Prototype Machinist IV

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 96,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks a Prototype Machinist to turn one‑of‑a‑kind engineering designs into space‑flight hardware using advanced manufacturing methods.

This role focuses on producing highly complex prototype spacecraft components with 3‑ to 5‑axis CNC centers, while collaborating with engineers to ensure design for manufacturability and extreme precision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 10+ years related experience, or associate’s with 6+ years, or bachelor’s with 3+ years, plus technical training.
• Extensive hands‑on experience programming and operating 5‑axis CNC mills.
• Expert in Mastercam with 5+ years of 5‑axis programming.
• Experience using Vericut for simulation and NC verification.
• Advanced GD&T interpretation per ASME Y14.5 with self‑inspection experience.
• Ability to work autonomously and apply advanced machining strategies.
• Knowledge of ESD protective protocols for flight hardware.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 3‑ to 5‑axis CNC machining centers to fabricate complex components.
• Manufacture high‑precision parts to tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with engineers during design reviews to develop robust process plans.
• Run multiple machining resources and perform unattended machining.
• Provide training and mentoring to machinists.
• Improve shop productivity while maintaining precision standards.

Skills

5-axis CNC mills

Mastercam

Vericut

GD&T ASME Y14.5

ESD protocols

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma + 10+ years experience

Associate’s degree + 6+ years experience

Bachelor’s degree + 3+ years experience

Technical training

Tools

5-axis CNC programming

OKUMA/Mori Seiki/Monarch lathes

Haas, Makino, Matsuura DMG Mori simulators

Job description

Job Details

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 craftsperson 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.

Some 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.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.
• Strong communication skills, with experience collaborating with engineering teams to clarify technical requirements and align with project schedules.

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.
• Strong background in conventional machining and precision toolroom operations.
• Experience serving as a lead machinist or team leader directing day‑to‑day shop operations.

Benefits & Perks

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.

Salary

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

$96,096 - $124,488

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

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

Additional Eligibility Information

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.

About JPL

Formed in 1936, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) JPL joined NASA as an FFRDC when the agency was founded in 1958. JPL helped open the Space Age by developing America’s first Earth-orbiting science satellite, creating the first successful interplanetary spacecraft, and sending robotic missions to the solar system. Today JPL continues its world-leading innovation, implementing programs in planetary exploration, Earth science, space-based astronomy and technology development while applying its capabilities to technical and scientific problems of national significance.

Above all, we are explorers. At JPL we promote collaboration, innovation, integrity, and excellence in distinct academic areas. We turn ideas for science investigation into the reality of groundbreaking space missions, partnering with our strategic business teams to guide JPL into the future.