SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
CNC SPECIALIST (NX CAM) - BLADES & VANES
The CNC Specialist role at SpaceX owns programming and process decisions for IGT blades and vanes—not only writing mill toolpaths. This role works with vendors, machinists, programmers, engineering, and operations with a high level of autonomy, critical thinking, and accountability for equipment, consumables, processes, and output. The CNC Specialist will support the new blades and vanes line in Bastrop, Texas, and must have a strong understanding of programming, equipment, and consumables for: milling, grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling on high-temperature superalloys (including nickel-based materials). Mechanical design of functional shop aids (brackets, holders, rigging, fixtures) is expected.
This role sits on a project team selecting, installing, and commissioning the line. We need a high-ownership Specialist who ships results, unblocks other teams, and does not wait to be asked.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Use NX CAD/CAM to program all blades/vanes processes: 5-axis milling, grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling.
- Own a comprehensive level of process knowledge: machine capability, workholding, electrodes/wire/wheels/nozzles and other consumables, parameters, and quality outcomes for each process above.
- Verify NC files (e.g. Vericut) and own revision control on programs, setup sheets, and process documentation.
- Select tooling and consumables; set parameters for superalloys; be accountable for tool/consumable life, cycle time, and part quality.
- Drive DFM: recommend and implement drawing/process changes; own the process decision.
- Design fixtures, brackets, holders, and rigging required to run the line.
- Support equipment selection, vendor engagement, and commissioning, including FAT and SAT as required, for mill, grind, EDM, laser, and related cells.
- Troubleshoot common machine, program, consumable, and process issues; train operators and CNC Programmers; act as technical backup on the floor.
- Own process development through prove-out to stable production; meet performance goals and escalate only when the issue is beyond the cell.
- Drive process improvements and support other teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma/equivalency certificate.
- 5+ years of CNC programming experience in NX.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 7+ years of CNC programming in NX, including experience as a manufacturing engineer or lead programmer on blades/vanes.
- Demonstrated ownership of turbine blade or equivalent airfoil processes (programming, tooling, probing, and prove-out).
- Working knowledge of milling plus two or more of the following: grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling, including equipment and consumables.
- 5-axis mill airfoil work: Starrag/Liechti (LX, NB, STC, Turbomill/g-Mill), Hermle C-series, DMG MORI DMU/DMC, Makino D-series/MAG, GROB, Mazak VARIAXIS, Okuma MU-V, or equivalent.
- IGT (or aero turbine) blades, vanes, or high-precision airfoils on superalloys.
- Sinker and wire EDM (GF/Agie, Makino, Sodick, Mitsubishi, or equivalent), including electrodes, wire, and dielectric/consumable selection.
- Cooling holes and stem drilling: fast-hole EDM and/or laser (Winbro, Huffman, Current EDM, Belmont, GF laser, or similar), including diffusers through base metal and TBC; electrodes, nozzles, assist gas, and related consumables.
- CNC grinding/trailing-edge: IMM, Blohm/Mägerle/United Grinding, or equivalent; wheels, dressing, and finish-to-print.
- Metrology (CMM, 3D scanning, on-machine probing).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted.
- Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required.
- Travel to vendors for FAT as required.
- Must be willing to work overtime and/or weekends if needed.
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 the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.