Senior Prototype Machinist

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 offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL (coming soon).

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

About this Role

We are looking for a Senior 5-Axis CNC Programmer to join our Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will be machining complex, flight-critical components with extreme precision—contributing directly to spacecraft that will leave Earth and return with life-changing materials manufactured in microgravity. 

This is a hands-on, high-impact role in a non-production, prototype-driven environment where you will work with cutting-edge equipment, collaborate directly with engineers, and operate with full ownership of your machining processes. You’ll be surrounded by industry veterans in a culture that values humility, speed, and craftsmanship. 

Our Work Environment

• Autonomy and ownership. Responsible for print-to-part. Independent projects.
• One-off prototyping work. You rarely work on the same part twice.
• New 5-axis CNC machines. Premium tooling.
• Generous tooling and inspection budget. No need for personal tools.
• Single shift. No one else touches your machine.
• Clear aerospace environment. Pristine floors.
• Onsite in El Segundo, CA.
• 40-45 hours per week (over-time available with approvals).
• Flexible hours and generous benefits.

Key Responsibilities

(1) Precision Machining 

• Machine complex aerospace components on 5-axis mills (Haas UMC1000 etc.) to tolerances of ±0.0005 in.
• Execute the full print-to-part workflow with full autonomy, including CAM programming, custom fixturing, setup, machine operation, and inspection.
• Machine exotic materials such as PEEK, Inconel, stainless steel, and carbon composite materials.
• Design and execute custom fixturing and work-holding solutions for prototype parts. 

(2) CAM Programming & Optimization 

• Program CAM toolpaths using software such as Mastercam, HSMworks.
• Incorporate probing strategies and macros to reduce setup time and increase accuracy.
• Continuously refine feeds, speeds, and tooling strategies to minimize cycle times while maintaining aerospace-grade quality.

(3) Process Ownership & Engineering Collaboration 

• Take end-to-end ownership of machining processes, including raw material selection, programming, setup, machining, inspection, and documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
• Develop and standardize best practices to improve shop efficiency and knowledge sharing. 

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience programming and operating 5-axis vertical machining centers (e.g., Haas UMC-1000/750, DMG MORI DMU, or similar) producing tight-tolerance aerospace or flight-critical components.
• Proficiency in Mastercam for 3+2 and full simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths, including simulation and verification.
• Deep understanding of G-code/M-code and advanced CNC program editing.
• Experience machining exotic materials and applying GD&T principles.
• Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (ITAR compliance). 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of CNC machining experience, primarily in 5-axis milling environments.
• 5+ years of Mastercam experience, including post customization and optimization.
• Skilled in custom workholding and fixture design, including modular dovetail, vacuum, and Lang-style clamping systems for small-lot prototype work.
• Demonstrated mentorship or leadership within a high-precision machining environment.
• Familiarity with CNC lathes, mill-turn, or live-tooling equipment — nice to have but not required. 

Pay Range

• Pay range: $40.00 - $60.00+ per hour
• 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

• 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