Propulsion Machinist for Spacecraft Prototyping (Equity)

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity opportunity

Top‑tier healthcare

PTO 15–20 days + holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. in Playa Vista, CA is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to rapidly develop and fabricate spacecraft propulsion hardware.

You will machine prototype parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while collaborating with propulsion engineers to turn designs into tangible hardware quickly. This hands‑on role requires CNC and manual machining skills, the ability to read complex drawings and GD&T, and the discipline to work in a fast‑paced environment with tight timelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of hands‑on machining experience using CNC and/or manual mills and lathes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and technical documentation.
• Experience setting up machine tools, workholding, tooling, and offsets.
• Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Ability to produce one‑off, prototype, and low‑volume hardware to tight tolerances and aggressive timelines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work directly with engineers and communicate manufacturing constraints and recommendations.
• Safety‑first mindset and ability to maintain an organized machining environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person per ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Machine prototype and development hardware for spacecraft propulsion systems using CNC and manual mills and lathes.
• Fabricate quick‑turn parts to support propulsion development, testing, and hardware builds.
• Work from engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches, and engineering direction to produce high‑quality hardware.
• Set up and operate machine tools, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machining parameters.
• Support fabrication of test‑stand hardware, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Collaborate directly with propulsion engineers to understand design intent and determine practical manufacturing approaches.
• Select appropriate materials, stock, tooling, and machining processes based on part requirements.
• Provide design‑for‑manufacturing feedback to improve machinability, lead time, cost, and part quality.
• Inspect completed hardware using calipers, micrometers, gauges.
• Maintain machines, tooling, and shop equipment to keep them safe and ready for use.

Skills

CNC machining

Manual milling

Lathes

GD&T

Inspection

Read drawings

Prototype fabrication

Tooling setup

Engineering collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Fusion 360

Mastercam

Job description

Apex Space, Inc. in Playa Vista, CA is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to rapidly develop and fabricate spacecraft propulsion hardware.

You will machine prototype parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while collaborating with propulsion engineers to turn designs into tangible hardware quickly. This hands‑on role requires CNC and manual machining skills, the ability to read complex drawings and GD&T, and the discipline to work in a fast‑paced environment with tight timelines.