Senior CNC Programmer & Prototype Machinist, MILL
Starpath Robotics · Hawthorne, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 19 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at Starpath Robotics (industrial) in Hawthorne, CA. Create, edit, and optimize programs for HASS G-code, using Fusion CAM (Autodesk product), Mastercam, or NX CAM (other CAM system experience accepted).
- They ask for
- 8+ years
- Tools it names
- GD&T, Robotics, CNC, Machining, Tooling, CATIA / NX
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in California: typical posted base $56k–$78k.
Median of the low and high ends of 10 live postings that list pay, out of 125 manufacturing technician openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 92 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (8+ vs 5+)
Typical $84k–$121k, from 13 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 40%
- ✓ CNC 40%
- ✓ Machining 38%
- Team leadership 33%
- New product launch 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Starpath Robotics
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from Starpath RoboticsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Program and operate CNC mills (3-axis, 4th-axis rotary, 5-axis) to support precision aerospace robotics manufacturing. HASS UMC 750 (5-axis) & HASS VF- series, machines. As well as conventional turning & milling as needed.
- ◆Create, edit, and optimize programs for HASS G-code, using Fusion CAM (Autodesk product), Mastercam, or NX CAM (other CAM system experience accepted).
- ◆Interpret engineering drawings, CAD/CAM/.STP/3D models, and GD&T
requirements
to produce efficient machining strategies.
- ✓Generate tool lists.
- ✓Perform set ups and operate CNC machines.
- ✓Maintain records of mark ups on prints, save programs, setup sheets, and tool lists.
- ✓Select and optimize tooling, adjusting speeds/feeds for efficiency and tool life.
- ✓Design and machine fixture tooling as required.
- ✓Work closely with engineering teams, production teams, and provide feedback to improve manufacturability.
- ✓Take ownership of the machine shop, be an asset in troubleshooting, and optimization.
- ✓Mentor teammates and share best practices to raise the bar across the team.
- ✓Pitch in beyond machining when needed — including assisting with assembly of our products — to ensure team success.
- ✓Help with necessary maintenance, cleanliness, up-keep and repairs of machinery to the best of your ability.
Required Qualifications
- ✓High school diploma or equivalent.
- ✓8+ years of CNC programming and machining experience.
- ✓Deep mastery of 3-axis CNC milling with 4th-axis rotary, & 5-axis machining.
- ✓Proficiency in Haas control (New and Old) operation & programming (G-code).
- ✓Experience with Fusion 360 (Preferred), Mastercam, , or NX CAM, though strong skills in other CAM platforms are acceptable.
- ✓Expertise in programming and operating multi-axis mill and lathe CNC machines.
- ✓Strong background in complex surfacing, swarf cuts, contours, and aerospace style applications.
- ✓Experience optimizing processes for productivity, quality, and repeatability.
- ✓Familiarity with feeds/speeds/tooling types for different material types; 6061/7075 ALM, 300/400 series stainless steel, carbon steels, Inconel, plastics, & similar.
- ✓Experience mentoring others or leading shop projects.
Additional
Requirements
- ✓Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
- ✓Frequent standing, bending, grasping, pulling, and other shop-floor activities required.
- ✓U.S. Person status required (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) due to export control regulations.
Requirements
- ✓To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you 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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Position Details
- •Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
- •Employment Type: Full-time
- •Department: Starlight Solar
The Mission
At Starpath Robotics, we’re shaping the future of robotics through precision engineering and bold ideas. Our work thrives on the edge of what’s possible — and we’re looking for people who want to push those boundaries with us. We value craftsmanship, speed, and ownership. If you’re passionate about creating high-precision components that directly fuels the next-generation in space, you’ll fit right in.
Senior CNC Programmer & Prototype Machinist – MILL – (3-Axis & 5-Axis Expert)
We’re hiring a Senior CNC Programmer & Machinist with deep expertise in 3-axis CNC milling, 4th-axis rotary, and 5-axis experience strongly preferred. This role requires mastery in CNC programming, machining, set-ups, problem-solving at the machine and program level, and the ability to take ownership from design handoff through finished part.
Benefits
- •Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
- •Paid time off, holidays, and flexible policies to support balance.
- •Professional growth opportunities through training and development.
- •The chance to own high-impact work that directly shapes the future of robotics & space!
- •A collaborative, mission-driven culture where craftsmanship and innovation are celebrated.