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CNC Machinist (Starship Components) – Level 4/5

Hawthorne, CA
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operate CNC machines and produce flight hardware needed to achieve program level production rate goals
  • Perform precision set-ups of various CNC machines on state-of-the-art assets
  • Prioritize daily work to ensure high machine uptime across the shop/area of your responsibility
  • Manage cutting tools in CNC machines to ensure that machines have the needed cutting tools loaded and measured before they are called in upcoming programs
  • Deburr hardware in your work center to contribute to deliveries to our downstream customers
  • Operate clean line equipment, laser part marking, and general part finishing requirements
  • Operate and effectively use calibrated devices to ensure hardware exiting the machine shop is conforming and meets print requirements
  • Perform CNC machine preventative maintenance on a weekly and monthly basis
  • Maintain the shop in terms of chip bins, oils, greases, 5S and general upkeep activities
  • Remain flexible in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and support teammates however possible
  • Complete work instructions and test plans to document needed data throughout each process

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 8+ years of experience in CNC machining

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 10+ years of experience operating CNC machinery
  • Motivation to learn technical aspects of CNC machining
  • Ability to read accurately and write clearly
  • Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
  • Experience in shop math, tooling technology, blueprint reading and measurement of parts
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Strong interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, contributing to a team-oriented environment, balancing team and individual responsibilities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Estimated start times: 1st shift (5:00 AM); 2nd shift (2:30 PM)
  • Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted
  • Must be able to stand and kneel unassisted
  • Must be able to do repetitive movement; bend or twist; use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; exposure to sounds and distractive noise levels

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level 4: $36.00 - $43.00/hour
Level 5: $41.00 - $51.00/hour

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, stock options, 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.

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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