CNC Machinist & Fabricator

AstroForge Inc.; Seal Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid medical, dental, and life

Vision and FSA benefits

3 weeks PTO + 1 week sick

10 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Startup equity

Job summary

AstroForge Inc. is hiring a Machinist Fabricator to program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines for aerospace components. You will work with titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and carbon fiber composites, and develop fixtures for prototypes.

The role requires GD&T familiarity and hands-on inspection with micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and CMMs. Schedule includes evenings/nights and weekends at our Seal Beach facility.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, aerospace-focused.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines to produce complex aerospace components.
• Work with materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and carbon composites with precise surface finish.
• Create and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions for prototype parts.
• Collaborate with engineering to provide DFM feedback and propose solutions for complex geometries.
• Conduct in-process inspections and first article verifications using precision instruments.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Maintain and improve the workshop environment and document processes.

Skills

5-axis CNC machining

Exotic materials

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Mastercam

HyperMILL

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Job description

About AstroForge

At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.

Job Description

As a Machinist Fabricator at AstroForge, you'll be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating advanced CNC machines to manufacture high‑precision aerospace components. Your role will involve hands‑on machining, fabrication, welding, and working with composites to meet exacting industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 5‑axis CNC machines (e.g., Haas VMC 3+2) to produce complex aerospace components.
• Work with various materials, including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, ensuring exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Create and implement advanced fixturing and work‑holding solutions for prototype parts.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and propose solutions for complex part geometries.
• Conduct in‑process inspections and first article verifications using precision measurement instruments.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, perform root‑cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve the workshop environment, ensuring equipment is well‑maintained and processes are documented for knowledge transfer.

General Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate (vocational or technical training in machining preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in 5‑axis CNC machining, with a focus on aerospace or high‑precision components.
• Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, HyperMILL, or Fusion 360) and 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
• Hands‑on experience working with exotic materials such as titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber composites.
• Proficiency in using precision inspection tools (e.g., micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, CMMs).
• Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.
• Availability to work evening/overnight shifts, such as 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, or weekend shifts on a regular or rotating basis.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work‑holding solutions.
• Fabrication experience, including hand tools, saws, and welding (GTAW/GMAW with aerospace experience)
• Experience with non‑destructive testing tools such as X‑ray or eddy current inspection methods.
• Familiarity with GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance stack‑ups.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Vision and FSA benefits available
• 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
• 10 paid Holidays
• Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
• Equity on the ground floor of a startup

Salary

$30/hr - $43/hr or the salary equivalent

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.