We are seeking a CNC Prototyping Engineer to join our Prototyping and Integration (PI) Team. In this role, you will own the end-to-end machining of complex aerospace prototypes-driving CNC programming, setup, and production of precision electro-mechanical components from concept through delivery of conforming parts that pass quality inspection. You will operate as a technical authority on advanced machining strategy, partner with design and manufacturing engineering to drive design-for-manufacturability, and develop scalable prototyping processes that accelerate hardware development across the organization.

You will work autonomously across multiple concurrent builds, set the standard for machining quality and throughput, mentor other machinists and prototyping engineers, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that raise the capability of the lab. This role requires deep hands-on CNC expertise, strong process ownership, and the ability to respond quickly to shifting priorities in a fast-paced development environment.

Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key job responsibilities

- Own the programming, setup, and machining of complex aerospace prototypes on multi-axis mills, lathes, and mill-turn equipment, delivering precision components to print and on schedule.

- Develop and implement advanced machining strategies using CAM software, optimizing tool paths, fixturing, and process sequencing for quality, speed, and repeatability.

- Partner with Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Design engineering teams to drive design-for-manufacturability feedback and translate complex designs into producible prototypes.

- Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent prototyping requests, coordinating machine time, tooling, and material to maintain program velocity.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the machine shop-establishing processes, owning them to conclusion, and creating scalable mechanisms that increase throughput and reduce cycle time.

- Develop and maintain machining documentation, work instructions, and process specifications to enable consistent, repeatable execution.

- Perform inspection and validation of machined components, troubleshooting quality issues and driving corrective actions to root cause.

- Respond quickly to interruptions and urgent requests from test and engineering teams, balancing rapid turnaround against sustained build quality.

A day in the life

This is a hands-on role centered on CNC programming and machining. Youll spend most of your day at the machines-writing your own CAM programs, running setups, and cutting precision aerospace prototypes from raw stock to finished, inspection-ready parts. Because quality hardware depends on it, youll focus heavily on building stable, repeatable processes that hold tolerance consistently rather than relying on one-off results. Between jobs, youll plan upcoming builds, review incoming designs for manufacturability, and balance machine and tooling priorities across competing requests. When a test team is waiting on hardware, youll deliver quickly without compromising quality. The ideal candidate is a skilled machinist and programmer who thrives on hands-on work and takes pride in producing parts that engineering teams can depend on.

About the team

The Prototyping and Integration Team accelerates hardware development through rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and integration of novel Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and systems for the Optical Intersatellite Link organization. Our service areas span Hardware Fabrication, Electrical Integration, Electromechanical Hardware Development, DVT and Qualification Testing, and Quality Assurance. Our learnings are directly applied to scale aerospace manufacturing processes and enable risk reduction through comprehensive testing. We seek candidates who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Success requires high motivation, attention to detail, and the highest standards of execution.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent field

- 5+ years machine shop experience operating complex CNC equipment (multi-axis mills, mill-turn, EDM, or equivalent).

- Expert knowledge of HyperMILL, ESPRIT, or equivalent CAM systems.

- 2+ years overseeing continuous improvement initiatives by establishing processes and showing ownership over those areas to conclusion.

- Must be able to frequently move lab equipment and materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

- Must be able to visually inspect and distinguish fine detail in precision optical/mechanical components.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Excellent manufacturing process knowledge including: coatings, heat treating, and other finishing processes.

- Expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

- Experience using Siemens NX, or other CAD systems.

- Experience machining aerospace, defense, or other precision/high-reliability hardware.

- Experience mentoring machinists or prototyping engineers and setting shop standards.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 122,600.00 - 170,000.00 USD annually