Lead Machinist

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly. Who We’re Looking For We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Lead Machinist to lead our Hawthorne machine shop supporting the Ranger spacecraft program. In this role, you will oversee the manufacturing of tight-tolerance propulsion, structural, and tooling components for flight and test hardware. You will set up and operate multi-axis CNC equipment, lead a team of machinists and quality inspectors, and take ownership of shop scheduling, quality, safety, and production performance. You will play a critical role as Ranger transitions from development into production. Working closely with design and manufacturing engineers, you will machine first articles, provide early feedback on manufacturability, and develop repeatable manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling, and inspection methods that ensure consistent quality and production efficiency. You will also support the transfer of established machining processes to our Tulsa manufacturing center as production scales. This position is ideal for a skilled machinist who leads by example, thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment, and enjoys mentoring others while producing precision components for mission-critical spacecraft systems. Where You’ll Make an Impact - Lead a team of machinists and quality inspectors; set daily priorities, maintain the shop schedule, and act as point of contact when management is unavailable - Set up, program, and operate multi-axis CNC mills and lathes to produce propulsion, structural, and tooling components from aluminum, titanium, stainless, Inconel, and engineered plastics - Hold tight tolerances and surface finishes on flight hardware, including sealing surfaces, fluid fittings, and precision bores - Perform first-article and in-process inspection using CMM, optical comparators, and hand gauges; record results and drive corrective actions to improve part quality - Review drawings, models, and GD&T with design and manufacturing engineers; give early, data-backed feedback on manufacturability, tolerancing, and material selection - Design and build fixtures, soft jaws, and work holding that make parts repeatable from the first article through rate production - Write and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, and work instructions so any qualified machinist can run the job - Cross-train the team in CNC setup, inspection, and shop practices; coach junior machinists and raise the skill level of the shop - Own tooling, cutter inventory, and preventive maintenance so machines stay up and output is predictable - Enforce shop safety, FOD control, and material traceability for flight hardware - Track throughput, scrap, and rework; communicate shop status, readiness, and risks to engineering and production leadership - Document machining processes and parameters so they can be transferred to the Tulsa manufacturing center What It Takes - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 5+ years of experience with G-code, setup, operation, and/or programming of CNC mills and lathes - 3+ years of experience machining to tolerances of ±0.0005" or tighter and verifying them with precision inspection equipment - Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, models, and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 Nice-to-Have Experience - 3+ years leading a team or shift in a machine shop environment - 5+ years of 5-axis mill setup and programming experience - Experience with multi-axis lathes, live tooling, and horizontal and vertical mills - CAM programming experience in Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX, or similar; CAD experience in NX, SolidWorks, or Creo - Experience machining aerospace alloys, including titanium, Inconel, and 6061/7075 aluminum - Experience with CMM programming and operation (Zeiss, Mitutoyo, Hexagon, or similar) - Experience with propulsion or fluid-system components: sealing surfaces, high-pressure fittings, thin walls, and deep bores - Experience designing and building fixtures and workholding for low-volume, high-mix production - Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, first-article inspection per AS9102, and material traceability for flight hardware - Experience transferring machining processes from a prototype shop to a production facility - Comfortable working directly with design engineers and pushing back on drawings with data - Clear communicator who can keep a shop running without supervision and bring problems to leadership early What You’ll Get - Ownership – Lead machining operations and precision component manufacturing for the Ranger spacecraft program, taking responsibility for shop performance, quality, and production readiness - Innovation – Develop and implement advanced CNC machining processes, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing techniques supporting next-generation spacecraft technologies - Impact – Play a direct role in producing high-precision propulsion, structural, and flight hardware components that support critical national security, civil, and commercial space missions - Growth – Help advance spacecraft manufacturing capabilities while mentoring machinists, improving shop processes, and supporting the transition from development into rate production - Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation. Location: Hawthorne, CA Hourly Rate: $36-43 per hour The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package. Additional Requirements - Must be willing to work flexible and/or extended hours, including overtime and weekends, to meet test campaign and delivery milestones - Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted and stand for extended periods - Must be able to stoop, bend, and work in tight spaces around machine tools - Must be able to work in an environment with repetitive movement, cutting fluids, and distracting noise levels while wearing required PPE - Able to travel for short business trips to Rockville, MD, Tulsa, OK, and suppliers as needed (up to 10%) To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.