Senior Composite CNC Programmer

Inversionspace; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,104 - 82,656; Full time

Job summary

Inversionspace is seeking a skilled Composite CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC programs for machining composite components. The candidate should have strong experience with CAM software and composite materials, ensuring high-quality production.

This role involves responsibilities such as optimizing machining processes and collaborating across teams. Located in California, the role offers a competitive hourly rate between $40.00 and $60.00.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience as a CNC Programmer, preferably with composites.
• Strong understanding of composite machining techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and CAD models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify CNC programs for composite parts, molds, and fixtures.
• Create efficient toolpaths using CAM software.
• Support CNC operators with setup and troubleshooting.

Skills

CNC Programming

CAM Software (Mastercam)

Composite Machining Techniques

Technical Drawing Interpretation

Tools

CNC Routers

5-axis Haas Control

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Composite CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC programs for machining composite components and tooling. The ideal candidate has strong experience with CAM software, composite materials, and CNC machining processes, ensuring high-quality, precise, and repeatable production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and modify CNC programs for composite parts, molds, and fixtures.
• Create efficient toolpaths using CAM software (3-axis to 5-axis as required).
• Select appropriate cutting tools, feeds, and speeds for composite materials.
• Optimize machining processes to prevent delamination, fiber pull‑out, and part damage.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams.
• Support CNC operators with setup, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
• Conduct first-article inspections and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain documentation for programs, tooling, and machining processes.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CNC Programmer, preferably with composite materials; 3–5 years of experience.
• Proficiency in CAM software Mastercam.
• Strong understanding of composite machining techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and CAD models.
• Experience with CNC routers or milling machines – 5‑axis Haas Control.
• Knowledge of tooling, fixturing, and machining best practice.

Desired Qualifications

• Aerospace, automotive, or motorsports manufacturing experience.
• Experience with vacuum fixtures and composite‑specific tooling.
• Familiarity with quality standards and inspection processes.
• Experience programming high‑speed machining toolpaths.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in-office presence.

The California hourly rate for this role is currently $40.00 – $60.00. Pay grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.