Propulsion Machinist: Prototyping Aerospace Hardware & Equity

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Health insurance

PTO starting at 15 days

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Daily catered lunch

Modern Playa Vista office

Stock options

Job summary

Apex Space in Playa Vista, CA is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to rapidly develop and fabricate spacecraft propulsion hardware. You’ll machine prototype parts, fixtures, and test hardware, collaborating directly with propulsion engineers to translate designs into hardware quickly.

This hands-on role covers CNC and manual mills and lathes, quick-turn fabrication, and manufacturing constraint feedback to improve lead times and part quality; work in a fast-paced environment with strict safety and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years hands-on machining with CNC and/or manual mills/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 tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Ability to produce prototype and low-volume hardware to tight tolerances and aggressive timelines.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate manufacturing constraints to engineers.

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 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 GSE.
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to understand design intent and manufacturing approaches.
• Select materials, stock, tooling, and processes based on requirements.
• Provide design-for-manufacturing feedback to improve manufacturability and lead times.
• Inspect hardware with calipers, micrometers, gauges.
• Maintain machines and shop equipment, keep a clean, safe workspace.
• Support additional machining and shop activities as needed.

Skills

CNC Machining

Manual Machining

GD&T

Engineering Drawings

Precision Measurement

Tooling Setup

Team Collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CNC Milling

CNC Turning

G-code

CAM Software

Job description

Apex Space in Playa Vista, CA is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to rapidly develop and fabricate spacecraft propulsion hardware. You’ll machine prototype parts, fixtures, and test hardware, collaborating directly with propulsion engineers to translate designs into hardware quickly.

This hands-on role covers CNC and manual mills and lathes, quick-turn fabrication, and manufacturing constraint feedback to improve lead times and part quality; work in a fast-paced environment with strict safety and