CNC Programmer and Machinist

Auriga Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Auriga Space in Garden Grove, CA is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer and Machinist to program, set up, and run precision hardware for electromagnetic launch systems. This hands-on role covers from CAM programming through first article to production, with prototype-heavy, short-run work.

You will collaborate with design and manufacturing engineering to improve manufacturability, select tooling and process parameters, and mentor junior machinists as the shop grows.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience including programming, setup and operation.
• Proficiency with a CAM package and ability to learn others.
• Able to read, edit, and troubleshoot G-code/M-code at the control.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Create, verify, and optimize CNC programs and toolpaths from 3D CAD models and drawings using CAM software.
• Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, including tool setting and first part run-off.
• Inspect and measure parts with calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gages; support first article inspection.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineering on manufacturability and lead time reductions.
• Maintain tool libraries, post processors, and program revision control.

Skills

CNC programming

Setup & operation

CAM software

G-code troubleshooting

Precision measurement

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

SolidCAM

HSMWorks

Esprit

GibbsCAM

NX CAM

Job description

Role Summary:

Auriga is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer and Machinist to program, set up, and run the precision hardware behind our electromagnetic launch systems. This is a hands‑on, dual role. You will take parts from a 3D model through CAM programming, work holding and setup, first article, and production, and you will be at the machine running them. Our work is prototype‑heavy and changes quickly, so you will see a wide variety of parts and materials in small quantities rather than long production runs. You will work directly with design and manufacturing engineering to improve producibility before a part ever hits the floor. The ideal candidate is a strong machinist who programs well, takes ownership of the shop, and thrives in a fast‑paced start‑up environment. This role is based onsite at our Garden Grove, CA facility.

Key Responsibilities:

Programming and Setup

• Create, verify, and optimize CNC programs and toolpaths from 3D CAD models and drawings using CAM software.
• Select cutting tools, speeds and feeds, stepover and depth of cut, and machining strategies appropriate to the material, feature, and tolerance.
• Design and specify work holding, fixtures, and soft jaws, and plan operation sequencing and datum strategy to hold tolerance across setups.
• Simulate and verify programs before cutting to prevent crashes, gouges, and collisions.
• Edit and troubleshoot G-code at the machine, and maintain post processors, tool libraries, and program revision control.
• Build and maintain a library of proven programs, setup sheets, and tooling standards so jobs can be repeated reliably.

Machining and Operation

• Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, including tool setting, work offsets, probing where available, and first part run‑off.
• Set up and operate manual machines such as mills, lathes, drill presses, saws, and grinders as needed to support the build.
• Machine parts in a range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloys, plastics, and harder alloys such as titanium as required.
• Hold tight tolerances and specified surface finishes, and adjust offsets and process to keep parts in spec.
• Deburr, clean, and finish parts, and prepare them for inspection, assembly, or outside processing.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, monitor tool wear and machine condition, and report issues before they become downtime.

Quality, Documentation, and Collaboration

• Interpret engineering drawings, models, and GD&T, and confirm that a part can be made as drawn before cutting.
• Inspect and measure parts using calipers, micrometers, height gages, indicators, gage pins, and thread gages, and support first article inspection.
• Document work on travelers and setup sheets, and maintain traceability for material and process.
• Partner with design and manufacturing engineering on design for manufacturability, tolerancing, and cost and lead time reduction, and give feedback early.
• Support quoting and planning by estimating machining time, tooling needs, and material requirements.
• Keep the shop clean, organized, and safe, follow all safety and PPE requirements, and help mentor junior machinists as the team grows.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of hands‑on CNC machining experience, including both programming and setup and operation.
• Proficiency with a CAM package such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, SolidCAM, HSMWorks, Esprit, GibbsCAM, or NX CAM, and the ability to learn ours.
• Able to read, edit, and troubleshoot G-code and M-code at the control.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Experience selecting tooling, speeds and feeds, and work holding for a range of materials.
• Proficiency with precision measuring and inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gages.
• Demonstrated ability to hold tight tolerances and produce quality parts with minimal supervision.
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with multi‑axis machining, including 4th axis indexing or simultaneous, and 5‑axis programming and setup.
• Experience with mill‑turn or live tooling lathes and Swiss‑type machines.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, motorsports, medical, or other high‑precision, low‑volume machining environments.
• Experience with prototype and short‑run work where every job is different and setups change constantly.
• Familiarity with common controls such as Haas, Fanuc, Siemens, Mazak, or Okuma.
• Experience writing or modifying post processors.
• Experience with on‑machine probing, tool presetters, or CMM inspection.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems, first article inspection, and material traceability.
• Experience with SolidWorks, OnShape, or another 3D CAD package, including light model repair or fixture design.
• Experience with EDM, grinding, or other secondary processes, and with managing outside vendors for plating, heat treat, or anodize.
• Vocational or technical certificate in machining or manufacturing technology, a completed apprenticeship, an associate degree, or NIMS certification.
• Experience helping stand up or improve a shop, including tooling standards, machine selection, and process documentation.
• Passion for advanced manufacturing and next‑generation space and defense systems.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant 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. Department of State. More details on ITAR are available on the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Auriga provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Auriga, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.