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Senior Prototype Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Panthalassa

Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding

Portland, OR · On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

As a Senior Prototype Engineer, Welding , you will design and build prototype and flight hardware ... You will work side-by-side with engineers and machinists to turn concepts into hardware quickly and ...

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How much do senior prototype machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior 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.

What does a Senior Prototype Machinist do?

A Senior Prototype Machinist is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and testing prototype parts and components, often from engineering drawings or CAD files. They operate a variety of machine tools such as lathes, mills, and grinders to create custom parts with high precision. In addition to technical machining skills, they often collaborate with engineers and designers to refine prototypes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure products meet design specifications. Their expertise is critical in developing new products and improving manufacturing processes.

How does a Senior Prototype Machinist typically collaborate with engineering and design teams during the development process?

Senior Prototype Machinists work closely with engineers and designers to transform conceptual drawings and CAD models into functional prototypes. Regular communication is essential to clarify technical details, suggest design improvements for manufacturability, and quickly iterate on prototypes based on feedback. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and problem-solving, as machinists often provide insights on material selection and machining techniques that can enhance the final product. Team meetings, design reviews, and hands-on sessions in the workshop are common aspects of this collaborative process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Prototype Machinist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Prototype Machinist, you need advanced machining skills, experience with blueprint reading, and a strong background in materials and fabrication methods, generally supported by a technical diploma or apprenticeship. Proficiency in operating CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and precision measuring tools is typically required, along with knowledge of safety standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting complex designs and collaborating with engineers. These skills ensure the accurate production of prototypes, support innovation, and maintain high-quality standards in manufacturing environments.
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Senior Prototype Machinist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Prototype Machinist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 88% 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 16 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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