Senior Prototype Machinist - 5-Axis CNC for Flight Hardware

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

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.