CNC Lathe Machinist (Starship)

SpaceX
Hawthorne, CA
On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have hands-on CNC machining experience and a willingness to adapt to a high-volume, mission-critical environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with mid-level CNC machining experience and a background in aerospace or defense manufacturing
    — “production of non-flight and flight-critical hardware”
  • Individuals who thrive in physically demanding, fast-paced settings with clear process documentation expectations
    — “Maintain shop organization and cleanliness through proper management of chip bins, lubricants, greases, 5S practices”
  • Professionals with a strong mechanical aptitude and a history of contributing to process optimization in manufacturing
    — “Propose improved methods in machining techniques, fixture design, and tooling selection to maximize operational efficiency”

Things to consider

  • This role requires significant physical endurance and adherence to strict operational schedules
    — “Estimated start times: 1st shift (5:00 AM) & 2nd shift (2:30 PM)”
  • The position has ITAR restrictions, limiting eligibility to U.S. citizens or specific legal residents
    — “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with Okuma MULTUS machines and specific machining optimization projects
    — “Perform precision setup, operation, and program editing of CNC machines (Okuma MULTUS)”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with Esprit CAD/CAM software and its application in production settings
    — “Ability to program using Esprit CAD/CAM software”
  • Emphasize your ability to cross-train and support team members in shared manufacturing goals
    — “Capable to learn all assets in the shop; strong mechanical aptitude”
  • Quantify your ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality parts consistently
    — “Prioritize daily production tasks to meet customer need dates while consistently delivering the highest-quality parts”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Mid Level

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Produce high-quality parts
  • Manage CNC tools
  • Perform machine maintenance
Typical background
1+ years of CNC machining experience

Skills & requirements

Required

CNC MachiningPrecision SetupPreventative MaintenanceQuality Control

Preferred

Esprit Cad/cam SoftwareHigh Efficiency Milling

Stack & domain

CNC MachiningEsprit Cad/cam SoftwareHigh Efficiency MillingTurningShop MathBlueprint ReadingMeasurement Of PartsTeamworkLeadershipAdaptabilityProblem-solvingManufacturingEngineeringMachining

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

CNC LATHE MACHINIST (STARSHIP)  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform precision setup, operation, and program editing of CNC machines (Okuma MULTUS) for the production of non-flight and flight-critical hardware

Prioritize daily production tasks to meet customer need dates while consistently delivering the highest-quality parts

Manage CNC cutting tools to ensure all required tools are properly loaded, measured, and ready before program execution

Perform on-machine deburring of hardware to improve part quality consistency while reducing manual intervention

Perform CNC machine preventative maintenance on a weekly and monthly basis

Maintain shop organization and cleanliness through proper management of chip bins, lubricants, greases, 5S practices, and general facility upkeep

Maintain flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while providing support to team members as needed

Complete work instructions and test plans while accurately documenting process data at each stage

Propose improved methods in machining techniques, fixture design, and tooling selection to maximize operational efficiency

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience in CNC machining

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of experience operating CNC machinery

Ability to program using Esprit CAD/CAM software

Proficient knowledge in high efficiency milling and turning

Ability to read technical data, write clearly, and perform basic arithmetic calculations

Experience in shop math, tooling technology, blueprint reading, and measurement of parts

Strong interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, contributing to a team-oriented environment, balancing the team, and individual responsibilities

Capable to learn all assets in the shop; strong mechanical aptitude

Able and willing to cross train their peers and or to be cross trained by their peers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Estimated start times: 1st shift (5:00 AM) & 2nd shift (2:30 PM)

Must be capable of lifting 35 lbs. unassisted 

Must be capable of standing and kneeling for 8 hours

Ability to use physical and repetitive movements such as bending or twisting, using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls 

Ability to be exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:                  

Pay range:

Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour

Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour

Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour          

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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