Prototype Machinist IV

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California seeks a Prototype Machinist to turn one-off engineering designs into space-qualified flight components. You will produce highly complex prototype spacecraft hardware using advanced manufacturing methods and collaborate with shop leads and Cognizant Engineers during design reviews.

The role requires extensive experience with 5-axis CNC milling, Mastercam, Vericut, and GD&T, with strong autonomy and mentoring capabilities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma with 10+ years related experience, or an Associate’s with 6+ years, or a Bachelor’s with 3+ years.
• Hands-on experience programming and operating 5-axis CNC mills with simultaneous 5-axis programming.
• Expert proficiency in Mastercam with 5+ years of active 5-axis programming.
• Experience using Vericut for simulation, collision detection, and NC verification.
• Strong GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5 with part self‑inspection.
• Ability to work autonomously and communicate with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 3- to 5-axis CNC machining centers to fabricate complex parts.
• Manufacture high-precision components to tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with shop leads and engineers to develop robust process plans and DFMA improvements.
• Operate multiple resources and perform lights-out machining to maximize efficiency.
• Perform routine equipment care and preventive maintenance.
• Train, mentor, and coach less experienced machinists.
• Optimize shop productivity and maintain strict precision standards.

Skills

5-axis CNC milling

Mastercam

Vericut

GD&T

Blueprint reading

Self-inspection

Engineering collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Okuma CNC

Mori Seiki

Monarch

EDM equipment

Job description

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

This unique opportunity is part of the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section, reporting directly to the Group Supervisor for Precision Machining & Fabrication Services. This section maintains the advanced technical facilities required to fabricate, assemble, and test electro‑mechanical developmental and flight hardware for current and future missions.

We are seeking a Prototype Machinist—a technology‑driven crafts person who excels at turning one‑of‑a‑kind engineering designs into space‑qualified flight components. In this role within Precision Machining & Fabrication Services, you will produce highly complex prototype spacecraft hardware using advanced manufacturing methods.

Challenges You Will Solve

• Program, set up, and operate a variety of 3- to 5-axis CNC machining centers (including Makino, Matsuura, Mitsui Seiki, DMG Mori, and Haas) to manufacture complex, high-precision components from metallic and non-metallic materials.
• Manufacture high-precision parts to exceptionally tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with shop leads, Manufacturing Engineers, and Cognizant Engineers during design reviews to develop robust process plans, meet machining estimates, and provide practical shop-floor feedback on Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) improvements.
• Operate and run multiple machining resources simultaneously, including setting up and executing "lights-out" (unattended) machining operations to maximize shop efficiency.
• Perform routine equipment care and scheduled Preventive Maintenance (PMs).
• Train, mentor, and coach less experienced machinists, ensuring strict adherence to safe operating procedures on complex shop equipment.
• Optimize shop productivity by reducing cycle times and maximizing machine utilization through advanced machining strategies, maintaining uncompromising standards for precision and craftsmanship.

You Must Have

• Typically a High School diploma with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; an Associate’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience, plus completed technical training.
• Extensive technical expertise and hands‑on experience programming and operating 5-axis CNC mills, including simultaneous 5-axis programming to fabricate complex geometries to tight tolerances.
• Expert proficiency in Mastercam with a minimum of 5 years of active 5-axis programming and manufacturing experience.
• Experience using Vericut software for advanced simulation, collision detection, and NC program verification.
• Advanced proficiency in interpreting complex engineering blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 standards, with hands‑on experience in part self‑inspection.
• Ability to work autonomously, applying advanced machining strategies to solve complex fabrication challenges.
• Strong communication skills, with experience collaborating with engineering teams to clarify technical requirements and align with project schedules.

Got These? Even Better:

• 12+ years of aerospace or space industry programming and machining experience fabricating prototype and flight hardware.
• Experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC lathes (such as Okuma, Mori Seiki, and Monarch).
• Experience programming, setting up, and operating Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) equipment.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.
• Strong background in conventional machining and precision tool room operations.
• Experience serving as a lead machinist or team leader directing day‑to‑day shop operations.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work‑life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$96,096 - $124,488

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.