CNC Programmer
Astrolab
Hawthorne, CA, USA
USD 95k-135k / year + Equity
Posted on May 30, 2026
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC machining programs to support the production of high-precision components and assemblies. This role works closely with manufacturing engineering, machinists, quality, and production teams to ensure efficient machining processes, high product quality, and on-time delivery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has strong experience with multi-axis CNC equipment, CAM software, GD&T interpretation, and process improvement.
The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC machining programs to support the production of high-precision components and assemblies. This role works closely with manufacturing engineering, machinists, quality, and production teams to ensure efficient machining processes, high product quality, and on-time delivery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has strong experience with multi-axis CNC equipment, CAM software, GD&T interpretation, and process improvement.
- Application Deadline
- July 15, 2026
- Department
- Production & Test
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Hawthorne, California
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $95,000 - $135,000 / year
What you'll do:
- Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers using CAM software.
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and GD&T requirements to develop machining strategies.
- Select tooling, cutting parameters, workholding methods, and machining sequences to maximize efficiency and quality.
- Support setup and prove-out activities on CNC equipment, including first article verification and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and machinists to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and enhance process capability.
- Develop and maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, and process documentation.
- Troubleshoot machining and programming issues to support production schedules and minimize downtime.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions related to machining quality or process concerns.
- Ensure programs comply with company quality standards, safety requirements, and customer specifications.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on lean manufacturing, process optimization, and automation.
- Maintain revision control and organization of CNC programs and related documentation.
- Assist with machine capability studies, fixture development, and manufacturing process validation.
What you'll bring:
Qualifications:
- Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in machining, manufacturing technology, or related field.
- 3+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM, or similar platforms.
- Experience programming CNC mills and/or lathes, including 3-axis and multi-axis machining.
- Strong understanding of G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, and workholding.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Familiarity with precision inspection tools and quality requirements.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in aerospace, space hardware, automotive, medical device, or other high-precision manufacturing industries.
- Experience with 5-axis machining and complex geometries.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and digital manufacturing workflows.
- Familiarity with fixture design and DFM (Design for Manufacturability) principles.
- Experience supporting prototype and low-volume production environments.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Key Competencies:
- Attention to detail
- Technical problem solving
- Process optimization
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Ownership and accountability
- Time management and prioritization
- Continuous improvement mindset
Work Environment:
- Manufacturing and machine shop environment.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- May require occasional overtime or shift flexibility to support production demands.
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Home office set up reimbursement
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
About Astrolab
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…
Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.
Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.
Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.
Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.
Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Application Review
Stage 2:
Recruiter Phone Interview
Stage 3:
Video Interviews
Stage 4:
On-site Interview
Astrolab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, parental or pregnancy status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to careers@astrolab.space. We strive to remove unconscious and unnecessary barriers to build the best team. While we’ve outlined what an ideal candidate could look like, we know that you may bring something unanticipated and essential to the team. If you’re reading this and can see yourself contributing, please register below.