Production CNC Programmer

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

The Opportunity 

As Production CNC Programmer, your focus is on programming but may require setting up, and operating 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC mills and multitasking lathes. You should be comfortable programming CNC machines and working with setup/operator personnel to drive jobs to completion. This position requires prior experience using CAM software such as NX Cam to program parts of moderate to high complexity. Fixture design and creation, tool selection, and in-process part inspection are integral part of the job. Strong communication and willingness to jump into action on any part type are your strong suits and contribute to your involvement in a large variety of projects. This role will report directly to the Production Shop Manager.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Interpret dimensioned part drawings with fluency in order to ensure that the correct machine tools, workholding, and inspection equipment are selected.
• Leverage pallet sequences, tool life counters, bar feeders, and tool break detection in pursuit of a lights-out approach to machining
• Lead production on your machine(s) by ensuring setup/operator personnel have pre-programmed jobs and setup guidance during their workday
• Program production CNC machines using CAM software (such as NX), making tool selections, and calculating feeds and speeds
• Setup/Operate CNC machines or hand-off to support personnel whenever possible. This includes new tool setup and workholding, proofing programs, and loading parts
• Operate manual metal-cutting machinery such as knee mills, manual lathes, drill presses, surface grinders, and saws as necessary
• Inspect in-process parts using handheld inspections tools. Inspections may be done in cooperation with the Quality Control lab
• Communicate with other shop staff, Quality Control, engineering personnel, and machine vendors in a professional manner
• Improve shop effectiveness by identifying bottlenecks and recurring issues and offering potential solutions

Why We Value You

• 8+ years experience as a CNC machinist have prepared you for this fast-paced shop atmosphere
• 2+ years experience with NX Cam
• Experience keeping setup/operator personnel supplied with pre-programmed jobs and setups to work on
• You are comfortable offering mentorship to team members relying on your direction.
• Experience independently making priority calls on scheduling machines and operators based on scope of work. 
• Experience programming/running CNC lathes with live tooling.
• Experience programming/running 5-axis mills, mill-turns, and horizontal mills
• Calculate feeds and speeds and can solve geometry problems
• Understand the differences between different types of materials, their grades, and their relative machineability
• Proficient with calipers, micrometers, hard gauges, and general surface plate inspection
• Understand GD&T and can read shop drawings with fluency
• Dispose of waste or scrap material according to established company processes
• Abilit to lift 40+lbs, push heavy carts or crates, and can stretch, reach, kneel, or crawl as may be required by certain tasks
• Monitor machinery in order to identify or diagnose necessary maintenance or safety issues, and can work to resolve those issues
• Maintain a clean work area, and can perform your own preventative maintenance if needed
• Use Excel, Word, and email, and are otherwise comfortable using a computer
• Comfortable working with machine vendors, CAM vendors, or other technical vendors to resolve machine issues
• Undertake projects and tasks with a distinct attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and an optimistic attitude

Desired Multipliers 

• 8+ years of hands-on experience as a machinist in a professional shop environment
• Prior experience with Mastercam, CATIA, ESPRIT
• Experience in a high-mix, fast paced job shop
• Experience in fabrication, including welding, sheet metal, waterjet, assembly, or finish work
• Trained in an engineering or design discipline
• Lean manufacturing certifications
• Experience with wire, sinker, or drill EDM.

The pay range for this role is: 

8-11 yrs exp : $145,000-165,000

12+yrs exp: $170,000-200,000

Salary and Benefits

We're competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have great benefits that include health, vision, dental, and 401K in comparison to other startups. We provide lunch and there's plenty of snacks and drinks to get you through the day.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology  trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

© Astra Space Operations, LLC. All rights reserved, Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.