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Senior Prototype Machinist

El Segundo, California, United States

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. 

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind. 

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. 

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has an office in Washington, D.C.  

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

 

About this Role

We are looking for an exceptional Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join our Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in machining complex, high-precision components critical to our spacecraft systems. This hands-on role will challenge you to program, set up, and operate advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. You’ll lead efforts to streamline machining processes, tackle novel manufacturing challenges, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge spaceflight hardware.

This is not a production environment — this is a dynamic, high-stakes role that demands precision, ingenuity, and a passion for advanced manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines (e.g., DMG MORI, Haas UMC) to produce complex aerospace components to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005”.
  • Work with a wide range of materials, including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, ensuring exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
  • Create and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.

CAM Programming and Process Optimization:

  • Develop and refine toolpaths using Mastercam, HsmWorks, or equivalent software, leveraging advanced strategies such as high-speed machining, trochoidal milling, and adaptive clearing.
  • Integrate on-machine probing and macros for part alignment, feature verification, and adaptive toolpath adjustments.
  • Continuously optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection to minimize cycle times without compromising quality.

Process Ownership and Collaboration:

  • Take full ownership of the machining process, from raw material selection to final inspection.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and propose creative solutions for complex part geometries.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing processes and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.

Inspection and Quality Control:

  • Conduct in-process inspections and first article verifications using tools such as CMMs, laser scanners, micrometers, and other precision measurement instruments.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues through root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate (vocational or technical training in machining preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, with a focus on aerospace or high-precision components.
  • Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, HyperMILL, or Esprit) and 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
  • Deep understanding of G-code, M-code, and CNC program editing.
  • Expertise in machining exotic materials such as titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber composites.
  • Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance stack-ups.
  • Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, CMMs).
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 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.
  • Proven ability to lead or mentor junior machinists, with a focus on improving team efficiency and quality.
  • 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.

Compensation:

  • CAD/CAM Engineer: $70,000 - 100,000 
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards
  • Offer compensation also includes the ability to purchase company stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance.  We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.  

ITAR Requirements

  • Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.  Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than “U.S. Persons” as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. 

    “US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)

     Learn more about the ITAR here.  

Benefits

  • Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
  • Working in El Segundo, CA - an awesome Southern California beach city with quick access to entertainment and outdoor activities
  • Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
  • 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
  • Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
  • Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
  • Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week. 
  • Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

 

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance.  We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

 

 

E-Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

 

E-Verify Notice                                                               Right To Work Notice

Read more                                                                             Read more

 

 

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