Senior 5-Axis CNC Machinist — Aerospace Parts

Columbus Technologies and Services; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Technologies and Services is seeking a skilled machinist for a 25-month contract at NASA JPL, Pasadena, onsite. Responsibilities include fabricating and assembling high-precision components, reading complex drawings, and using 5-axis CNC milling with Mastercam and Vericut simulations.

The role requires extensive experience in aerospace machining, GD&T proficiency, and autonomous problem-solving abilities to develop creative fabrication solutions.

Qualifications

• 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 in 5-axis CNC milling operations, as well as programming and fabricating high-precision components.
• Deep proficiency in CAD/CAM programming tools, specifically Mastercam, with a minimum of 5 years of active programming experience.
• Experience using Vericut software simulations for collision detection and verification.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), with the capability to self-inspect parts.
• An innovative mindset and ability to deploy advanced machining techniques, working autonomously to develop creative solutions to complex fabrication challenges.
• A solid understanding of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protective protocols when handling sensitive flight electronic hardware undergoing modification.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience collaborating with engineering teams to understand technical requirements and project schedules.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates metallic and nonmetallic parts, and fits and assembles machined parts into complete units.
• Checks blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances.
• Measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points on material as guides for machining.
• Selects and secures tools and fixtures on machines such as mills, lathes, grinders.
• Sets controls to regulate speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth of cut; or inputs NC data.
• Starts and monitors machine operations; adjusts as needed for accuracy.
• Verifies conformance of finished work using precision measuring instruments.
• Fits and assembles parts into complete assemblies, using fixtures and hand tools.
• May install machined replacement parts and test unit functionality.
• May operate welding equipment to cut or weld parts.

Skills

5-axis CNC milling

GD&T reading

ESD protocols

Autonomous problem solving

Effective communication

Lead machinist / team leadership

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High School diploma

Technical training

Tools

Mastercam

Vericut

CNC lathes (Okuma, Mori Seiki, Monarch)

EDM

Job description

Columbus Technologies and Services is seeking a skilled machinist for a 25-month contract at NASA JPL, Pasadena, onsite. Responsibilities include fabricating and assembling high-precision components, reading complex drawings, and using 5-axis CNC milling with Mastercam and Vericut simulations.

The role requires extensive experience in aerospace machining, GD&T proficiency, and autonomous problem-solving abilities to develop creative fabrication solutions.