Machinist/Programmer

Astranis Space Technologies; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 75,768; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Company-subsidized healthcare

Free on-site catered meals

401(k) retirement planning

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in San Francisco is looking for a Machinist II - IV. In this role, you will program and machine flight components for spacecraft, operate CNC machines, and ensure high-quality production standards. Candidates must have at least 3 years of relevant experience and be proficient in CNC machining with solid knowledge of inspection tools. Benefits include equity packages and comprehensive healthcare. The salary ranges from $30 to $55 per hour.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience machining parts for aerospace or high-precision industries.
• Ability to program and operate CNC equipment.
• Strength in using quality inspection tools to verify hardware.

Responsibilities

• Program and set up 2, 3, 5, and 9-axis CNC mills and lathes.
• Inspect parts using Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs).
• Document production via Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Skills

CNC machining

Inspection tools proficiency

Programming 3 and 5 axis mills

Material knowledge (Aluminum, Steel)

Collaborative communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Solidworks

MasterCAM

Fanuc CNC controllers

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly‑sophisticated customers across the globe—large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Machinist II - IV

As a Machinist II - IV at Astranis, you will be responsible for programming and machining flight components for Astranis spacecraft, as well as supporting engineering with equipment and prototypes for future projects. The role will entail being able to program and operate CNC machines and various manual equipment, use quality inspection tools to verify hardware, and communicate with engineering teams to provide manufacturing feedback.

Role

• Read work instructions and prints for aerospace prototype and production parts, and produce them on a variety of equipment in our machine shop.
• Program and set up 2, 3, 5, and 9‑axis CNC mills and lathes, including tooling creation, tool selection, and operation.
• Use data from Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs) and hand tools to inspect parts and adjust the machining process to deliver conforming parts.
• Document builds via Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to control part configuration, document production issues, and keep traceability.
• Procure material and tooling for jobs as needed based on requests for parts and scheduled production.
• Own start to finish quality and part acceptance adhering to tightly tolerance features and critical characteristics.
• Write non‑conformance tickets for defects created or found during the manufacturing process.
• Assist in training for new employees and other internal users of the machine shop.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• A minimum of 3+ years experience machining parts for aerospace, medical, gearing, or other high‑precision industries.
• Experience in programming 3 and 5 axis mills utilizing a variety of toolpaths including simultaneous toolpaths.
• Experience in programming 2 and 3 Axis lathes utilizing a variety toolpaths including part transfer operations.
• Knowledge of Solidworks, Fusion 360, MasterCAM, or other CAM software.
• Knowledge Fanuc or Siemens based CNC controllers.
• General material knowledge (Aluminum alloys, Steel alloys, etc).
• Proficiency with inspection tools and experience dimensionally verifying hardware to engineering specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety data sheets, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures.
• Ability to work in a neat, organized manner following all safety protocols and MES work instructions.
• Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus

• Knowledge of Haas, Matsuura, DMG Mori, Makino machines.
• CMM programming experience (Zeiss preferred).
• Welding experience desired but not required (TIG, UHV TIG, Ultrasonic, EBW, other bonding processes).
• Honeycomb panel machining experience desired but not required.
• Exotic materials desired (7050, LiAl, Ti, 3D Prints and other ASTM materials).
• Composite fabrication knowledge desired but not required.
• Component cleaning, bagging and documentation knowledge desired but not required.

What we offer

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits. Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high‑quality company‑subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on‑site catered meals. Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional‑grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Hourly Pay

$30—$55 USD

Eligibility

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required. (To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.