CNC Operator

Karman; Huntington Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a CNC Operator for our Huntington Beach, CA facility. This full-time, second-shift role focuses on setting up and operating CNC machines to produce critical components for hypersonics and missile defense programs.

You will inspect parts, ensure conformance, and support safe, efficient production workflows in a high-demand defense environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience as an operator or technician.
• Basic blueprint reading experience.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates CNC machines to produce precision components.
• Inspects finished workpieces with precision instruments to verify conformance.
• Reports machining defects or dimensional nonconformance to the department lead.

Skills

English proficiency

Blueprint reading

Job description

CNC Operator

Full Time Manual Labor Huntington Beach, CA, US

Salary Range: $20.00 To $24.00 Hourly

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a CNC Operator I on second shift, you will set up and operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines to produce precise components used in critical defense systems. You will contribute to consistent production flow by inspecting parts, identifying nonconformance issues, supporting material staging, and maintaining a safe and organized workspace. Your work helps ensure the quality and reliability of components essential to hypersonic and missile-defense applications.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and operates computer numerical control (CNC) machines to produce precision components.
• Inspects finished workpieces using precision instruments, templates, and fixtures to verify conformance.
• Reports machining defects or dimensional nonconformance to the department lead.
• Stages and organizes materials to support efficient workflow.
• Performs light machine maintenance, including cleaning equipment and replenishing fluids.
• Maintains a clean and safe workspace through routine housekeeping.
• Supports team members and collaborates on shared manufacturing tasks.
• Follows safety policies and reports hazards or injuries promptly.
• Performs repetitive manual tasks requiring consistent hand and upper-body use.
• Works overtime when required to support production needs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as an operator or technician.
• Basic blueprint reading experience.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• None provided.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds, minimum 35 pounds.
• Constant standing and walking for at least 8 hours.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.
• Constant holding, grasping, turning, or working with the hands.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short-and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.