Technical Trainer, CNC Machining (Starship Components)

InvestedintheMission; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, Vision & Dental

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation & holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

SpaceX in Hawthorne, California is seeking a Technical Trainer for CNC Machining (Starship Components). The role focuses on creating and delivering hands-on training for Okuma mill-turns, mills and lathes, with SME collaboration to design engaging content for online, classroom, and shop floor delivery.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a machine shop and a proven track record developing and delivering technical training programs, plus strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of experience as a technical/on-the-job trainer, conducting hands-on, instructor-led machining or CNC courses.
• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, industrial education, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in a machine shop environment.
• 5+ years of experience creating training materials and delivering technical training programs.
• Strong knowledge of Okuma mill-turns, mills, and lathes.
• Experience programming and operating Okuma CNC systems (G-code, M-code, tool offsets, work coordinate systems).
• Proficiency with the development of training programs and materials, including student assessments and hands-on machining exercises.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.

Responsibilities

• Create course materials using educational tools: PowerPoint, student handouts, exams, study materials, and instructor-led student assessments focused on CNC machining.
• Own, create, and edit training Engineering Masters (EMs) for relevant machining training courses.
• Partner directly with subject matter experts to design and develop engaging content for a variety of audiences and delivery modes with clear strategies and tactics to achieve desired learning outcomes, including but not limited to: Okuma operation and programming, general mill-turn operation, CNC setup, tool selection, and machining safety.
• Lead training modules (On the Job and self-paced) for Production & Engineering teams on Okuma mill-turns, mills, and lathes.
• Assess and evaluate student performance through practical tests on CNC and conventional equipment, machining projects, and written exams.
• Organize, schedule, and manage enrollments, attendance, and student performance.
• Develop process specifications and research new machining technologies and techniques for Okuma CNC systems.
• Perform special assignments (e.g. leading machine setup improvements or process modifications in the shop).
• Engage Production Management, Engineering, Quality and other subject matter experts to gather feedback and implement process improvements for future training modules.
• Coordinate with third party vendors for specialized Okuma resources and instruction when needed.

Skills

CNC machining

Training program development

Okuma CNC systems

G-code/M-code

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Content development

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma

Tools

Okuma CNC systems

PowerPoint

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

TECHNICAL TRAINER, CNC MACHINING (STARSHIP COMPONENTS)

A Machining Technical Trainer is driven by the fundamental belief that hands-on technical education is essential to building world-class manufacturing capability. This role combines that belief with a strong sense of urgency, creativity, and resourcefulness to develop and deliver practical training that enables the machine shop team to safely and efficiently operate Okuma mill-turns, mills, and lathes. The ideal candidate brings deep machine shop experience, educational experience developing and delivering technical training programs, strong communication skills, innovative problem-solving abilities, and a passion for contributing to the advancement of human space exploration through precision machining excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create course materials using educational tools: PowerPoint, student handouts, exams, study materials, and instructor-led student assessments focused on CNC machining
• Own, create, and edit training Engineering Masters (EMs) for relevant machining training courses
• Partner directly with subject matter experts to design and develop engaging content for a variety of audiences and delivery modes (online, classroom, and shop floor) with clear strategies and tactics to achieve desired learning outcomes, including but not limited to: Okuma operation and programming, general mill-turn operation, CNC setup, tool selection, and machining safety
• Lead training modules (On the Job and self-paced) for Production & Engineering teams on Okuma mill-turns, mills, and lathes
• Assess and evaluate student performance through practical tests on CNC and conventional equipment, machining projects, and written exams
• Organize, schedule, and manage enrollments, attendance, and student performance
• Develop process specifications and research new machining technologies and techniques for Okuma CNC systems
• Perform special assignments (e.g. leading machine setup improvements or process modifications in the shop)
• Engage Production Management, Engineering, Quality and other subject matter experts to gather feedback and implement process improvements for future training modules
• Coordinate with third party vendors for specialized Okuma resources and instruction when needed

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience as a technical/on-the-job trainer, conducting hands-on, instructor-led machining or CNC courses

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, industrial education, or related field
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in a machine shop environment
• 5+ years of experience creating training materials and delivering technical training programs
• Strong knowledge of Okuma mill-turns, mills, and lathes
• Experience programming and operating Okuma CNC systems (G-code, M-code, tool offsets, work coordinate systems)
• Proficiency with the development of training programs and materials, including student assessments and hands‑on machining exercises
• Ability to independently analyze, review, and research machining processes and applicable standards
• In‑depth understanding of production machining processes (CNC milling, turning, mill-turn operations, tooling, fixturing, and precision measurement)
• Excellent oral and written training and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with video editing or online training module development
• Demonstrated experience as a team‑oriented self‑starter, eager to meet and exceed objectives with the ability to handle a multi‑project environment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work overtime and weekends based on site operational needs
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted, stand for extended periods, and move safely around CNC machine tools

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
$95,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].