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Prototype Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SMC Corporation of America

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Associate Prototype Machinist

Noblesville, IN · On-site

... machines. • Design and manufacture jigs, fixtures, and tooling to aid in the prototype manufacturing process. • Recommend appropriate raw material selection for prototype components based on the ...

Insight Manufacturing S

CNC Prototype Machinist

Murphys, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

We are seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our machine shop team. Under general supervision, develops, writes, and edits programs that direct automated machine tools to cut and ...

LiquidPiston

CNC Programmer/Prototype Machinist

Suffield, CT · On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

CNC Programmer/Prototype Machinist - LiquidPiston This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026.​​​​​ ...

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Prototype Machinist information

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How much do prototype machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype machinist in the United States is $29.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are machinists still in demand?

Machinists, including prototype machinists, are in steady demand due to ongoing manufacturing needs and the requirement for precision machining skills. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing continue to rely on skilled machinists with knowledge of CNC machines and technical certifications.

What is the highest paid machinist job?

The highest paid machinist roles are often specialized positions such as CNC programmer or precision machinist, especially those working in aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries compared to general machinist positions.

What does a prototype machinist do?

A prototype machinist designs, fabricates, and tests initial models of parts or products using precision machining tools such as CNC machines and lathes. They work closely with engineers to create functional prototypes, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality.

What does a typical workday look like for a Prototype Machinist?

A typical day for a Prototype Machinist involves interpreting technical drawings, setting up and operating machining equipment, and collaborating closely with engineers or product designers to create one-off or small-batch parts. You’ll routinely measure and inspect components, make adjustments on the fly, and document any design or process improvements. Expect a mix of independent hands-on work and teamwork, often in a prototyping lab or machine shop environment. Tight deadlines and evolving specifications mean flexibility and adaptability are key parts of the job, providing variety and opportunities to solve unique challenges daily.

What is a Prototype Machinist job?

A Prototype Machinist is responsible for creating precise, custom, or experimental parts based on design specifications, often for research and development. They use various machining tools like CNC machines, lathes, and mills to fabricate and modify components. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical drawings. Prototype Machinists work closely with engineers and designers to refine designs and ensure functionality before full-scale production.

Can a CNC machinist make 100k a year?

CNC machinists can potentially earn $100,000 annually with advanced skills, experience, and specialization in high-demand industries or complex machining tasks. Achieving this salary often requires overtime, certifications, and working in regions or companies that offer higher compensation for skilled operators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prototype Machinist position, and why are they important?

A Prototype Machinist excels with precision machining skills, blueprint reading, and experience operating both manual and CNC machine tools, usually backed by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, measuring instruments, and sometimes relevant certifications like NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) is essential. Strong problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication skills help machinists collaborate with engineers and adapt to unique, evolving projects. These abilities enable the machinist to accurately fabricate custom prototypes and contribute to successful product development within tight deadlines.

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Prototype Machinist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Machinist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $62,275 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Senior Prototype Machinist

Senior Prototype Machinist

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About This Role
Varda is seeking an exceptional Senior 5-Axis Prototype Machinist to join our Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in machining complex, high-precision components critical to our spacecraft systems. This hands-on role will challenge you to program, set up, and operate advanced 5-axis CNC machines while maintaining rigorous quality standards. You'll lead efforts to streamline machining processes, tackle novel manufacturing challenges, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge spaceflight hardware.
This is not a production environment - this is a dynamic, high-stakes role that demands precision, ingenuity, and a passion for advanced manufacturing.
Responsibilities
  • Program, set up, and operate 5-axis CNC machines (e.g., DMG MORI, Haas UMC) to produce complex aerospace components to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005".
  • Work with a wide range of materials, including Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, and carbon composites, ensuring exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
  • Create and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions for one-off prototype parts.

CAM Programming and Process Optimization:
  • Develop and refine toolpaths using Mastercam, HsmWorks, or equivalent software, leveraging advanced strategies such as high-speed machining, trochoidal milling, and adaptive clearing.
  • Integrate on-machine probing and macros for part alignment, feature verification, and adaptive toolpath adjustments.
  • Continuously optimize feeds, speeds, and tool selection to minimize cycle times without compromising quality.

Process Ownership and Collaboration:
  • Take full ownership of the machining process, from raw material selection to final inspection.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and propose creative solutions for complex part geometries.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing processes and lessons learned to improve shop efficiency and knowledge transfer.

Inspection and Quality Control:
  • Conduct in-process inspections and first article verifications using tools such as CMMs, laser scanners, micrometers, and other precision measurement instruments.
  • Troubleshoot machining issues through root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Basic Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate (vocational or technical training in machining preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in 5-axis CNC machining, with a focus on aerospace or high-precision components.
  • Proficiency in CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, HyperMILL, or Esprit) and 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
  • Deep understanding of G-code, M-code, and CNC program editing.
  • Expertise in machining exotic materials such as titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber composites.
  • Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and tolerance stack-ups.
  • Hands-on experience with precision inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, CMMs).
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency to comply with ITAR regulations.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining, including advanced 5-axis operations.
  • Experience designing and fabricating complex fixturing and work-holding solutions.
  • Proven ability to lead or mentor junior machinists, with a focus on improving team efficiency and quality.
  • Advanced knowledge of multi-tasking machine operations, such as mill-turns and live-tool lathes.
  • Mastery in troubleshooting machining challenges and implementing process improvements.
  • Familiarity with production tracking tools (e.g., Jira) and continuous improvement methodologies.
Pay Range
  • Salary Range: Senior Machinist: $46.75/hr - $63.25/hr
  • This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
Health & Wellness
  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial & Retirement
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks
  • Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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