Senior CNC Programmer
Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 7 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Inversion Space (aerospace & defense) in Playa Vista, CA. Program 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills and/or CNC lathes for aerospace components.
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- GD&T, AS9100, Automation, CNC, Machining, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 77 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $85k–$123k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ CNC 42%
- ✓ Tooling 41%
- ✓ Machining 38%
- Team leadership 37%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for AS9100, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 Inversion Space
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 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.
This plant: Inversion Space in Playa Vista
7 other open roles at this site.
- Hardware Test and Automation Engineer I · Controls
- Electrical Test and Assembly Technician II · Reliability · Technician
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing · Senior
- Senior Chemical Process Engineer · Process · Senior
- Senior Tooling Engineer · Manufacturing · Senior
- Senior Test and Automation Engineer · Controls · Senior
Full description from Inversion SpaceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆CNC Programming & Machining.
- ◆Program 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills and/or CNC lathes for aerospace components.
- ◆Develop and optimize CNC programs for tight-tolerance, high-complexity parts.
- ◆Select tooling, fixtures, and machining strategies to meet quality and cycle-time goals.
- ◆Support machine setups, prove-outs, and first-article runs.
- ◆Troubleshoot machining issues and support continuous improvement efforts.
- ◆Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers on DFM feedback.
- ◆Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.
- ◆Support rapid prototyping and frequent design iterations.
- ◆Assist with transitioning parts from prototype to production.
- ◆Follow aerospace quality standards and internal manufacturing procedures.
- ◆Support inspections, FAIs, and resolution of non-conformances.
- ◆Maintain accurate documentation of programs and setup sheets.
- ◆Contribute to process improvements that increase efficiency and repeatability.
Required Qualifications
- ✓Typically 5+ years of CNC programming experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
- ✓Experience programming multi-axis CNC machines 5-axis.
- ✓Experience with lathe programming.
- ✓Proficiency with Mastercam CAM software.
- ✓Strong understanding of GD&T and tight-tolerance machining.
- ✓Experience machining aluminum alloys, titanium, and/or nickel-based superalloys.
- ✓Ability to support machine setup and on-the-floor troubleshooting.
- ✓Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
Qualifications
- ✓Experience in a startup or rapid product development environment.
- ✓Familiarity with AS9100 or similar aerospace quality systems.
- ✓Experience with both milling and turning operations.
- ✓Knowledge of probing, in-process inspection, or automation.
- ✓Ability to mentor junior programmers or machinists as needed.
Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
The California hourly rate for this role is currently $40.00 - $60.00. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
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Advanced Reentry Technologies
Who We Are
Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions.
The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior CNC Programmer to support the development and production of precision aerospace components. This role focuses on hands-on CNC programming, machining optimization, and close collaboration with engineering and quality teams in a fast-paced startup environment.
You will play a key role in turning complex designs into reliable, repeatable manufacturing processes.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .