Astrolab

Designs modular lunar rovers for exploration

Staff CNC Programmer / Operator

Precision Machining & ToolmakingUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timeHawthorne, CA, USA$80 - $100 /hrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

An associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field is required.
At least five years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment using CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM, or similar platforms is required.
Experience with 5-axis CNC machining is required.
Experience operating and/or programming mill-turn or multi-tasking CNC equipment with multiple spindles is required.
Experience independently supporting the machining process from CAD model or engineering drawing through CAM programming, machine setup, prove-out, and completion of finished parts is required.
Experience using precision measurement and inspection tools and working to defined quality requirements and specifications is required.

Responsibilities

Develop, modify, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers and mill-turn equipment.
Program complex aerospace components involving multi-sided machining, tight tolerances, and complex geometries.
Develop efficient toolpaths that balance cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy.
Use CAM software to program complex components and optimize existing toolpaths.
Apply machining strategies for roughing, semi-finishing, finishing, drilling, tapping, boring, probing, and specialty operations.
Perform simulation and post-processing and verify G-code before machine execution.
Adjust programs based on machine behavior, inspection results, tooling performance, and operator feedback.
Establish standardized programming practices and reusable machining strategies.
Program and operate simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 machining applications.
Program and operate mill-turn and turning centers, including live tooling and complex rotational features.
Develop workholding and fixturing approaches for complex parts.
Manage coordinate systems, work offsets, tool length compensation, cutter compensation, probing, and machine kinematics.
Troubleshoot tool orientation, rotary-axis positioning, collision avoidance, and machine simulation issues.
Perform first-article and first-run prove-outs of complex programs.
Set up CNC machines from drawings, models, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
Select cutting tools, holders, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.
Load and verify programs, tooling, offsets, fixtures, and inspection equipment.
Operate CNC equipment safely and efficiently while maintaining tight dimensional control.
Monitor machining processes and make real-time adjustments as required.
Troubleshoot machining problems including chatter, tool wear, poor surface finish, dimensional drift, burr formation, and tool breakage.
Establish and document repeatable setup procedures.
Work with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to translate engineering designs into manufacturable hardware and improve machining capability, cycle time, quality, and process reliability.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in aerospace, space hardware, automotive, medical device, or another high-precision manufacturing environment.
Experience with DMG MORI DMU and/or CLX platforms or similar CNC machines.
Experience using NX CAM.
Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, or other digital manufacturing systems and workflows.
Experience with fixture design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
Experience supporting prototype development and/or low-volume production environments.
Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or similar manufacturing methodologies.
Experience troubleshooting and solving complex machining or manufacturing challenges.
Experience communicating and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Experience with G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, and workholding.

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

Position Summary

The Staff CNC Programmer / Operator is a subject matter expert in complex programming, setup, simulation and operation of advanced CNC equipment supporting precision aerospace and hardware manufacturing. This role will have a strong emphasis on 5-axis machining and mill-turn applications, including complex multi-sided components, tight-tolerance parts, and challenging materials.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable writing and optimizing CNC programs, setting up machines, selecting tooling, troubleshooting machining issues, and running parts on the floor. This person will serve as a technical resource for the machining team and help establish robust, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes.

The Staff CNC Programmer / Operator will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to translate engineering designs into manufacturable hardware while continuously improving machining capability, cycle time, quality, and process reliability.

CNC Programming

Develop, modify, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers and mill-turn equipment
Program complex aerospace components involving multi-sided machining, tight tolerances, and complex geometries
Develop efficient toolpaths that balance cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy
Utilize CAM software to program complex components and optimize existing toolpaths
Apply appropriate machining strategies for roughing, semi-finishing, finishing, drilling, tapping, boring, probing, and specialty operations
Perform simulation and post-processing and verify G-code before machine execution
Make program adjustments based on machine behavior, inspection results, tooling performance, and operator feedback
Establish standardized programming practices and reusable machining strategies

5-Axis & Mill-Turn Machining

Program and operate simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 machining applications
Program and operate mill-turn / turning centers, including live tooling and complex rotational features
Develop workholding and fixturing approaches for complex parts
Manage coordinate systems, work offsets, tool length compensation, cutter compensation, probing, and machine kinematics
Understand and troubleshoot issues associated with tool orientation, rotary-axis positioning, collision avoidance, and machine simulation
Perform first-article and first-run prove-outs of complex programs

Machine Setup & Operation

Set up CNC machines from drawings, models, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation
Select appropriate cutting tools, holders, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters
Load and verify programs, tooling, offsets, fixtures, and inspection equipment
Operate CNC equipment safely and efficiently while maintaining tight dimensional control
Monitor machining processes and make real-time adjustments as required
Troubleshoot machining problems including chatter, tool wear, poor surface finish, dimensional drift, burr formation, and tool breakage
Establish and document repeatable setup procedures

Basic Qualifications

Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field
Five (5) or more years of CNC programming in a manufacturing environment using CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM, or similar platforms
Experience with 5-axis CNC machining
Experience operating and/or programming mill-turn or multi-tasking CNC equipment with multiple spindles.
Experience independently supporting the machining process from CAD model or engineering drawing through CAM programming, machine setup, prove-out, and completion of finished parts
Experience using precision measurement and inspection tools and working to defined quality requirements and specifications

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in aerospace, space hardware, automotive, medical device, or another high-precision manufacturing environment
Experience with DMG MORI DMU and/or CLX platforms or similar CNC machines
Experience using NX CAM
Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, or other digital manufacturing systems and workflows
Experience with fixture design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles
Experience supporting prototype development and/or low-volume production environments
Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or similar manufacturing methodologies
Experience troubleshooting and solving complex machining or manufacturing challenges
Experience communicating and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams
Experience with G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, and workholding

About the Company

Astrolab

Designs modular lunar rovers for exploration

Astrolab designs and builds modular rovers for lunar and extraterrestrial surface missions. Its flagship FLEX rover is a modular, reusable vehicle that can transport cargo, equipment, and crew across the Moon. The system works by using interchangeable payload modules on a shared rover chassis, allowing rapid reconfiguration for different mission profiles—from cargo delivery to astronaut transport—without needing a new vehicle. The rover is designed to be compatible with existing and planned space infrastructure, including NASA’s Artemis program, enabling integration with governmental and commercial lunar operations. What sets Astrolab apart is its emphasis on a single, adaptable platform with modular payloads that can handle a range of tasks and mission profiles, rather than many specialized, single-use machines. The company aims to enable a sustained lunar presence and expanded human activity beyond Earth by providing reliable, flexible surface mobility.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Hawthorne, CA
Founded: 2019

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