Senior Lathe Programmer

Hawthorne, California, United States

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Senior Lathe Programmer, reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to support the Launcher E-2 liquid rocket engine program.  We have the ambitious goal for E-2 to be the world’s highest-performing engine for small launchers, while optimized for mass production and low cost. You will be a key team member helping complete the development of our E-2 engine towards a completed and reliable high-performance product.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Programmer to join our team to machine E-2 parts and tools. You will play a crucial role in the development, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of various tools, jigs, and fixtures used in our production processes. Your precision, attention to detail, and ability to work with a variety of materials and machinery will contribute to the efficiency and quality of our manufacturing operations.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Hawthorne facility.

Responsibilities: 

  • Proficiency in Mastercam for turning centers.
  • Design, develop, and manufacture tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, molds, and other equipment required for production, ensuring they meet exacting specifications and tolerances.
  • Choose appropriate materials for tool construction based on factors such as strength, durability, and compatibility with the manufacturing process. 
  • Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications to accurately create or modify tools. 
  • Inspect finished tools to verify their accuracy, precision, and quality, making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. 
  • Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain existing tools to extend their lifespan and ensure continuous production operations. 
  • Work closely with design engineers, production managers, and other team members to ensure tools align with production requirements and goals. 
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation in tool design and manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality. 
  • Maintain comprehensive records of tool designs, modifications, maintenance procedures, and any troubleshooting activities.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines, promoting a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 10+ years experience in related machining role, 5+ years CAM with mill turn experience (lathe Y axis.)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience with Fanuc controller and Doosan / DNM PUMA turning centers.
  • Experience turning aerospace materials like Inconel 718, SS304, SS316, AL7075.
  • Experience fixturing and turning metal additive manufacturing parts.
  • Strong GD&T skills, and experience creating and reviewing drawings.
  • Proficiency in operating a variety of machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM machines. 
  • Meticulous attention to detail and precision in all tasks, ensuring tools meet strict tolerances and specifications. 
  • Strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions. 
  • Ability to adapt to changing manufacturing needs and work in a dynamic environment. 
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide insights on tool design and manufacturing processes.
  • Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following all safety protocols.
  • Capable of standing for extended periods and performing manual tasks that may require moderate physical effort.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Salary Range: California

$42 - $53 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
 
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 15 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast 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.

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The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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