Senior CNC Programmer & Prototype Machinist – LATHE

Starpath; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

PTO & holidays

Professional growth opportunities

Ownership of high-impact work

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Starpath Robotics is seeking a Senior CNC Programmer & Prototype Machinist – LATHE in Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA. The role focuses on 2-axis turning and deep expertise in CNC programming, machining, set-ups, and problem solving from design handoff to finished part.

You will program and operate Okuma lathe systems, optimize tooling and speeds, and mentor teammates while ensuring manufacturability for aerospace robotics components.

Qualifications

• 8+ years CNC programming and machining experience.
• Deep mastery of CNC turning with boring, grooving, threading, drilling.
• Proficiency in Okuma OSP control (G-code).
• Experience with Fusion 360, Mastercam or NX CAM; strong CAM skills.
• Expertise in programming and operating lathe CNC machines.
• Strong background in complex turning contours and aerospace apps.
• Experience optimizing processes for productivity and quality.
• Familiarity with materials like 6061/7075 al, stainless, carbon steels.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC Lathes (2-axis) to support precision aerospace robotics manufacturing.
• Create, edit, and optimize programs for Okuma G-code using CAM tools.
• Interpret drawings and GD&T to produce efficient machining strategies.
• Generate tool lists and perform setups on CNC machines.
• Maintain records of mark ups, programs, setup sheets, and tool lists.
• Select and optimize tooling, adjust speeds/feeds for efficiency and tool life.
• Design and machine fixture tooling as required.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to improve manufacturability.
• Own the machine shop operations; troubleshoot and optimize processes.
• Mentor teammates and share best practices across the team.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining

2-axis turning

G-code

CAM software

GD&T

Mentoring

Team leadership

Problem solving

Reading drawings

Fixture design

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Okuma OSP control

Fusion 360

Mastercam

NX CAM

Job description

The Mission At Starpath Robotics, we’re shaping the future of robotics through precision engineering and bold ideas. Our work thrives on the edge of what’s possible — and we’re looking for people who want to push those boundaries with us. We value craftsmanship, speed, and ownership. If you’re passionate about creating high-precision components that directly fuels the next-generation in space, you’ll fit right in.

Senior CNC Programmer & Prototype Machinist – LATHE We’re hiring a Senior CNC LATHE Programmer & Machinist with deep expertise in 2-axis turning. This role requires mastery in CNC programming, machining, set-ups, problem-solving at the machine and program level, and the ability to take ownership from design handoff through finished part.

Position Details

• Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Department: Starlight Solar

The Mission At Starpath Robotics, we’re shaping the future of robotics through precision engineering and bold ideas. Our work thrives on the edge of what’s possible — and we’re looking for people who want to push those boundaries with us. We value craftsmanship, speed, and ownership. If you’re passionate about creating high-precision components that directly fuels the next-generation in space, you’ll fit right in.

Senior CNC Programmer & Prototype Machinist – LATHE We’re hiring a Senior CNC LATHE Programmer & Machinist with deep expertise in 2-axis turning. This role requires mastery in CNC programming, machining, set-ups, problem-solving at the machine and program level, and the ability to take ownership from design handoff through finished part.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate CNC Lathes (2-axis) to support precision aerospace robotics manufacturing. OKUMA Genos L250 II turning machines. As well as conventional turning as needed.
• Create, edit, and optimize programs for Okuma G-code, using Fusion CAM (Autodesk product), Mastercam, or NX CAM (other CAM system experience accepted).
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD/CAM/.STP/3D models, and GD&T requirements to produce efficient machining strategies.
• Generate tool lists.
• Perform set ups and operate CNC machines.
• Maintain records of mark ups on prints, save programs, setup sheets, and tool lists.
• Select and optimize tooling, adjusting speeds/feeds for efficiency and tool life.
• Design and machine fixture tooling as required.
• Work closely with engineering teams, production teams, and provide feedback to improve manufacturability.
• Take ownership of the machine shop, be an asset in troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Mentor teammates and share best practices to raise the bar across the team.
• Pitch in beyond machining when needed — including assisting with assembly of our products — to ensure team success.
• Help with necessary maintenance, cleanliness, up-keep and repairs of machinery to the best of your ability.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 8+ years of CNC programming and machining experience.
• Deep mastery of CNC turning – boring, grooving, threading, drilling – utilizing the chuck with hard-jaws, soft-jaws, collets, and/or on-centers turning.
• Proficiency in Okuma OSP control (New 2026) operation & programming (G-code).
• Experience with Fusion 360 (Preferred), Mastercam, or NX CAM, though strong skills in other CAM platforms are acceptable.
• Expertise in programming and operating lathe CNC machines.
• Strong background in complex turning contours, and aerospace style applications.
• Experience optimizing processes for productivity, quality, and repeatability.
• Familiarity with feeds/speeds/tooling types for different material types; 6061/7075 ALM, 300/400 series stainless steel, carbon steels, plastics & similar.
• Experience mentoring others or leading shop projects.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Frequent standing, bending, grasping, pulling, and other shop-floor activities required.
• U.S. Person status required (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) due to export control regulations.

Compensation & Benefits For Production Roles

• $40.00 – $55.00/hour

Actual level and pay determined based on skills, experience, and interview performance.

OVERTIME PAY: Offered during peak build cycles.

EAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits At Starpath Robotics, base pay is just one part of your total rewards package. We also offer:

• Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible policies to support balance.
• Professional growth opportunities through training and development.
• The chance to own high-impact work that directly shapes the future of robotics & space!
• A collaborative, mission-driven culture where craftsmanship and innovation are celebrated.