Metal Fabricator

Astrion; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking a Fabrication Technician to join the NASA Ames Fabrication Shop at Moffett Field, CA. You will manufacture flight hardware and prototype components, collaborating with NASA civil servants and Astrion engineers to turn designs into precise hardware for space missions.

The role requires experience with multi-axis CNC equipment, welding, and strict adherence to AS9100 quality systems. A related engineering degree is preferred and US citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in multi-axis CNC programming, setup, and troubleshooting.
• Background in welding.
• Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD).
• Experience under AS9100 aerospace quality systems.
• 5+ years aerospace/prototype machining.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident; NASA badge eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Program, setup, and operate multi-axis CNC mills, CNC lathes, and manual tools to fabricate flight hardware.
• Interpret Cisco 3D CAD models and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Utilize Mastercam or Fusion 360 to generate toolpaths for flight hardware.
• Machine high-performance materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, aluminum, plastics.
• Perform in-process and final inspection using CMM and optical comparators per NASA quality standards.
• Provide DFM input to NASA project teams to lower costs and lead times.
• Maintain FOD control and shop safety; document fabrication in work orders.

Skills

Multi-axis CNC programming

Welding

CAD tools (SolidWorks Creo AutoCAD)

AS9100 aerospace quality

Security badge eligibility

Mastercam/Fusion 360

GA/GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

5+ years aerospace machining

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

High School Diploma

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

CMM

GD&T tools

Job description

Overview

Fabrication Technician

LOCATION: NASA Ames Research Center

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: NASA Ames site security badge and identity credentials.

CERTIFICATION:

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY: 40.00-45.00/hour

Astrion has an exciting opportunity fora Fabrication Technicianlocated at NASA Ames Research CenterinMoffett Field, CA. Astrion has worked extensively with the NASA where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality products tailored to the needs of its customers.

In this role, you will work directly within the NASA Ames Fabrication Shop to manufacture complex, one-of-a-kind flight hardware, prototypes, small satellite components, and ground support equipment. You will collaborate closely with NASA civil servants, scientists, and Astrion engineers to turn advanced concepts into high-precision physical hardware supporting space science and aeronautics missions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Proficiency in multi-axis CNC programming, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Background in welding
• Strong proficiency in SW and Programming tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Python, etc
• Strong background in Systems and Facilities
• Experience working under stringent aerospace quality management systems (AS9100).
• Minimum of a High School Diploma, Bachelor’s in Engineering Strongly desired
• 5+ Years of aerospace/prototype precision machining experience
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; Must be able to obtain and maintain a NASA Ames site security badge and identity credentials.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Prior experience working on an engineering services contract at a NASA center or DoD facility.
• Experience with satellite/payload hardware fabrication, vacuum/cleanroom components, or sheet metal fabrication.
• Experience with additive manufacturing (metal or high-performance polymer 3D printing).
• Exceptional customer relationship management highly desirable

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Precision Manufacturing: Program, set up, and operate multi-axis CNC mills, CNC lathes, wire EDM, and manual machine tools to fabricate flight-certified hardware to tight tolerances.
• Model & Drawing Interpretation: Interpret complex 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5).
• CAM Programming: Utilize Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent software to generate and optimize multi-axis toolpaths for flight and prototype hardware.
• Specialized Materials: Machine high-performance materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, structural plastics, and ceramics.
• Inspection & Quality Compliance: Perform in-process and final inspection using CMM, optical comparators, and precision hand tools in compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 and NASA quality assurance standards.
• Engineering Collaboration: Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) input to NASA project teams to lower costs, shorten lead times, and optimize hardware designs.
• Safety & Operations: Maintain foreign object debris (FOD) control, follow NASA Ames shop safety rules, and document fabrication processes accurately in work order routing records.