CNC Machinist (2nd Shift)
- Evenings
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting states $72.8k–$93.6k a year. Open machinist jobs in California post a median of $126k a year, the middle half $115k–$146k, across 15 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post.
About the job
As a CNC Machinist at Impulse, you will be responsible for machining & manufacturing complex components for spacecraft & rocket engine hardware. This isn't just another job; it’s an opportunity to be part of something epic. Each machined part you create plays a crucial role in our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
If you’re ready to go the extra mile, embrace challenges, and collaborate with a team of innovators, we want to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future; one meticulously crafted component at a time!
NOTE: This is a 2nd shift position, which runs approximately from 1:30pm - 11:00pm ## Responsibilities - Set up, operate, and program multi-axis CNC mills and lathes (up to 5-axis) to manufacture complex aerospace components - Perform precision inspections using an array of metrology equipment to verify dimensions and ensure adherence to drawings and tolerances - Read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, GD&T, and other technical documents to complete machining operations - Manage cutting tools in CNC machines, ensuring optimal tool load and measurement for upcoming programs - Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues, including alarm resolutions and tooling repairs, to maintain maximum machine uptime - Operate CNC machines in a production environment, producing both development and flight hardware while meeting quick-turn program goals - Conduct on-machine deburring and precision cleaning of components to ensure quality and reduce human intervention - Maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to company guidelines and 5S principles - Provide continuous feedback for process improvements and efficiency opportunities to engineering and leadership - Actively participate in preventative maintenance of CNC machines on a weekly and monthly basis - Communicate with shop leadership regarding production challenges and collaborate with teammates to support workflow ## Minimum Qualifications - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 5+ years of experience in CNC machining, particularly with aerospace machine shops and hard metals - Demonstrated proficiency in G-code, with strong setup and operational skills on CNC mills and lathes - Ability to read and understand complex blueprints, GD&T, and tolerances ## Preferred Skills and Experience - Experience with various materials such as Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum - 3+ years of setup experience on vertical mills - 1+ year of experience setting up and operating 5-axis mills - Familiarity with CNC programming using software such as NX, Solidworks HSM, Mastercam, Fusion 360 or Esprit CAD/CAM - Experience with multiple CNC control systems, including Heidenhain, Haas, Fanuc, Siemens, and others - Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of tooling technology and shop math - Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to a team-oriented environment. ## Additional Information - Must be available to work all shifts, including overtime and weekends as needed - Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. unassisted and stand for extended periods (8 hours minimum) - Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces - Comfort with repetitive movements and exposure to sounds and noise levels that may be distracting Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.
Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity.
In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. To conform to U.S.
Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space 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.
From Impulse Space's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New space manufacturing and technician jobs in California, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About Impulse Space
Transfer vehicles that carry satellites past the orbit their rocket leaves them in.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Impulse Space's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More open jobs at Impulse Space
- Staff Digital Signal Processing Engineer$145,000–$185,000/yr
- Embedded Software Engineer$130,000–$280,000/yr
- Avionics Technician (Electromechanical Assembly)$25–$45/hr
- Propulsion Engineer, Stage$100,000–$140,000/yr
- Senior Propulsion Engineer, Stage$140,000–$195,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)$30/hr
More space manufacturing and technician jobs
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Avionics & Test$115,200–$144,000/yr
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics & Test$132,000–$176,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineer$100,000–$130,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineer (Tanks)$68,000–$80,000/yr
- CNC Lathe Machinist I and II, Prototype Shop$29–$40/hr
- Manufacturing Engineer, Machining & Additive Associate (Winter 2027)$1,925/wk
A certified technician, machinist or welder?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
Impulse Space openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from Impulse Space's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.