Senior Prototype Machinist

Employer description

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda’s W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.

From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.  

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.  

Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. 

Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.

About This Role

Varda is seeking an exceptional Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join our Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in machining complex, high-precision components critical to our spacecraft systems. This hands-on role will challenge you to program, set up, and operate advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. You’ll lead efforts to streamline machining processes, tackle novel manufacturing challenges, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge spaceflight hardware.

This is not a production environment — this is a dynamic, high-stakes role that demands precision, ingenuity, and a passion for advanced manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines (e.g., DMG MORI, Haas UMC) to produce complex aerospace components to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005”.
• Work with a wide range of materials, including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, ensuring exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Create and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.

CAM Programming and Process Optimization:

• Develop and refine toolpaths using Mastercam, HsmWorks, or equivalent software, leveraging advanced strategies such as high-speed machining, trochoidal milling, and adaptive clearing.
• Integrate on-machine probing and macros for part alignment, feature verification, and adaptive toolpath adjustments.
• Continuously optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection to minimize cycle times without compromising quality.

Process Ownership and Collaboration:

• Take full ownership of the machining process, from raw material selection to final inspection.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and propose creative solutions for complex part geometries.
• Maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing processes and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.

Inspection and Quality Control:

• Conduct in-process inspections and first article verifications using tools such as CMMs, laser scanners, micrometers, and other precision measurement instruments.
• Troubleshoot machining issues through root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate (vocational or technical training in machining preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, with a focus on aerospace or high-precision components.
• Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, HyperMILL, or Esprit) and 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
• Deep understanding of G-code, M-code, and CNC program editing.
• Expertise in machining exotic materials such as titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber composites.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, CMMs).
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining, including advanced 5-axis operations.
• Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
• Proven ability to lead or mentor junior machinists, with a focus on improving team efficiency and quality.
• Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations, such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
• Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
• Familiarity with production tracking tools (e.g., Jira) and continuous improvement methodologies.

Pay Range

• Salary Range: Senior Machinist: $46.75/hr - $63.25/hr
• This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
• Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
• You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits

Consider your benefits covered for launch. At Varda, we invest in benefits and perks that support your health, financial well-being, and life beyond work. Benefits vary by position, with packages designed specifically for our regular full-time employees and interns. 

Regular Full-Time Positions: 

Health & Wellness  

• Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays  

• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options 

• Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance  

• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses  

• 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)  

• Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic  

• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents  

Financial & Retirement  

• Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up  

• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested) 

• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement  

• Relocation support for new hires, if needed  

Workplace Experience & Perks  

• Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly  

• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations 

• Complimentary EV charging 

Benefits for Internship Positions: 

Health & Wellness   

• Paid observed holidays.   

• 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options.  

• $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses.   

• Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents.   

Financial   

• $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement.   

• Up to $4,000 gross up in relocation support, if eligible  

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