Propulsion Machinist

The role

You will machine prototype and development hardware for spacecraft propulsion systems. This involves using CNC and manual mills and lathes to support propulsion development, testing, and hardware builds.

What you will do

• Machine prototype and development hardware for spacecraft propulsion systems using CNC and manual mills and lathes.
• Fabricate quick-turn parts to support propulsion development, testing, and hardware builds.
• Work from engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches, and engineering direction.
• Set up and operate machine tools, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machining parameters.
• Support fabrication of test-stand hardware, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Collaborate directly with propulsion engineers to understand design intent.
• Select appropriate materials, stock, tooling, and machining processes.
• Provide design-for-manufacturing feedback.
• Inspect completed hardware using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measurement equipment.
• Maintain machines, tooling, and shop equipment.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of hands-on machining experience using CNC and/or manual mills and lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and technical documentation.
• Experience setting up machine tools, workholding, tooling, and offsets.
• Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Ability to produce one-off, prototype, and low-volume hardware to tight tolerances and aggressive timelines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work directly with engineers and communicate manufacturing constraints and recommendations.
• Safety-first mindset and ability to maintain an organized machining environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15).

Nice to have

• Trade or vocational training, machining apprenticeship, or military machining experience.
• CNC programming experience using G-code and CAM software such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar.
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace or exotic alloys.
• Experience machining propulsion, fluid-system, vacuum, test, or aerospace flight hardware.
• Experience supporting rapid prototype or R&D machining environments.
• Welding, sheet metal, or additional fabrication experience.
• Familiarity with cleanliness and contamination-control requirements for propulsion or fluid-system hardware.

Benefits

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents
• $100k life insurance at no cost
• Starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually
• 10 paid holidays
• 100% match on first 3% and 50% on next 2% of 401(k)
• 8 weeks paid parental leave
• Childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR
• Must be able to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, Department of Commerce, or another U.S. government agency

About the company

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company aims to provide humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.