Posted 1 month ago
Development Machinist (Prototype / R&D Shop)Impulse Space · Redondo Beach
Development Machinist (Prototype / R&D Shop)
Redondo BeachOn-siteFull-time
AI Summary
A Development Machinist in a prototype and R&D shop interprets engineering drawings and CAD models to program, set up, and operate CNC and manual machines for complex, high-tolerance parts. The role spans the full part lifecycle, including CAM programming, tooling procurement, inspection, and providing Design for Manufacturability feedback to engineers.
About this role
We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Development Machinist to join our Development Shop at Impulse. This is a “do-it-all” hands on role in a fast-paced prototype and R&D environment. You will be responsible for taking complex engineering concepts from design through to finished parts.
This position is ideal for an experienced machinist who thrives on variety, problem-solving, and owning projects from start to finish in a low-volume, high-mix development setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Full cycle part creation: Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, program, set up, and machine complex prototype and development parts using CNC mills, lathes, and manual machines.
- Programming: Use CAM software (e.g., NX, Esprit or equivalent) to create efficient toolpaths for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining as needed.
- Tooling & Material Procurement: Independently research, select, and procure appropriate tooling, fixtures, raw materials, and consumables.
- Machining & Fabrication: Set up and operate CNC and manual machines to produce high-tolerance parts from a wide range of materials. Perform deburring, finishing, and assembly of prototypes as required.
- Inspection & Quality: Perform in-process inspections.
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Collaborate closely with the engineering team to review designs, identify manufacturability issues, and provide practical feedback on tolerances, fixturing, cost reduction, and improved machining processes.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 5+ years of hands-on machining experience in a prototype, job shop, or R&D/development environment.
Benefits
- Strong proficiency in CNC programming.
- Expertise setting up and running 5 axis CNC mills and CNC lathes.
- Solid understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and blueprint reading.
- Proficient with precision inspection tools and methods.
- Experience machining exotic/hard materials such as Inconel, titanium, and high-temperature alloys is highly desirable.
- Procurement & Project Management: Proven ability to independently source tooling and materials, manage lead times, and deliver parts on schedule.
- DFM Knowledge: Demonstrated experience providing actionable Design for Manufacturability feedback to engineers.
- Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills for collaborating with other teams.
- Ability to work independently with minimal to no supervision while prioritizing multiple projects in a dynamic development shop.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NX CAM software.
- Familiarity with manual machining (Bridgeport mills, engine lathes, surface grinding, etc.).
- Knowledge of fixturing design and custom tool making.
- Background in aerospace, medical, automotive, or high-tech product development.
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, 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.
Skills
5-axis MachiningBlueprint ReadingCAM ProgrammingCNC Lathe OperationCNC MillingDFM FeedbackFixturing DesignGD&T (ASME Y14.5)Inconel MachiningManual MachiningNX CAMPrecision InspectionTitanium MachiningTooling Procurement
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Market data for this role
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- Market overviewState of tech hiring, September 2026: up 4.8%Tech hiring rose 4.8% month over month in September 2026, with 411,122 new listings. Customer support and account executive roles led the growth.