Senior CNC 5-Axis Mill Machinist, Prototype Shop

The role

You will program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC mills to fabricate complex aerospace prototype and flight-support components. You will collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability feedback and manage the full manufacturing process.

What you will do

• Use Mastercam to program, set up, and operate multi-axis CNC equipment.
• Fabricate prototype and flight-support components from aerospace materials.
• Own the manufacturing process from CAM programming through final inspection.
• Handle high-priority, complex work that commercial vendors cannot execute.
• Adapt to shifting project scopes and changing priorities.
• Maintain quality standards through in-process inspection.
• Provide proactive Design for Manufacturability feedback to optimize part designs.
• Collaborate digitally and interpersonally with engineers and peers.
• Mentor peers and troubleshoot setups collaboratively.
• Engage in cross-training on other machines and processes.

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on Manual and CNC machining experience in a fast-paced prototype, aerospace, R&D, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Mastercam programming for complex multi-axis milling.
• Deep, hands-on operational and programming background with 5-axis CNC mills and part fixturing.
• Experience with zero point fixturing.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and digitally with all personalities.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.

Nice to have

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining, including advanced 5-axis operations.
• Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations, such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
• Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
• Familiarity with production tracking tools (e.g., Jira) and continuous improvement methodologies.

Benefits

• Stock options
• Long-term cash awards

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) to comply with ITAR regulations.

About the company

Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical processing and reentry capsules. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California.