Cmc Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact.

Castelion is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Engineer to design, build, operate, and maintain equipment used in the manufacture of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials and components. This role is focused on developing practical manufacturing solutions, improving equipment reliability, and supporting production operations through hands‑on engineering.

This is a highly hands‑on position for someone who enjoys building hardware and solving real‑world manufacturing problems. The ideal candidate has experience designing, fabricating, assembling, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical systems through internships, manufacturing experience, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, rocketry, robotics, motorsports, machine shop projects, or other highly hands‑on engineering programs.

The successful candidate will spend significant time on the production floor working directly with manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, instrumentation, and process systems. Responsibilities range from designing and building new equipment to maintaining existing systems and supporting daily manufacturing operations.

• Design, build, assemble, and test manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and support systems used in CMC production.
• Develop modifications and upgrades to existing production equipment to improve performance, reliability, safety, and throughput.
• Lead equipment development projects from concept through implementation, including requirements definition, design, fabrication, testing, and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, thermal, and process‑related equipment issues to identify root cause and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to support equipment reliability, maintenance planning, repairs, and uptime improvements.
• Support installation, commissioning, qualification, and startup of new equipment and production systems.
• Create engineering drawings, equipment layouts, bills of material, and technical documentation.
• Develop manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment operating procedures, and nonconformance documentation.
• Collect and analyze equipment and production performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Work closely with technicians, production personnel, facilities, and engineering teams to rapidly resolve manufacturing issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment capability, process stability, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated hands‑on engineering experience designing, building, testing, or troubleshooting hardware.
• Experience with CAD and engineering drawings.
• Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, measurement equipment, and basic fabrication equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose and solve equipment problems.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to support off‑shift production, maintenance, or testing activities when required.

• Formula SAE, Baja SAE, collegiate rocketry, robotics competition, motorsports, machine shop, or equivalent hands‑on engineering experience.
• Experience designing industrial equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation systems, or production machinery.
• Experience with vacuum systems, thermal processing equipment, furnaces, reactors, or other industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations in aerospace, automotive, energy, or other high‑performance industries.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Employee Equity: Meaningful equity for all full‑time employees - share value has increased 150x in three years
• Personal Time Off: Four (4) weeks of paid time off to unplug, reset, and come back sharp—velocity matters, burnout doesn't
• Company Paid Holidays: Ten (10) company paid holidays
• Medical: We offer plans at 100% employee covered and 80% of dependent coverage
• Dental & Vision: We cover 90% employees and 80% for dependents to ensure you and your family have access to quality preventive and ongoing care
• FSA/HSA: To support long‑term health and financial resilience, we offer FSA and HSA options that allow employees to set aside pre‑tax dollars for eligible medical and dependent care expenses
• Retirement: 401k plan offered to support long term financial growth along side high‑impact, high‑velocity work
• Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with meaningful time to bond and recover. Birthing parents are eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, while non‑birthing parents may take up to 4 weeks of paid leave. This time can be used for pre‑natal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical needs—ensuring every parent has the support they need during this important life moment.8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees
• Meals & Catering: Frequently catered lunches and team meals, plus company‑covered meals when extra time or effort is required
• Snacks & Beverages: Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Performance & Fitness: $100 monthly fitness stipend to support peak performance and health, both inside and outside of work
• EV Charging: Onsite electric vehicle charging available for employees

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to travel up to 30%
• Must be able to lift more than 50lbs

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply. Failure to obtain or maintain any required clearance or authorization may result in reassignment, leave, or separation from employment, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of 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.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.