CNC Machinist IV

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 44,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with 150% match

3 weeks paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Sierra Space seeks a highly skilled CNC Machinist IV to operate and program CNC machines for precision aerospace components. You will lead tooling setups, optimize processes, and mentor junior machinists while ensuring safety and quality in a fast-paced shop.

You will also drive continuous improvement, develop CNC programs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve production goals, maintaining documentation and adhering to standards and regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of related experience in machining.
• Expert in shop practices including PPE and safety requirements.
• Proficient in advanced equipment setup, maintenance, and fixtures for flight/non-flight assemblies.
• Proficient with precision measurement tools and fixtures.

Responsibilities

• Operate, program, and optimize CNC machines for aerospace parts.
• Lead process improvements and mentor machinists and apprentices.
• Maintain records of machining operations and inspections; troubleshoot complex issues.

Skills

8+ years experience

Shop safety

Precision measurement

5S/FOD/ESD

Leadership

Mentor machinists

Problem solving

Independent work

Communication

SPC knowledge

Lean manufacturing

Education

Machinist certification

Related certification

Machining education

Tools

G-code

M-code

CAD/CAM software

Multi-axis CNC

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Our team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About The Role

The CNC Machinist IV will be responsible for operating, programming, and optimizing manual and CNC machines to produce high-precision aerospace components. This role involves performing advanced equipment setup and maintenance, using precision measurement tools, fabricating fixtures, and ensuring adherence to shop safety and best practices. The CNC Machinist IV will also lead process improvement initiatives, mentor junior machinists, and provide technical leadership within the team.

In this role, you will operate, program, and optimize CNC machines to produce high-precision aerospace components while performing advanced equipment setup and maintenance activities. You will deburr and clean machined parts, use precision measurement tools to ensure components meet specified tolerances, and adhere to and enforce established best shop practices, including PPE and shop safety requirements. Additionally, you will lead and enforce 5S, FOD, and ESD process protocols, collaborate with team members to improve processes and achieve production goals, and develop and optimize CNC programs for complex parts and assemblies. You will maintain accurate records of machining operations and part inspections, troubleshoot and resolve complex machining issues, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and quality. Furthermore, you will train and mentor entry-level, mid-level, and senior machinists and apprentices, participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities, and ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. You will also lead and participate in cross-functional teams to drive process improvements, provide technical leadership and expertise within the machining team, and evaluate and recommend new machining technologies and equipment.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Typically 8+ years of related experience.
• Expert knowledge of best shop practices including PPE and shop safety requirements.
• Experience performing advanced equipment setup and maintenance activities, and display expert mechanical aptitude, shop tool, and hand tool competency.
• Proficient in the use of precision measurement tools and fabricating fixtures for flight and non-flight assemblies.
• Ability to lead and enforce 5S, FOD and ESD process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification: Machinist certification or related certification.
• Extensive experience in a manufacturing or machining environment.
• Proficient in CNC programming languages such as G-code and M-code.
• Understanding of advanced machining techniques, including high-speed machining and hard milling.
• Advanced understanding of CAD/CAM software for designing and programming CNC operations.
• Familiarity with multi-axis CNC machines and their operation.
• In-depth knowledge of material properties and machining characteristics of aerospace-grade alloys.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings and blueprints.
• Experience with advanced precision measurement instruments such as micrometers, calipers.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and other quality control methodologies.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practices.
• Ability to perform complex machine repairs and adjustments.
• Familiarity with shop floor data collection systems and software.
• Proven experience in training and mentoring junior machinists.
• Leadership skills and the ability to lead cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend new machining technologies and equipment.

Pay Range

$35.33 - $43.00 per hour

Compensation

Pay Range:
$32.55 - $44.77

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry‑leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission‑proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space‑based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.