CNC Machinist & Programmer

YOUR MISSION 

As a CNC Machinist in Long Beach you will be foundational to how we build hardware that operates in the most contested environment humanity has ever faced — space. In this role you will own standing up and expanding our machine shop selecting tooling and establishing the processes and standards that will define our machining culture. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our engineering team to push the boundaries of what's manufacturable with a heavy emphasis on R&D prototyping and rapid iteration. If you're someone who thrives in the earliest stages of building something consequential this is your seat. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Machining & Fabrication: Set up program and operate 5-axis CNC mills lathes and other CNC machines to produce precision aerospace components from engineering drawings and models in a fast-paced R&D environment. 

• CAM Programming: Develop and optimize toolpaths using Mastercam Esprit or HyperMill for complex multi-axis parts. Own the full programming workflow from model import to proven first article. 

• R&D Prototyping: Partner directly with engineers to rapidly iterate on prototype hardware — from concept to hardware bringing a machinist's eye to early-stage designs and help engineering understand what's possible and what's not. 

• Machine Shop Build-Out: Play a lead role in laying out and standing up the machine shop — specifying and purchasing machines tooling fixturing metrology equipment and consumables to support current and future production needs. 

• DFM Collaboration: Provide deep design-for-manufacturability input on new parts and assemblies. Engage early in the design cycle to reduce cost lead time and complexity without sacrificing performance. 

• Quality & Standards: Maintain tight tolerances and impeccable workmanship standards. Inspect own work using metrology tools (calipers micrometers CMM etc.) and ensure compliance with engineering requirements. 

• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with structures propulsion avionics and test teams to ensure machined components integrate cleanly into the broader vehicle architecture. 

 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 

• CNC machining experience with demonstrated proficiency in 5-axis milling and complex multi-axis programming 

• Strong CAM experience in Mastercam Esprit or HyperMill — you write your own programs and know why each toolpath decision matters 

• Proven track record in an R&D or prototype-heavy environment where no two parts are the same 

• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings GD&T and 3D CAD models (SolidWorks CATIA or similar) 

• Experience with a broad range of materials including aluminum alloys titanium stainless steel and advanced composites 

• Strong metrology skills and familiarity with inspection equipment and methods 

• Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions with minimal supervision 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills — you can clearly articulate a DFM concern or a tooling recommendation to an engineer who has never touched a machine 

 
 
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Experience in aerospace defense or space hardware manufacturing 

• Prior involvement in machine shop build-outs equipment procurement or facility stand-up 

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and 5S principles 

• Experience with turning EDM surface grinding or other complementary processes 

• Exposure to cleanroom protocols FOD/ESD awareness and aerospace quality standards (AS9100 ITAR) 

• Background in fixture design and development for complex geometries 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

Machinist Level 1:  $32-50/hr

Machinist Level 2:  $40-60/hr

Machinist Level 3:  $45-75/hr

Senior Machinist: $55-90/hr

• Equity + Benefits including Health Dental Vision HRA/HSA options PTO and paid holidays 401K Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education location and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Long Beach CA. 
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature noise level inside or outside or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job including bending sitting lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite

What We Do

Space was once the quietest place in the universe. Now it's crowded contested and confrontational.  We are True Anomaly: the only defense company focused exclusively on space defense. Founded in 2022 by ex-U.S. Space Force members True Anomaly designs and builds advanced systems for space superiority: agile and powerful spacecraft platforms mission software engineered for unmatched command and control and payloads tailored for precision sensing and effects.    True Anomaly is headquartered in Centennial CO with regional offices in Colorado Springs CO Long Beach CA and Washington D.C.  We are hiring and seeking exceptional talent to join True Anomaly from any technical industry or background to bring unique talents perspective and solutions. If you embrace complexity lead instead of follow showcase integrity over ego take ownership for outcomes and measure success by impact we want to hear from you.

Why Work With Us

True Anomaly exists to enable a secure stable and sustainable space environment for the US its allies and partners. We design and build spacecraft and software solutions for space superiority. If you are ready to contribute to the future of space defense we’d love to hear from you.

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