Lead CNC Machinist – Aerospace Propulsion Production

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Lead Machinist to direct the Hawthorne machine shop supporting the Ranger spacecraft program. You will set up and operate multi‑axis CNC mills and lathes, lead machinists and inspectors, and own shop scheduling and quality.

Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers, machine first articles, mentor junior machinists, and develop repeatable processes, fixtures, tooling, and inspection methods for consistent quality and efficiency as we scale to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with G-code, setup, operation, and/or programming of CNC mills and lathes
• 3+ years tolerances of ±0.0005" or tighter with precision inspection
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T per ASME Y14.5

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of machinists and quality inspectors; manage daily priorities and shop schedule
• Set up, program, and operate multi-axis CNC mills and lathes for propulsion, structural, tooling parts
• Maintain tight tolerances and surface finishes on flight hardware
• Perform first-article and in-process inspection using CMMs; drive corrective actions
• Develop fixtures, tooling, and workholding for repeatable production
• Transfer machining processes to Tulsa manufacturing center

Skills

G-code

CNC milling

CNC turning

5-axis setup

GD&T

ASME Y14.5

CMM programming

Mastercam

Fusion 360

NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Team leadership

Fixture design

Process transfer

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Zeiss CMM

Mitutoyo CMM

Hexagon CMM

Job description

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Lead Machinist to direct the Hawthorne machine shop supporting the Ranger spacecraft program. You will set up and operate multi‑axis CNC mills and lathes, lead machinists and inspectors, and own shop scheduling and quality.

Collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers, machine first articles, mentor junior machinists, and develop repeatable processes, fixtures, tooling, and inspection methods for consistent quality and efficiency as we scale to