Propulsion Machinist: Spacecraft Hardware Prototyper

Cantos Ventures; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Company-paid healthcare

Generous PTO

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Daily catered lunch

Playa Vista office

Job summary

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

This hands-on role spans CNC and manual machining, supporting quick-turn requests, and solving manufacturing challenges to keep propulsion development and testing moving forward.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years hands-on machining experience using CNC and/or manual mills and lathes; read engineering drawings and CAD/technical docs.
• Experience setting up machine tools, workholding, tooling, and offsets.

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, 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 & turning

GD&T interpretation

Engineering collaboration

Measurement & inspection

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CNC programming (G-code)

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 parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while working directly with propulsion engineers to turn designs into hardware quickly.

This hands-on role spans CNC and manual machining, supporting quick-turn requests, and solving manufacturing challenges to keep propulsion development and testing moving forward.