Sr. CNC Programmer/Operator (Aerospace)

Location: Hawthorne, California; onsite

Salary: $45.00–$60.00 per hour

Company

Astrolab designs and builds rovers, power systems, data networks, and other hardware for sustained lunar operations.

What you will do

• Develop, modify, prove out, simulate, and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers and mill-turn equipment.
• Program complex aerospace components with multi-sided machining, tight tolerances, complex geometries, and challenging materials.
• Program and operate simultaneous 5-axis, 3+2, mill-turn, and turning-center applications, including live tooling.
• Set up and operate CNC machines using drawings, CAD models, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, offsets, and inspection equipment.
• Troubleshoot machining issues such as chatter, tool wear, poor surface finish, dimensional drift, burrs, and tool breakage.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to improve cycle time, quality, capability, and process reliability.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment using CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, or GibbsCAM.
• Experience operating or programming mill-turn, multitasking, or multi-axis CNC equipment.
• Ability to support machining from CAD models or engineering drawings through CAM programming, machine setup, prove-out, and finished parts.
• Experience with precision measurement, inspection tools, and defined quality requirements.
• Knowledge of G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, workholding, probing, and machine kinematics.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and work overtime or flexible shifts when required.

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, space hardware, automotive, medical device, or other high-precision manufacturing.
• Experience with DMG MORI platforms, NX CAM, ERP/MRP/MES systems, fixture design, DFM, prototyping, or low-volume production.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and solving complex machining challenges.

Culture & Benefits

• Health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support.
• 401(k) plan with company match and equity ownership.
• Flexible PTO and parental leave.
• Weekly lunch stipend, snacks, and beverages onsite.
• Monthly onsite social hour.

Hiring process

• Application review and recruiter phone interview.
• Hiring manager virtual interview followed by video interviews.
• Onsite interview, offer, and hiring decision.