathe/turn-mill toolpaths.
• Demonstrated experience operating manual mills and lathes to produce precision prototype parts.
• Ability to independently create workholding solutions, write offset sheets, and develop setups.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and 3D CAD models.
• Proficiency with hand inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working alongside engineers and technical staff daily.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or completion of a formal machining or manufacturing technology apprenticeship.
• Experience in an R&D, aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing innovation environment.
• Exposure to 5-axis mill or mill-turn programming in Mastercam or equivalent CAM system.
• Broad material experience: aluminum alloys, stainless and alloy steels, titanium, and engineering plastics.
• CMM operation or other advanced metrology equipment experience.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is performed on-site in an active machine shop within the Innovation Lab. The role requires prolonged standing, lifting of workpieces and tooling (up to 50 lbs), and the use of personal protective equipment at all times. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative; flexibility to support shifting program priorities and accelerated prototype timelines is essential to success in this role.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, 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.