Staff CNC Programmer

Title: Staff CNC Programmer
Location: Hawthorne, California / onsite

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

Position Summary

The Staff CNC Programmer / Operator is a subject matter expert in complex programming, setup, simulation and operation of advanced CNC equipment supporting precision aerospace and hardware manufacturing. This role will have a strong emphasis on 5-axis machining and mill-turn applications, including complex multi-sided components, tight-tolerance parts, and challenging materials.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable writing and optimizing CNC programs, setting up machines, selecting tooling, troubleshooting machining issues, and running parts on the floor. This person will serve as a technical resource for the machining team and help establish robust, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes.

The Staff CNC Programmer / Operator will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to translate engineering designs into manufacturable hardware while continuously improving machining capability, cycle time, quality, and process reliability.

CNC Programming

• Develop, modify, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers and mill-turn equipment
• Program complex aerospace components involving multi-sided machining, tight tolerances, and complex geometries
• Develop efficient toolpaths that balance cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy
• Utilize CAM software to program complex components and optimize existing toolpaths
• Apply appropriate machining strategies for roughing, semi-finishing, finishing, drilling, tapping, boring, probing, and specialty operations
• Perform simulation and post-processing and verify G-code before machine execution
• Make program adjustments based on machine behavior, inspection results, tooling performance, and operator feedback
• Establish standardized programming practices and reusable machining strategies

5-Axis & Mill-Turn Machining

• Program and operate simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 machining applications
• Program and operate mill-turn / turning centers, including live tooling and complex rotational features
• Develop workholding and fixturing approaches for complex parts
• Manage coordinate systems, work offsets, tool length compensation, cutter compensation, probing, and machine kinematics
• Understand and troubleshoot issues associated with tool orientation, rotary-axis positioning, collision avoidance, and machine simulation
• Perform first-article and first-run prove-outs of complex programs

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up CNC machines from drawings, models, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation
• Select appropriate cutting tools, holders, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters
• Load and verify programs, tooling, offsets, fixtures, and inspection equipment
• Operate CNC equipment safely and efficiently while maintaining tight dimensional control
• Monitor machining processes and make real-time adjustments as required
• Troubleshoot machining problems including chatter, tool wear, poor surface finish, dimensional drift, burr formation, and tool breakage
• Establish and document repeatable setup procedures

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field
• Five (5) or more years of CNC programming in a manufacturing environment using CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM, or similar platforms
• Experience with 5-axis CNC machining
• Experience operating and/or programming mill-turn or multi-tasking CNC equipment with multiple spindles.
• Experience independently supporting the machining process from CAD model or engineering drawing through CAM programming, machine setup, prove-out, and completion of finished parts
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection tools and working to defined quality requirements and specifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, space hardware, automotive, medical device, or another high-precision manufacturing environment

• Experience with DMG MORI DMU and/or CLX platforms or similar CNC machines

• Experience using NX CAM

• Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, or other digital manufacturing systems and workflows

• Experience with fixture design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles

• Experience supporting prototype development and/or low-volume production environments

• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or similar manufacturing methodologies

• Experience troubleshooting and solving complex machining or manufacturing challenges

• Experience communicating and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams

• Experience with G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, and workholding

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration

• Equity ownership in the company

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support

• 401(k) plan with company match

• Flexible PTO and parental leave

• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site

• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks