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CNC Machinist
K2 SpaceLos Angeles, CA2+ years
Apply K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we’re mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today’s and tomorrow’s massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we’d love for you to apply.
The Role
You will be responsible for performing precision machining operations in our fast paced Production environment. This role will support the design development and production of the Mega Class satellite. You will work closely with CNC Programmers, Engineers, and Production Leadership. You will have experience in both CNC and conventional machining.
Responsibilities
- Perform precision set-ups of CNC mills and lathes to produce high-precision parts
- Manage cutting tools load, measure, and verify all required tooling needed by the CNC program
- Perform deburring operations and basic finishing to prepare parts for production use
- Perform inspections on finished parts to ensure they meet drawing dimensional specifications and requirements utilizing inspection tools such as height gauges, micrometers, calipers
- Perform routine preventative maintenance on CNC machines
- Keep the Machine shop organized and running smoothly through 5S practices
- Provide feedback for continuous improvement to processes and procedures
- Complete all required documentation in the MES system to ensure traceability
- Safely handle equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, and cranes
Qualifications
- 2+ years of CNC programming and machining experience (using NX/TC or MasterCam)
- Extensive experience operating multi-axis CNC equipment (2-axis, 3-axis, 5-axis, mill/turn)
- Proficient in GD&T tolerances and technical drawing interpretation
- Experience working in a high-pace development environment with ability to adapt to short production schedules
- Ability to take on a high level of responsibility overseeing projects from start to finish
- Ability to manually edit G-code paths and settings to optimize programs
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls
- Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
- Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Nice to Have
- Experience in a startup production development environment
- Experience operating conventional shop equipment (Lathe, Knee Mill)
Compensation and Benefits:
- Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $28 – $38 + equity in the company
- Compensation will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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