CNC Machinist

Stoke Space; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Medical/dental/vision

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Holidays

Family/Parental leave

Wellness stipend

Dog-friendly offices

Job summary

Stoke Space in Kent, WA seeks a CNC Machinist to set up, operate, and program CNC milling and lathe machines. You’ll interpret GD&T drawings, select tooling, and collaborate with engineers to improve parts in a fast-paced Rocketry Machine Shop.

Required: 4+ years running CNC mills/lathe, tool design experience, and strong communication. We offer equity, comprehensive health benefits, a 401(k) match, 4 weeks PTO, holidays, and a dog‑friendly, on-site facility as we build reusable space systems.

Qualifications

• 4+ years set up and operation of CNC milling/lathe machines.
• Ability to interpret GD&T.
• Experience selecting cutting tooling and designing work tooling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Rigorous attention to detail.
• High school diploma or equivalent certificate.

Responsibilities

• Machine high-stakes, first run aerospace parts from models and drawings
• Interpret G-code and modify as needed, programming ability desired
• Troubleshoot issues and work independently
• Deburr and finish parts to a high standard
• Inspection of completed parts and report as-built dimensions
• Source cutting tooling, work holding, and equipment and coordinate their installation and commissioning
• Contribute positively to team growth and continuous improvement

Skills

CNC Machining

G-code

GD&T interpretation

Communication

Detail-oriented

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CNC Milling

CNC Lathe

Inspection tools

Job description

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.

Are you an aspiring Super Machinist? Do you have a passion for the art of machining, a strong sense of ownership, and a desire to apply your skills to all aspects of a rapidly growing Rocketry Machine Shop?

As a Stoke CNC Machinist, you will have ownership for setting up, operating, and programming CNC milling machines and CNC lathes. You will interpret GD&T drawings and make the required tooling. You will interact directly with the engineers who will listen to your feedback on how to make the part better. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. Reusable systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A key ingredient to making reusable systems is the ability to manufacture high-quality parts and embrace quick iteration.

Responsibilities

• Machine high-stakes, first run aerospace parts from models and drawings
• Interpret G-code and modify as needed, programming ability desired
• Troubleshoot issues and work independently
• Deburr and finish parts to a high standard
• Inspection of completed parts and report as-built dimensions
• Source cutting tooling, work holding, and equipment and coordinate their installation and commissioning
• Contribute positively to team growth and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in set up and operation of CNC milling and lathe machines, 5-axis experience desired
• Exposure to programming of CNC machines
• Experience selecting cutting tooling and designing work tooling
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Rigorous attention to detail
• High school diploma or equivalent certificate
• Ability to interpret GD&T

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Schedule: Ability to work overtime or occasional weekends as needed.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 40 lbs unassisted and stand for extended periods.
• Agility: Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Environment: Ability to withstand repetitive movements, bending/twisting, and exposure to distracting shop noise levels.

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
• Dog-friendly offices!

Compensation

• Target Levels:
  Level 2 Range: $32.11 - $48.16

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail]. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.