Prototype Machinist

Observable Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

R&D team growth

Flexible scheduling

Impact on space hardware

Craftsmanship culture

Job summary

Observable Space in Los Angeles is seeking a hands-on Prototype Machinist for our state-of-the-art prototyping facility. You’ll operate 3D printers, 5-axis CNCs, laser cells, and waterjets to turn challenging concepts into space-grade parts.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a prototyping shop, solid CAD/CAM skills (SolidWorks, Mastercam or Fusion CAM), and the ability to read GD&T drawings and specs for rapid iteration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering prototyping shop or machine shop environment.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks (or similar CAD tools).
• Significant experience with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion CAM.
• Proficient with modern CNC machine operations and part inspection.
• Ability to interpret and execute mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Familiarity with common materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, plastics, etc.) and their machining characteristics.
• Comfortable with occasional non-standard hours.

Responsibilities

• Operate a wide range of fabrication tools including: 3D printers, 5-axis CNC mills and live tooling lathes, tube and flat-bed lasers, waterjets, wire EDM, and high-precision manual tools.
• Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.
• Help design novel machining processes and methodologies for the Michigan production facility.
• Work from SolidWorks models and technical drawings to produce high-tolerance parts.
• Prepare CAM programs in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar tools.
• Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping.
• Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure.
• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews and provide direct feedback to engineers.
• Occasionally assist with integration or test setups when needed.

Skills

5+ yrs exp

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Fusion CAM

CNC machining

GD&T

Reading drawings

Flexible hours

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Clearance: Not required, but must be a U.S. Person

About Us

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.

About the Role

We are seeking a Prototype Machinist to join our Los Angeles-based state-of-the-art prototyping facility. We’re building a state of the art prototyping facility to machine some of the world's most challenging materials from glass, titanium, to exotic wire EDM’d parts; this is not a standard machine shop position.

This role is ideal for a highly adaptable, technically-minded individual who thrives in fast-paced environments. We’re looking for someone to sit with the team day in and day out to help push back on the team’s wild unmanufacturable designs. While this is a full time position, the job has an on-call component - when a part is urgently needed, day or night, you may be the one called to make it. On the flip side, your day-to-day schedule is extremely flexible, and you'll often have lighter periods or ad-hoc time off when the schedule allows.

What You’ll Do

• Operate a wide range of fabrication tools including:

  • 3D printers

  • 5-axis CNC mills and live tooling lathes

  • Tube and flat-bed lasers

  • Waterjets, wire EDM, and high-precision manual tools

• Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.

• Help design novel machining processes and methodologies that will be used in our Michigan production facility

• Work from SolidWorks models and technical drawings to produce high-tolerance parts.

• Prepare CAM programs in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar tools.

• Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping.

• Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure.

• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews and provide direct feedback to engineers.

• Occasionally assist with integration or test setups when needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering prototyping shop or machine shop environment.

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks (or similar CAD tools).

• Significant experience with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion CAM.

• Proficient with modern CNC machine operations and part inspection.

• Ability to interpret and execute mechanical drawings and GD&T.

• Familiarity with common materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, plastics, etc.) and their machining characteristics.

• Comfortable with occasional non-standard hours, including occasional late-night or weekend requests.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with light duty fabrication - TIG welding, laser cell operation, slip rolling, fixturing and fit-up. “A grinder and paint make me the welder I aint” is our moto in a prototype environment

• Experience designing test fixturing and metrology

• Willing to shoot paint - grab the hvlp and step into the booth. Doesn't have to be pretty, just can't be boogers.

• Deep knowledge of multi-axis milling, fixturing, and workholding strategies.

• Experience building parts for aerospace, robotics, or optics applications.

• Familiarity with vacuum-compatible fabrication.

What We Offer

• Build out a team of R&D specialists.

• High-trust, flexible scheduling.

• Direct impact on rapid iteration of hardware bound for space, field ops, or high-performance systems.

• A culture that respects craftsmanship, iteration speed, and creative autonomy.