Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Lead Machinist to lead our Hawthorne machine shop supporting the Ranger spacecraft program. In this role, you will oversee the manufacturing of tight-tolerance propulsion, structural, and tooling components for flight and test hardware. You will set up and operate multi-axis CNC equipment, lead a team of machinists and quality inspectors, and take ownership of shop scheduling, quality, safety, and production performance.
You will play a critical role as Ranger transitions from development into production. Working closely with design and manufacturing engineers, you will machine first articles, provide early feedback on manufacturability, and develop repeatable manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling, and inspection methods that ensure consistent quality and production efficiency. You will also support the transfer of established machining processes to our Tulsa manufacturing center as production scales.
This position is ideal for a skilled machinist who leads by example, thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment, and enjoys mentoring others while producing precision components for mission-critical spacecraft systems.
Where You’ll Make an Impact
Lead a team of machinists and quality inspectors; set daily priorities, maintain the shop schedule, and act as point of contact when management is unavailable
Set up, program, and operate multi-axis CNC mills and lathes to produce propulsion, structural, and tooling components from aluminum, titanium, stainless, Inconel, and engineered plastics
Hold tight tolerances and surface finishes on flight hardware, including sealing surfaces, fluid fittings, and precision bores
Perform first-article and in-process inspection using CMM, optical comparators, and hand gauges; record results and drive corrective actions to improve part quality
Review drawings, models, and GD&T with design and manufacturing engineers; give early, data-backed feedback on manufacturability, tolerancing, and material selection
Design and build fixtures, soft jaws, and work holding that make parts repeatable from the first article through rate production
Write and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, and work instructions so any qualified machinist can run the job
Cross-train the team in CNC setup, inspection, and shop practices; coach junior machinists and raise the skill level of the shop
Own tooling, cutter inventory, and preventive maintenance so machines stay up and output is predictable
Enforce shop safety, FOD control, and material traceability for flight hardware
Track throughput, scrap, and rework; communicate shop status, readiness, and risks to engineering and production leadership
Document machining processes and parameters so they can be transferred to the Tulsa manufacturing center
What It Takes
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
5+ years of experience with G-code, setup, operation, and/or programming of CNC mills and lathes
3+ years of experience machining to tolerances of ±0.0005" or tighter and verifying them with precision inspection equipment
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, models, and GD&T per ASME Y14.5
Nice-to-Have Experience
3+ years leading a team or shift in a machine shop environment
5+ years of 5-axis mill setup and programming experience
Experience with multi-axis lathes, live tooling, and horizontal and vertical mills
CAM programming experience in Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX, or similar; CAD experience in NX, SolidWorks, or Creo
Experience machining aerospace alloys, including titanium, Inconel, and 6061/7075 aluminum
Experience with CMM programming and operation (Zeiss, Mitutoyo, Hexagon, or similar)
Experience with propulsion or fluid-system…