Impulse Space

In-space propulsion and payload mobility

Development Machinist - Prototype / R&D Shop

Precision Machining & ToolmakingConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeRedondo Beach, CA, USA$38 - $50 /hr

About the Job

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least five years of hands-on machining experience in a prototype, job shop, or research and development/development environment.

Responsibilities

Interpret engineering drawings and computer-aided design models, program, set up, and machine complex prototype and development parts using computer numerical control mills, lathes, and manual machines.
Use computer-aided manufacturing software such as NX or Esprit, or equivalent, to create efficient toolpaths for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining as needed.
Research, select, and procure appropriate tooling, fixtures, raw materials, and consumables independently.
Set up and operate computer numerical control and manual machines to produce high-tolerance parts from a wide range of materials; deburr, finish, and assemble prototypes as required.
Perform in-process inspections.
Collaborate with the engineering team to review designs, identify manufacturability issues, and provide practical feedback on tolerances, fixturing, cost reduction, and improved machining processes.
Own projects from start to finish in a low-volume, high-mix development setting.

We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Development Machinist to join our Development Shop at Impulse. This is a “do-it-all” hands on role in a fast-paced prototype and R&D environment. You will be responsible for taking complex engineering concepts from design through to finished parts.

This position is ideal for an experienced machinist who thrives on variety, problem-solving, and owning projects from start to finish in a low-volume, high-mix development setting.

Full cycle part creation: Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, program, set up, and machine complex prototype and development parts using CNC mills, lathes, and manual machines.
Programming: Use CAM software (e.g., NX, Esprit or equivalent) to create efficient toolpaths for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining as needed.
Tooling & Material Procurement: Independently research, select, and procure appropriate tooling, fixtures, raw materials, and consumables.
Machining & Fabrication: Set up and operate CNC and manual machines to produce high-tolerance parts from a wide range of materials. Perform deburring, finishing, and assembly of prototypes as required.
Inspection & Quality: Perform in-process inspections.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Collaborate closely with the engineering team to review designs, identify manufacturability issues, and provide practical feedback on tolerances, fixturing, cost reduction, and improved machining processes.

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
5+ years of hands-on machining experience in a prototype, job shop, or R&D/development environment.

About the Company

Impulse Space

In-space propulsion and payload mobility

Impulse Space builds in-space mobility services and propulsion to move payloads after launch. Its products include Mira for precise maneuvering and rendezvous, Helios high-energy kick stage, Caravan rideshare to higher-energy orbits, and propulsion lines Saiph, Deneb, and Rigel. These tools act as in-space tugs and stages to push, dock, and deploy payloads in orbit. Led by SpaceX veteran Tom Mueller, Impulse Space uses flight-proven hardware and a growing network of facilities to make reaching higher-energy orbits faster and cheaper, expanding access for customers.

Company size: 501-1,000
Company stage: Series D
Total funding: $1.4B
Headquarters: Redondo Beach, CA
Founded: 2021

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