{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"e558f34fbf6a8ec30ec6e93d","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/e558f34fbf6a8ec30ec6e93d","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/e558f34fbf6a8ec30ec6e93d","title":"Sr. Manufacturing Engineer- CNC Programmer","description":"Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.\nTo help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programmer to support the development, implementation, and optimization of CNC machining process for flight hardware, development hardware, and tooling while helping establish our internal machining capability. In this role, you will be responsible for the following:\n\nDevelop safe, repeatable, and efficient CNC processes for production flight hardware, development hardware, prototypes, tooling, fixtures, and rework.\nOwn CNC programming from manufacturing planning through simulation, prove-out, release, revision, and optimization.\nSupport the launch and continued development of the internal machine shop.\nCollaborate with machinists, manufacturing engineering, design engineering, quality, production planning, procurement, and external suppliers.\nImprove machining quality, cycle time, process stability, machine utilization, and unattended production capability.\nServe as the technical authority for CNC programming, tooling, workholding, simulation, and machining-process troubleshooting.\n\nESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES\n\nCreate, verify, release, and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam 2026.\nDevelop programs for 3-axis, 3+1, 3+2, simultaneous 5-axis, CNC turning, and live-tool machining.\nSupport programming for Matsuura, Haas, and ProtoTRAK equipment using FANUC and Haas controls.\nDevelop machining processes for aluminum, titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, plastics, composites, and other specialty materials.\nReview CAD models, drawings, specifications, GD&T, and model-based definition requirements.\nDevelop manufacturing plans, operation sequences, setup strategies, tool lists, setup sheets, and operator instructions.\nSelect cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, probing strategies, machining parameters, and inspection approaches.\nDesign or support the design of fixtures, soft jaws, pallets, tombstones, and other workholding.\nVerify programs using Mastercam Verify, Machine Simulation, NX simulation, or other approved methods.\nSupport machinists during first-piece setup, program prove-out, First Article Inspection, and production ramp-up.\nTroubleshoot tool wear, chatter, distortion, dimensional variation, surface finish, chip control, probing, and machine-performance issues.\nOptimize programs for cycle time, tool life, repeatability, machine utilization, and unattended operation.\nDevelop palletized and lights-out machining strategies, including tool-life management, probing, redundant tooling, and process-recovery planning.\nProvide technical input to the machine shop lead and production planner regarding machining hours, capacity, schedule risk, supplier quotes, and make-versus-buy decisions.\nSupport occasional overtime, weekend work, off-shift production, and travel as required.\n\nQUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS\n\nTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\nExtensive hands-on CNC machining and programming experience.\nDemonstrated ability to develop a complete machining process from released engineering data through production prove-out.\nAdvanced knowledge of multi-axis machining, cutting tools, workholding, simulation, and CNC controls.\nAbility to work independently and communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, planners, quality personnel, and production leadership.\nDemonstrated experience programming complex 3-axis and multi-axis machined components.\nDemonstrated experience developing and proving out 5-axis CNC programs.\nExperience creating operation sequences, selecting tooling and workholding, performing simulation, and supporting production prove-out.\nExperience interpreting CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.\nExperience machining or programming aluminum and difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, stainless steel, or nickel-based alloys.\nExperience with Haas, FANUC, or comparable industrial CNC controls.\n\nPreferred Qualifications:\nSecurity clearance\nAerospace, defense, spaceflight, or other high-reliability manufacturing experience.\nCNC turning, live-tool turning, Y-axis turning, or mill-turn experience.\nExperience with palletized systems and unattended or lights-out machining.\nExperience with probing, tool measurement, tool-life monitoring, and tool-breakage detection.\nExperience machining Inconel, titanium, tungsten, thin-wall parts, or other challenging materials.\n\nRequired Skills:\nAdvanced proficiency with Mastercam, including multi-axis programming, verification, and machine simulation.\nStrong knowledge of CNC milling, multi-axis machining, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, and material behavior.\nWorking knowledge of CNC turning and live-tool machining.\nAbility to interpret GD&T, engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications.\nAbility to create clear setup sheets, tool lists, and operator instructions.\nAbility to evaluate posted NC code and understand common Haas and FANUC functions.\nStrong program-verification, troubleshooting, and root-cause-analysis skills.\nStrong written and verbal communication, organization, and configuration-control skills.\nAbility to manage competing priorities and take ownership from initial planning through stable production.\n\nPreferred Skills:\nProficiency with model preparation, fixture design, and manufacturing-model development - NX and SolidWorks\nWorking knowledge of NX CAM and NX manufacturing simulation.\nKnowledge of pallet scheduling, probing, sister-tool strategies, tool-life management, and unattended-machining recovery.\nExperience using Teamcenter, Jira, or similar PLM and workflow systems.\nAbility to provide credible machining-hour estimates and technical input for capacity planning and make-versus-buy decisions.\n\nEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE\nSr Level ($117,000-$153,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience\nSpecial remarks regarding work environment, if applicable\nThis position is located in Mojave, CA\nTravel, as needed, to support the department, travel estimated to be","company":"Stratolaunch","rawCompany":"stratolaunch","city":"Mojave","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-06T16:24:48.644Z","occupations":[{"code":"51-9162.00","title":"Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers","slug":"computer-numerically-controlled-tool-programmers"},{"code":"51-4041.00","title":"Machinists","slug":"machinists"},{"code":"51-9161.00","title":"Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators","slug":"computer-numerically-controlled-tool-operators"}],"industries":[{"code":"332710","title":"Machine Shops","slug":"machine-shops"},{"code":"332721","title":"Precision Turned Product Manufacturing","slug":"precision-turned-product-manufacturing"},{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Sr. Manufacturing Engineer- CNC Programmer","description":"Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.\nTo help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programmer to support the development, implementation, and optimization of CNC machining process for flight hardware, development hardware, and tooling while helping establish our internal machining capability. In this role, you will be responsible for the following:\n\nDevelop safe, repeatable, and efficient CNC processes for production flight hardware, development hardware, prototypes, tooling, fixtures, and rework.\nOwn CNC programming from manufacturing planning through simulation, prove-out, release, revision, and optimization.\nSupport the launch and continued development of the internal machine shop.\nCollaborate with machinists, manufacturing engineering, design engineering, quality, production planning, procurement, and external suppliers.\nImprove machining quality, cycle time, process stability, machine utilization, and unattended production capability.\nServe as the technical authority for CNC programming, tooling, workholding, simulation, and machining-process troubleshooting.\n\nESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES\n\nCreate, verify, release, and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam 2026.\nDevelop programs for 3-axis, 3+1, 3+2, simultaneous 5-axis, CNC turning, and live-tool machining.\nSupport programming for Matsuura, Haas, and ProtoTRAK equipment using FANUC and Haas controls.\nDevelop machining processes for aluminum, titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, plastics, composites, and other specialty materials.\nReview CAD models, drawings, specifications, GD&T, and model-based definition requirements.\nDevelop manufacturing plans, operation sequences, setup strategies, tool lists, setup sheets, and operator instructions.\nSelect cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, probing strategies, machining parameters, and inspection approaches.\nDesign or support the design of fixtures, soft jaws, pallets, tombstones, and other workholding.\nVerify programs using Mastercam Verify, Machine Simulation, NX simulation, or other approved methods.\nSupport machinists during first-piece setup, program prove-out, First Article Inspection, and production ramp-up.\nTroubleshoot tool wear, chatter, distortion, dimensional variation, surface finish, chip control, probing, and machine-performance issues.\nOptimize programs for cycle time, tool life, repeatability, machine utilization, and unattended operation.\nDevelop palletized and lights-out machining strategies, including tool-life management, probing, redundant tooling, and process-recovery planning.\nProvide technical input to the machine shop lead and production planner regarding machining hours, capacity, schedule risk, supplier quotes, and make-versus-buy decisions.\nSupport occasional overtime, weekend work, off-shift production, and travel as required.\n\nQUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS\n\nTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\nExtensive hands-on CNC machining and programming experience.\nDemonstrated ability to develop a complete machining process from released engineering data through production prove-out.\nAdvanced knowledge of multi-axis machining, cutting tools, workholding, simulation, and CNC controls.\nAbility to work independently and communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, planners, quality personnel, and production leadership.\nDemonstrated experience programming complex 3-axis and multi-axis machined components.\nDemonstrated experience developing and proving out 5-axis CNC programs.\nExperience creating operation sequences, selecting tooling and workholding, performing simulation, and supporting production prove-out.\nExperience interpreting CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.\nExperience machining or programming aluminum and difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium, stainless steel, or nickel-based alloys.\nExperience with Haas, FANUC, or comparable industrial CNC controls.\n\nPreferred Qualifications:\nSecurity clearance\nAerospace, defense, spaceflight, or other high-reliability manufacturing experience.\nCNC turning, live-tool turning, Y-axis turning, or mill-turn experience.\nExperience with palletized systems and unattended or lights-out machining.\nExperience with probing, tool measurement, tool-life monitoring, and tool-breakage detection.\nExperience machining Inconel, titanium, tungsten, thin-wall parts, or other challenging materials.\n\nRequired Skills:\nAdvanced proficiency with Mastercam, including multi-axis programming, verification, and machine simulation.\nStrong knowledge of CNC milling, multi-axis machining, cutting tools, workholding, speeds and feeds, and material behavior.\nWorking knowledge of CNC turning and live-tool machining.\nAbility to interpret GD&T, engineering drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing specifications.\nAbility to create clear setup sheets, tool lists, and operator instructions.\nAbility to evaluate posted NC code and understand common Haas and FANUC functions.\nStrong program-verification, troubleshooting, and root-cause-analysis skills.\nStrong written and verbal communication, organization, and configuration-control skills.\nAbility to manage competing priorities and take ownership from initial planning through stable production.\n\nPreferred Skills:\nProficiency with model preparation, fixture design, and manufacturing-model development - NX and SolidWorks\nWorking knowledge of NX CAM and NX manufacturing simulation.\nKnowledge of pallet scheduling, probing, sister-tool strategies, tool-life management, and unattended-machining recovery.\nExperience using Teamcenter, Jira, or similar PLM and workflow systems.\nAbility to provide credible machining-hour estimates and technical input for capacity planning and make-versus-buy decisions.\n\nEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE\nSr Level ($117,000-$153,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience\nSpecial remarks regarding work environment, if applicable\nThis position is located in Mojave, CA\nTravel, as needed, to support the department, travel estimated to be","datePosted":"2026-08-06T16:24:48.644Z","dateModified":"2026-08-06T16:24:48.644Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Stratolaunch","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Mojave","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"e558f34fbf6a8ec30ec6e93d"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/e558f34fbf6a8ec30ec6e93d"}}