The Machine Shop Lead / CNC Machining Mentor for the NASA HUNCH Program is responsible for serving as the lead machinist and student-facing mentor for NASA HUNCH in California, producing certified aerospace hardware while training high school teachers and students across partner schools to NASA manufacturing standards.
The position reports to the HUNCH Director of Projects and is part of the NASA HUNCH Program based in Long Beach, CA. This role will be based in Long Beach, CA.
In this role, the essential functions are:
- Lead production of aerospace-grade flight and non-flight hardware on schedule, on budget, and under full QA oversight.
- Review engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications; assess manufacturability and flag risks early.
- Develop and approve manufacturing plans, work instructions, and process documentation capturing controls, traceability, and quality requirements.
- Write and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis mills, lathes, and other machine tools; manage tooling, fixturing, and setup.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, NASA, and applicable military standards across all machining operations.
- Assess partner-school readiness and deliver training that elevates students and teachers to NASA hardware standards.
- Expose students to the full manufacturing lifecycle - drawing review, programming, setup, machining, deburring, cleaning, and inspection.
- Champion safety and quality culture across the home shop and every partner-school HUNCH facility, including FAI and nonconformance resolution.
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Required Qualifications: - 10-15 years of machining experience in aerospace or mechanical hardware development, including supervisory or lead experience over machinists/technicians.
- Proficient in engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAM-based CNC programming, with proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize machining of aerospace alloys (aluminum, titanium, stainless, Inconel).
- Working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace QA processes (first article inspection, nonconformance disposition) and configuration/data management.
- Strong leader and communicator able to motivate cross-disciplinary teams - including students and educators - to high performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Preferred Qualifications: - Prior NASA or NASA-contractor experience with working knowledge of NASA/DoD work instructions, drawing and configuration management processes, NASA systems (MIDAS, NAMS, QARC, EDMS, JEDII), and ITAR/EAR export controls.
- Hands-on proficiency with Mastercam CAD/CAM and special process controls (welding, heat treating, surface finishing), Lean/Six Sigma training, and prior experience mentoring or teaching in a technical or manufacturing setting.
Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.
- Unlimited Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
- Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
- 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security
- Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
- Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
- The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment
California pay range
$160,000-$180,000 USD
