Propulsion Machinist — Rapid Prototyping for Spacecraft

Telemetry Today LLC; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Healthcare coverage

PTO starter 15 days

401(k) retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to support rapid development and fabrication of spacecraft propulsion hardware. You’ll machine prototype and development parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while working directly with propulsion engineers to turn designs into hardware quickly.

This is a hands-on role for a versatile machinist who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll work across CNC and manual machining, support quick-turn requests, and help solve manufacturing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of hands-on machining with CNC or manual mills/lathes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, GD&T and CAD models.
• Experience setting up machine tools, workholding, tooling, and offsets.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Able to produce prototype/low-volume hardware to tight tolerances.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Capable of communicating manufacturing constraints to engineers.
• Safety-first mindset and organized workspace.
• U.S. Person under ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Machine prototype and development hardware for 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 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 manufacturability, lead time, cost, and part quality.
• Inspect completed hardware using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measurement equipment.
• Maintain machines, tooling, and shop equipment to ensure they remain safe, organized, and ready for use.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment while following all shop and equipment safety requirements.
• Support additional machining, fabrication, and shop activities as needed to keep propulsion development and testing moving.

Skills

CNC machining

Manual milling

Reading engineering drawings/GDT

CAD models

Precision measurement

Tool setup/offsets

Manufacturing feedback

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fusion 360

Mastercam

Job description

Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to support rapid development and fabrication of spacecraft propulsion hardware. You’ll machine prototype and development parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while working directly with propulsion engineers to turn designs into hardware quickly.

This is a hands-on role for a versatile machinist who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll work across CNC and manual machining, support quick-turn requests, and help solve manufacturing