Varda Space Industries · 6 hours ago
Senior 5-Axis CNC Programmer
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expVarda Space Industries is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, focusing on creating products and infrastructure that benefit life on Earth. They are seeking a Senior 5-Axis CNC Programmer to machine complex, flight-critical components with precision and take ownership of the machining processes in a prototype-driven environment.
AerospaceManufacturingProduct Design
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
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)
Company
Varda Space Industries
Low Earth orbit is open for business.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$328.02MKey Investors
Alumni VenturesCaffeinated CapitalKhosla Ventures
2025-07-10Series C· $187M
2024-12-19Series C
2024-04-05Series B· $90M
Leadership Team
Will Bruey
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
Business Insider
2025-12-25
2025-12-17
Company data provided by crunchbase