Senior Prototype Machinist

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.Vardas W-Series vehicles are built designed and operated by Varda in-house including the pharmaceutical processing payloads the capsules the C-PICA heat shields and the satellite buses.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX Blue Origin major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures Lux Capital Founders Fund Caffeinated Capital General Catalyst and Also Capital.

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo California where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles equipment and materials are built integrated and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington DC and Huntsville AL.

Join Varda and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Varda is seeking an exceptionalSenior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join our Manufacturing this role you will play a pivotal part in machining complex high-precision components critical to our spacecraft systems. This hands-on role will challenge you to program set up and operate advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Youll lead efforts to streamline machining processes tackle novel manufacturing challenges and collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge spaceflight hardware.

This is not a production environment this is a dynamic high-stakes role that demands precision ingenuity and a passion for advanced manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Program set up and operate 5-axis CNC machines (e.g. DMG MORI Haas UMC) to produce complex aerospace components to tolerances as tight as 0.0005.
• Work with a wide range of materials including Inconel titanium stainless steel and carbon composites ensuring exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Create and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.

CAM Programming and Process Optimization:

• Develop and refine toolpaths using Mastercam HsmWorks or equivalent software leveraging advanced strategies such as high-speed machining trochoidal milling and adaptive clearing.
• Integrate on-machine probing and macros for part alignment feature verification and adaptive toolpath adjustments.
• Continuously optimize feeds speeds and tool selection to minimize cycle times without compromising quality.

Process Ownership and Collaboration:

• Take full ownership of the machining process from raw material selection to final inspection.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and propose creative solutions for complex part geometries.
• Maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing processes and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.

Inspection and Quality Control:

• Conduct in-process inspections and first article verifications using tools such as CMMs laser scanners micrometers and other precision measurement instruments.
• Troubleshoot machining issues through root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate (vocational or technical training in machining preferred).
• 5 years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining with a focus on aerospace or high-precision components.
• Proficiency in CAM software (e.g. Mastercam HyperMILL or Esprit) and 3D CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks Siemens NX).
• Deep understanding of G-code M-code and CNC program editing.
• Expertise in machining exotic materials such as titanium Inconel and carbon fiber composites.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T blueprint interpretation and tolerance stack-ups.
• Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools (micrometers calipers dial indicators CMMs).
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 10 years of hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining including advanced 5-axis operations.
• Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
• Proven ability to lead or mentor junior machinists with a focus on improving team efficiency and quality.
• Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
• Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
• Familiarity with production tracking tools (e.g. Jira) and continuous improvement methodologies.

Pay Range

• Salary Range: Senior Machinist: $46.75/hr - $63.25/hr
• This role is on-sitein El Segundo CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills education level experience level and job performance
• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

Varda like all employers must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items our policy is to only hire U.S. persons who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.

US person means: U.S. citizen U.S. lawful permanent resident or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e. individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).