CNC Machinist

Columbus Technologies and Services; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Technologies and Services is seeking a Prototype Machinist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. This onsite, 12-month contract role requires US citizenship, a background check, and drug screen.

You will fabricate complex prototype spacecraft hardware using advanced CNC methods and collaborate with engineers to meet strict tolerances. Responsibilities include programming and operating 3–5 axis machines, maintaining equipment, and mentoring junior machinists.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience with CNC milling/high-precision machining.
• Proficiency in 3-axis CNC milling and 5-axis machining under established process plans.
• Mastercam programming experience (2–3 years).
• Ability to read GD&T and inspect parts.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 3–5 axis CNC machining centers per plans.
• Manufacture high-precision parts to tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with shop leads and engineers to follow process plans and estimates.
• Manage multiple machining resources to support shop operations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and PMs.
• Train less experienced machinists on safe shop practices.
• Contribute to productivity improvements.

Skills

CNC milling

5-axis machining

Mastercam

GD&T

Blueprint reading

ESD protocols

Problem solving

Vericut

CNC lathes

EDM

Conventional machining

Shop coordination

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Technical training

Tools

CNC Milling Centers

Mastercam

Vericut

Job description

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen

Duration: 12 month contract position with potential to be extended or converted

W2 with full benefits, 9/80 Work Schedule

Customer and contract specific training will be required and provided.

Location - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (onsite)

Offer contingent on ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screen

Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

At JPL, we ask the biggest questions and search the universe for answers. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, cultivate innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence!

This unique opportunity is part of the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section, reporting directly to the Group Supervisor for Precision Machining & Fabrication Services. This section maintains the advanced technical facilities required to fabricate, assemble, and test electro-mechanical developmental and flight hardware for current and future missions.

We are seeking a Prototype Machinist—a technology-driven craftsperson who excels at turning one-of-a-kind engineering designs into space-qualified flight components. In this role within Precision Machining & Fabrication Services, you will produce highly complex prototype spacecraft hardware using advanced manufacturing methods.

Some Challenges You Will Solve:

• Program, set up, and operate a variety of 3 to 5 axis CNC machining centers (including Makino, Matsuura, Mitsui Seiki, DMG Mori, and Haas) within established process plans to manufacture complex, high-precision components from metallic and non-metallic materials.
• Manufacture high-precision parts to exceptionally tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with shop leads and Manufacturing Engineers to follow established process plans and meet approved machining estimates.
• Manage and run multiple machining resources simultaneously to support efficient shop operations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and scheduled Preventive Maintenance (PMs).
• Train and assist less experienced machinists, ensuring adherence to safe operating procedures on shop equipment.
• Contribute to shop productivity improvements by identifying opportunities to reduce cycle times and support efficient machining practices.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• A High School diploma with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; an Associate's degree with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, plus completed technical training.
• Extensive hands-on experience and programming proficiency in 3-axis CNC milling, with working experience in 5-axis machining and programming under established process plans.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM programming tools—specifically Mastercam—with at least 2 to 3 years of programming experience.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), with the capability to self-inspect parts.
• An innovative mindset and the ability to apply complex machining techniques, working with limited day-to-day supervision to develop practical solutions to machining and fabrication challenges ordinarily encountered in the shop.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.

DESIRED SKILLS

• 10+ years of prior aerospace or space industry programming and machining experience dealing with prototype and flight hardware.
• Experience with the programming, setup, and operation of CNC lathes (e.g., Okuma, Mori Seiki, and Monarch).
• Experience with the programming, setup, and operation of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM).
• Solid background in conventional machining and precision toolroom operations.
• Experience assisting with shop coordination or informal leadership activities.
• Experience using Vericut software simulations for collision detection and verification.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.