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Machinist - Apprentice

San Francisco

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Machinist - Apprentice

As a Machinist I at Astranis, you will be responsible for the finishing, cleaning, and final assembly of machined flight components for Astranis spacecraft, as well as supporting engineering with equipment and prototypes for future projects. The role will entail being able to execute on critical pre and post machining operations such as material prep and parts cleaning/ deburring. There is potential to operate CNC machines and various manual equipment, use quality inspection tools to verify hardware, and communicate with engineering teams to provide manufacturing and process feedback. This is an entry level position that does not require existing experience and is a great starting point to kick off a career in aerospace production!

 

Role

  • Read work instructions and prints for aerospace prototype and production parts. 
  • Deburring and finishing of CNC machined components via hand tools and by utilizing equipment such as tumblers, ultrasonic cleaners, and laser engravers. 
  • Preparation of machining jobs by cutting raw material, staging material and tooling, assisting in storage and labeling.
  • Inventory management of hardware and tooling, consumables, and critical spares.
  • Post machining installation of Heli-Coil and key-lock inserts.
  • Potential to gain operational knowledge of CNC machines. 
  • Execute daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance procedures on all CNC machines including tracking and replenishing consumables. 
  • Document builds via Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to control part configuration, document production issues, and keep traceability.
  • Own start to finish quality and part acceptance adhering to tightly toleranced features and critical characteristics.
  • Write non-conformance tickets for defects created or found during the manufacturing process.
  • Assist in training for new employees and other internal users of the machine shop.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Experience in a technical and hands-on hardware field such as robotics, automotive, or woodworking. 
  • Extreme passion for machining and space!
  • Familiarity with basic tools such as drills, files, vises, etc.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety data sheets, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures. 
  • Ability to work in a neat, organized manner following all safety protocols and MES work instructions.
  • Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus

  • Component cleaning, packaging, and documentation knowledge desired but not required.
  • Familiarity with tumblers, ultrasonic cleaners, and laser engravers.
  • Knowledge of Solidworks, Fusion 360, MasterCAM, or other CAM software.
  • Knowledge Fanuc or Siemens based CNC controllers.
  • General material knowledge (Aluminum alloys, Steel alloys, etc). 
  • Exotic materials desired (7050,LiAL,TI, 3d Prints and other ASTM materials). 
  • Proficiency with inspection tools and experience dimensionally verifying hardware to engineering specifications.
  • Knowledge of Haas, Matsuura, DMG Mori, Makino machines.
  • Welding experience desired but not required ( TIG, UHV TIG, Ultrasonic, EBW, other bonding processes). 
  • Composite fabrication knowledge desired but not required.
What we offer: 
 
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
 
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.
 
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Hourly Pay

$30 - $55 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
 
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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