Composites Machinist - Manual

Intuitive Machines, LLC; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Lanteris Space Systems is seeking an experienced Composite Machinist to join our manufacturing team in Palo Alto, CA. Responsibility includes precision machining of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and honeycomb components for spacecraft systems.

The ideal candidate will have strong manual machining skills and demonstrated proficiency with Hurco vertical milling machines, with emphasis on quality and safety in aerospace environments.

Qualifications

• Must have 5 years of hand-on manual machining experience (drilling, milling, routing).
• Demonstrated experience operating Hurco vertical milling machines.
• Experience machining composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators).
• Understanding of machining safety practices, particularly composite dust hazards.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision machining operations on composite materials including carbon fiber, fiberglass, and honeycomb structures.
• Set up and operate Hurco vertical milling machines for composite component fabrication.
• Execute manual machining operations including drilling, trimming, routing, and finishing of composite parts.
• Design and fabricate machining fixtures.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and feeds for various composite materials.
• Perform in-process inspections and quality checks using precision measuring instruments.
• Maintain machining equipment and ensure proper tooling inventory.
• Follow all safety protocols for composite dust control and material handling.
• Document machining processes and maintain accurate production records.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve manufacturing issues.

Skills

Manual machining

Hurco milling

Composite machining

GD&T reading

Precision measuring tools

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hurco vertical milling

Job description

Lanteris Space is seeking an experienced Composite Machinist to join our manufacturing team in Palo Alto CA. This role will be responsible for precision machining of composite materials and components used in spacecraft systems. The ideal candidate will have strong manual machining skills and demonstrated proficiency with Hurco vertical milling machines.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform precision machining operations on composite materials including carbon fiber, fiberglass, and honeycomb structures
• Set up and operate Hurco vertical milling machines for composite component fabrication
• Execute manual machining operations including drilling, trimming, routing, and finishing of composite parts
• Design and fabricate machining fixtures
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and feeds for various composite materials
• Perform in-process inspections and quality checks using precision measuring instruments
• Maintain machining equipment and ensure proper tooling inventory
• Follow all safety protocols for composite dust control and material handling
• Document machining processes and maintain accurate production records
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve manufacturing issues

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of hand-on manual machining experience (drilling, milling, routing)
• Demonstrated experience operating Hurco vertical milling machines
• Experience machining composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators)
• Understanding of machining safety practices, particularly composite dust hazards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Knowledge of CNC programming (G-code, Hurco conversational programming)
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems
• Trade school certification or apprenticeship completion

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Capability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Manual dexterity for precision work
• Ability to wear required PPE including respirators

In support of pay transparency at Lanteris Space Systems, we disclose salary ranges on all U.S. job postings. The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the salary range provided below and is determined based on job-related factors, including, but not limited to, the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. Candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets for the position should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.

The base pay for this position within California is: $38.81 - $64.69 hourly. For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. More information on our benefits will be shared with candidates as they move forward in the recruitment process.

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. The date of posting can be found on the Lanteris Space Systems Career page at the top of each job posting.

Lanteris Space Systems values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We comply with disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process.