13+ years of CNC machining experience with mills and/or lathes.
5+ years of CNC programming experience, including CAM and G-code editing.
Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, and GD&T standards.
Experience in selecting cutting tools and designing workholding solutions.
High school diploma or GED, or related vocational/technical education required.
Strong communication skills for providing technical feedback to engineers.
Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.
Responsibilities
Create and optimize CNC programs in Siemens NX CAM for multi-axis machining.
Read and hand-edit G-code; build probing and tool-compensation macros.
Select cutting tools and optimize machining parameters for aerospace alloys.
Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and manual machines from various materials.
Plan jobs from start to finish, including material selection and processing.
Design and build fixtures and jigs; support new equipment installation.
Handle prototype and production work, troubleshooting independently as needed.
Inspect parts using precision gauges and report on dimensions and nonconformances.
Provide actionable DFM feedback during design and process reviews.
Collaborate with design engineers to transition prototypes to production-ready parts.
Review and improve existing processes for efficiency and quality.
Mentor junior machinists and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Benefits
Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Paid time off and 10 paid holidays per year.
Paid parental leave.
Relocation assistance if applicable.
Daily lunch provided in the office with a fully stocked kitchen.
Full Job Description
About the Role
We're looking for a Senior CNC Machinist to own parts from model to finished, inspected hardware as we build a rocket engine factory from the ground up.
Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, you'll program, set up, and run multi-axis mills and lathes to deliver tight-tolerance, high-value flight and ground hardware, and help define how our machine shop operates. You'll work directly with design and manufacturing engineers to shape designs before release and provide early and ongoing design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback that reduces cost, shortens production time, and improves manufacturability. This role is ideal for someone who takes ownership of hardware delivery, troubleshoots independently, and gives clear, actionable technical feedback.
This is a full-time, on-site role in Kent, Washington, within Production Engineering.
Responsibilities
Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs in Siemens NX CAM for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and multi-tasking turning.
Read, interpret, and hand-edit G-code at the control; build and apply probing, setup, and tool-compensation macros (e.g., Renishaw).
Select cutting tools, toolpaths, and speeds and feeds to balance cycle time, tool life, and surface finish across aerospace alloys.
Set up, prove out, and operate CNC mills and lathes, plus manual machines and EDM as needed, from raw stock, castings, and weldments.
Plan jobs cradle-to-grave: machine and material selection, operation sequence, workholding, and outside processing (heat treat, plating, coating, grinding).
Design and build fixtures, jigs, and soft jaws; coordinate tooling needs and support new equipment installation and commissioning.
Handle quick-turn, first-run prototype work and recurring production, troubleshooting independently when things go sideways.
Inspect in-process and finished parts with precision gauges and height gauges; report as-built dimensions and nonconformances.
Interpret engineering models, drawings, and specifications, applying GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
Participate in early design and process reviews and give engineers and designers clear, actionable DFM feedback on tolerances, features, materials, and setups.
Work directly with design engineers to take prototypes from concept to finished part and to define production-ready approaches.
Review existing part processes with engineering to improve efficiency, quality, and cost, and document best practices for the shop.
Deburr and finish parts to requirement and maintain a clean, safe, organized work area.
Mentor junior machinists on programming, setup, and process planning; drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Basic Qualifications
13+ years of professional experience setting up and operating CNC mills and/or lathes.
5+ years of CNC programming experience, including CAM programming and reading/editing G-code.
Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, and GD&T.
Experience selecting cutting tools and designing work holding.
High school diploma or GED, or related vocational/technical education.
Strong written and verbal communication; able to give constructive technical feedback to engineers.
Ability to lift up to 40 lb and stand for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications
15+ years of CNC machining experience, with 5-axis and multi-tasking (mill-turn) experience.
Advanced proficiency in Siemens NX CAM, including multi-axis toolpath programming.
Experience setting up and running Mazak, DMG MORI, Okuma, Fanuc, Haas, or similar machines and controls; Renishaw probing and macro programming.
Tooling and fixture design experience; familiarity with outside processes such as heat treat, plating, and coating.
Associate's degree in Machine Tool Technology or equivalent technical training.
Continuous improvement or lean experience; crane and forklift experience.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay for this position is Entry $46/hour - mid $52/hour - max $58/hour. Actual pay will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid time off
10 paid holidays per calendar year
Paid parental leave
Relocation assistance if applicable
Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
