Contract Machining Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machining Operations Coordinator

El Segundo, California

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You'll Do:

We are seeking a highly organized and driven Machining Operations Coordinator to support both internal manufacturing operations and external machining business opportunities. This role will be responsible for coordinating machine shop workflow, managing production scheduling, supporting outside customer machining work, preparing quotes and bids, and coordinating third-party vendors and services. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and capable of balancing customer needs, production priorities, and operational deadlines.

Job Responsibilities:

• Identify external machining opportunities and prepare quotes, estimates, and bids.
• Coordinate customers from initial quoting through scheduling, production, and delivery.
• Manage machining schedules to balance internal priorities with external customer work.
• Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and supply chain to prioritize jobs and resolve conflicts.
• Manage outside suppliers and services, including raw materials, heat treatment, grinding, coatings, and specialty processing.
• Track production, outsourced parts, supplier schedules, and critical-path items.
• Maintain ERP/MRP updates, job documentation, schedule reporting, and operational status updates.
• Identify production risks, bottlenecks, and delays and escalate issues proactively.

What It Takes:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, machining coordination, production scheduling, estimating, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of machining and manufacturing environments.
• Experience coordinating with machine shops, vendors, suppliers, or manufacturing service providers.
• Ability to manage multiple active jobs and shifting priorities.
• Ability to read basic engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and production tracking systems.
• Strong organization, communication, and ability to work independently.

What We'd Love:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing.
• Experience preparing machining quotes, estimates, or customer proposals.
• Familiarity with CNC, five-axis, and mill-turn machining processes.
• Experience with Mastercam, G-code, tooling, feeds and speeds, or workholding.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience supporting prototype or low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.
• Customer-facing manufacturing or operations coordination experience.

Physical & Work Environment:

• Ability to work overtime or weekends based on production needs.

Where You'll Be:

• The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

ITAR Requirements:

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. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity: Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range

$75,000 - $95,000 USD