Lunar-CNC Machinist & Programmer-III or IV (Evergreen) Verified today

Blue Origin · Space Coast, FL · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03

The Role

You will serve as a hands-on CNC Machinist and Programmer supporting fabrication and machining for Lunar Operations. Working from engineering drawings and models, you will develop machining strategy, create CAM programs, set up and run 3-axis and 5-axis mills and CNC turning centers, perform manual machining when needed, and execute final part inspection.

Key Responsibilities

  • Program, set up, and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills and CNC lathes and turning centers to produce precision parts.
  • Create and prove-out Siemens NX CAM programs, including tool selection, workholding approach, and cutting parameters, targeting HAAS equipment when applicable.
  • Perform complete job execution from planning through inspection, including setups, setup sheets, tool lists, safe prove-out, offsets and comp adjustments, and documentation for repeatability.
  • Execute first-article and development builds, optimizing feeds, speeds, toolpaths, workholding, and sequencing to improve cycle time, surface finish, and dimensional capability.
  • Machine and finish components in materials like aluminum, stainless steels, Inconel, and Monel using disciplined tool-life and heat management.
  • Perform in-process and final inspection using precision measurement tools like micrometers, calipers, height gages, indicators, and bore gages.
  • Record inspection results clearly and support CMM and Metrology as required.
  • Troubleshoot machining and process issues like chatter, tool wear and breakage, workholding distortion, dimensional drift, and surface damage, then implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain a safe, organized shop environment and follow safety and quality procedures to protect flight and mission-critical hardware.
  • Support manual machining and benchwork like drill and tap, ream, deburr, blend, and fit up when CNC is not the best solution.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to clarify requirements, resolve discrepancies, and provide practical feedback on machinability and inspection approach.
  • Contribute to building shop capability by standardizing tooling, programming templates, probing strategies, and documentation, and support preventive maintenance and basic machine health checks.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED plus relevant technical training, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • 5+ years of combined CNC machining and programming experience producing tight-tolerance hardware.
  • Demonstrated ability to set up and run mid-to-high complexity jobs, including datum strategy, work offsets, tool length offsets, and safe prove-out practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5 at a working level.
  • Working knowledge of CNC programming concepts and the ability to edit and verify G-code as needed.
  • Experience holding tolerances to ±0.001 in or tighter where required, and selecting appropriate inspection methods to verify conformance.
  • Proficiency with shop math like trigonometry and basic computer skills like Windows and common documentation tools.
  • Ability to troubleshoot process issues and communicate clearly with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to safely work in an industrial and manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with HAAS mills and lathes, including best practices for safe prove-out, tool management, and probing.
  • Proficiency with Siemens NX CAM, including multi-axis programming, simulation and verification, and disciplined programming workflow.
  • Demonstrated success machining difficult materials like Titanium, Inconel, Monel, and stainless steels, including tool selection, surface integrity awareness, and tool-life management.
  • Experience with 5-axis simultaneous machining and complex multi-op workholding like soft jaws, vises, tombstones, and custom fixtures.
  • Familiarity with machining simulation tools like Vericut or equivalent, plus probing and on-machine measurement.
  • Experience supporting development programs where requirements evolve quickly and the machinist and programmer helps define best-known methods.
  • Exposure to related processes like heat treat, EDM, grinding, welding, coatings and plating, and how they influence machining strategy and inspection.
  • Trade school certification, A.S. degree in machining or manufacturing technology, or equivalent advanced training.

Position Details

  • Shift: 1st shift, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
  • Location: Space Coast, FL
  • Relocation assistance available

Employment Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background check required for all positions. Standard background checks apply; additional checks may be required depending on role and facility access needs.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Short and long-term disability
  • 401(k) with company match up to 5%
  • Education Support Program
  • Stock options for all regular employees (20+ hours/week)
  • Paid time off: up to 4 weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays
  • Potential bonuses based on role and performance