Lead Machinist

The role

The Lead Machinist will lead the Hawthorne machine shop supporting the Ranger spacecraft program. This person will oversee the manufacturing of tight-tolerance propulsion, structural, and tooling components for flight and test hardware.

What you will do

• Lead a team of machinists and quality inspectors
• Set up, program, and operate multi-axis CNC mills and lathes
• Hold tight tolerances and surface finishes on flight hardware
• Perform first-article and in-process inspection using CMM, optical comparators, and hand gauges
• Review drawings, models, and GD&T with design and manufacturing engineers
• Design and build fixtures, soft jaws, and work holding
• Write and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, and work instructions
• Cross-train the team in CNC setup, inspection, and shop practices
• Own tooling, cutter inventory, and preventive maintenance
• Enforce shop safety, FOD control, and material traceability

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 5+ years of experience with G-code, setup, operation, and/or programming of CNC mills and lathes
• 3+ years of experience machining to tolerances of ±0.0005" or tighter and verifying them with precision inspection equipment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, models, and GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Must be able to stand for extended periods
• Must be able to stoop, bend, and work in tight spaces around machine tools
• Must be able to work in an environment with repetitive movement, cutting fluids, and distracting noise levels while wearing required PPE

Nice to have

• 3+ years leading a team or shift in a machine shop environment
• 5+ years of 5-axis mill setup and programming experience
• Experience with multi-axis lathes, live tooling, and horizontal and vertical mills
• CAM programming experience in Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX, or similar
• CAD experience in NX, SolidWorks, or Creo
• Experience machining aerospace alloys, including titanium, Inconel, and 6061/7075 aluminum
• Experience with CMM programming and operation (Zeiss, Mitutoyo, Hexagon, or similar)
• Experience with propulsion or fluid-system components
• Experience designing and building fixtures and workholding for low-volume, high-mix production
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, first-article inspection per AS9102, and material traceability

Benefits

• Equity participation
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Generous leave
• HSA
• 401(k) matching

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

About the company

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Their high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions.