CNC Machinist & Programmer

trueanomalyinc; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

PTO & holidays

Lunch + snacks

401(k) plan

Fitness reimbursement

Dog Fridays

Equity participation

Job summary

True Anomaly in Long Beach is seeking a CNC Machinist who will establish and expand our machine shop footprint for aerospace hardware. You will set up and program 5-axis mills and other CNC equipment, collaborating closely with engineers on rapid prototyping and manufacturability.

The role emphasizes hands-on machining in an R&D environment, with expectations to push capabilities, maintain tight tolerances, and work autonomously within a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• CNC machining experience with 5-axis milling and multi-axis programming.
• Proficiency reading engineering drawings, GD&T and 3D CAD models.
• Experience with a broad range of materials such as aluminum, titanium and stainless steel.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate 5-axis CNC mills, lathes, and other CNC machines.
• Develop and optimize toolpaths using Mastercam, Esprit, or HyperMill.
• Prototype in R&D environment and support early-stage designs with manufacturability input.
• Lead machine shop build-out, tooling, fixturing, and metrology equipment selection.
• Collaborate with structures, propulsion, avionics, and test teams to integrate parts.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis milling

CAM programming

GD&T

3D CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA)

Metrology

Autonomous work

Clear communication

Tools

Mastercam

Esprit

HyperMill

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.

What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.

It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

BENEFITS & PERKS *

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
• Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
• Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
• And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
• Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company's success.
• *Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles

YOUR MISSION

As a CNC Machinist in Long Beach, you will be foundational to how we build hardware that operates in the most contested environment humanity has ever faced - space. In this role, you will own standing up and expanding our machine shop, selecting tooling, and establishing the processes and standards that will define our machining culture. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our engineering team to push the boundaries of what's manufacturable, with a heavy emphasis on R&D prototyping and rapid iteration. If you're someone who thrives in the earliest stages of building something consequential, this is your seat.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Machining & Fabrication: Set up, program, and operate 5-axis CNC mills, lathes, and other CNC machines to produce precision aerospace components from engineering drawings and models in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• CAM Programming: Develop and optimize toolpaths using Mastercam, Esprit, or HyperMill for complex multi-axis parts. Own the full programming workflow from model import to proven first article.
• R&D Prototyping: Partner directly with engineers to rapidly iterate on prototype hardware - from concept to hardware, bringing a machinist's eye to early-stage designs and help engineering understand what's possible and what's not.
• Machine Shop Build-Out: Play a lead role in laying out and standing up the machine shop - specifying and purchasing machines, tooling, fixturing, metrology equipment, and consumables to support current and future production needs.
• DFM Collaboration: Provide deep design-for-manufacturability input on new parts and assemblies. Engage early in the design cycle to reduce cost, lead time, and complexity without sacrificing performance.
• Quality & Standards: Maintain tight tolerances and impeccable workmanship standards. Inspect own work using metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM, etc.) and ensure compliance with engineering requirements.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with structures, propulsion, avionics, and test teams to ensure machined components integrate cleanly into the broader vehicle architecture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CNC machining experience, with demonstrated proficiency in 5-axis milling and complex multi-axis programming
• Strong CAM experience in Mastercam, Esprit, or HyperMill - you write your own programs and know why each toolpath decision matters
• Proven track record in an R&D or prototype-heavy environment where no two parts are the same
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
• Experience with a broad range of materials including aluminum alloys, titanium, stainless steel, and advanced composites
• Strong metrology skills and familiarity with inspection equipment and methods
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills - you can clearly articulate a DFM concern or a tooling recommendation to an engineer who has never touched a machine

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or space hardware manufacturing
• Prior involvement in machine shop build-outs, equipment procurement, or facility stand-up
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and 5S principles
• Experience with turning, EDM, surface grinding, or other complementary processes
• Exposure to cleanroom protocols, FOD/ESD awareness, and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ITAR)
• Background in fixture design and development for complex geometries

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Machinist Level 1: $32-41/hr
• Machinist Level 2: $40-55/hr
• Machinist Level 3