Associate Machine Shop Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Voyager is an innovative defense, national security and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space. 

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies 

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we're building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what's next. And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart. 

You'll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We're a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality. 

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager. 

The Machine Shop Lead / CNC Machining Mentor for the NASA HUNCH Program is responsible for serving as the lead machinist and student-facing mentor for NASA HUNCH in California, producing certified aerospace hardware while training high school teachers and students across partner schools to NASA manufacturing standards.

The position reports to the HUNCH Director of Projects and is part of the NASA HUNCH Program based in Long Beach, CA. This role will be based in Long Beach, CA.

In this role, the essential functions are:

• Lead production of aerospace-grade flight and non-flight hardware on schedule, on budget, and under full QA oversight.
• Review engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications; assess manufacturability and flag risks early.
• Develop and approve manufacturing plans, work instructions, and process documentation capturing controls, traceability, and quality requirements.
• Write and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis mills, lathes, and other machine tools; manage tooling, fixturing, and setup.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, NASA, and applicable military standards across all machining operations.
• Assess partner-school readiness and deliver training that elevates students and teachers to NASA hardware standards.
• Expose students to the full manufacturing lifecycle - drawing review, programming, setup, machining, deburring, cleaning, and inspection.
• Champion safety and quality culture across the home shop and every partner-school HUNCH facility, including FAI and nonconformance resolution.

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we'd like to connect. If you don't see the right role right now, Join Our Talent Community and stay connected as we continue to build what's next.

Required Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of machining experience in aerospace or mechanical hardware development, including supervisory or lead experience over machinists/technicians.
• Proficient in engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAM-based CNC programming, with proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize machining of aerospace alloys (aluminum, titanium, stainless, Inconel).
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace QA processes (first article inspection, nonconformance disposition) and configuration/data management.
• Strong leader and communicator able to motivate cross-disciplinary teams - including students and educators - to high performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior NASA or NASA-contractor experience with working knowledge of NASA/DoD work instructions, drawing and configuration management processes, NASA systems (MIDAS, NAMS, QARC, EDMS, JEDII), and ITAR/EAR export controls.
• Hands-on proficiency with Mastercam CAD/CAM and special process controls (welding, heat treating, surface finishing), Lean/Six Sigma training, and prior experience mentoring or teaching in a technical or manufacturing setting.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.  

• Unlimited Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission driven environment

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120-130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran 

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.