CNC Machinist
SpaceX
kopernik shores, tx, usa
Posted on Dec 9, 2025
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
CNC MACHINIST
Our elite Starbase team is working on the toughest and most audacious project on our planet; making humanity multiplanetary. This challenge isn’t for everyone – the working conditions can be hard on a desolate beach at the southernmost tip of the state – but hardcore projects require hardcore people. Our test lab is constantly innovating and developing the next step in advanced materials testing. Tight tolerance and innovative machining builds enable critical testing on the mission to full reusability. If you are a high performer, want to immerse yourself in never-before-solved challenges, and are excited to put in the effort to make this goal a reality, we want to hear from you.
As a member of this team you can expect a dynamic role doing what you’re best at. Our team is building high performance flight hardware, a high-volume rocket production line, and a launch system that can rapidly and reliably launch and land our rockets. Your skills will help us operate a world class mechanical and materials test lab to help enable us to iterate, diagnose and drive our build and launch site into a powerhouse of production and materials innovation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Set up and operate multi-axis CNC Mills up to 5-axis
- Set up and operate Wire EDM
- Inspect parts using hand tools to verify dimensions
- Complete machining operations from blueprints, drawings and/or verbal instructions
- Work with complex, tight tolerance parts and various materials
- Meet expectations for productivity
- Communicate with shop leadership when production is inhibited
- Continuously provide feedback for process improvements
- Able and willing to cross train in other laboratory operations to support elevated testing needs (fixture/test build, testing support)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 3+ years of experience in set up, operation and/or programming of CNC mill
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Understand basic G-Code and comfortable making adjustment to feed/speed
- Ability to read and understand blueprints, GD&T, notes and tolerances
- Ability to use hand inspection tools to check machined features
- Familiar with multiple machine control, OSP, Fanuc, and Siemens
- Experience working with various material, such as Inconel, stainless steel, copper, titanium
- Ability to read and work off of a blueprint
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and/or weekends as needed
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Ability to stand for extended periods - 8 hours min
- Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces
- Repetitive movement, bending or twisting, using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls, exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.