Propulsion Machinist at Apex in Los Angeles, CA

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge. For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more. We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. About the Role Apex Space is seeking a Propulsion Machinist to support rapid development and fabrication of spacecraft propulsion hardware. You’ll machine prototype and development parts, tooling, fixtures, and test hardware while working directly with propulsion engineers to turn designs into hardware quickly. This is a hands-on role for a versatile machinist who thrives in a fast-paced development environment. You’ll work across CNC and manual machining, support quick-turn requests, and help solve manufacturing challenges that keep propulsion development and testing moving. Responsibilities: • Machine prototype and development hardware for spacecraft propulsion systems using CNC and manual mills and lathes. • Fabricate quick-turn parts to support propulsion development, testing, and hardware builds. • Work from engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches, and engineering direction to produce high-quality hardware. • Set up and operate machine tools, including workholding, tooling, offsets, and machining parameters. • Support fabrication of test-stand hardware, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE). • Collaborate directly with propulsion engineers to understand design intent and determine practical manufacturing approaches. • Select appropriate materials, stock, tooling, and machining processes based on part requirements. • Provide design-for-manufacturing feedback to improve machinability, lead time, cost, and part quality. • Inspect completed hardware using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision measurement equipment. • Maintain machines, tooling, and shop equipment to ensure they remain safe, organized, and ready for use. • Maintain a clean and organized work environment while following all shop and equipment safety requirements. • Support additional machining, fabrication, and shop activities as needed to keep propulsion development and testing moving. Requirements: • High school diploma or equivalent. • 3+ years of hands-on machining experience using CNC and/or manual mills and lathes. • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, and technical documentation. • Experience setting up machine tools, workholding, tooling, and offsets. • Proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges. • Ability to produce one-off, prototype, and low-volume hardware to tight tolerances and aggressive timelines. • Strong mechanical aptitude, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. • Ability to work directly with engineers and communicate manufacturing constraints and recommendations. • Safety-first mindset and ability to maintain an organized machining environment. • Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15). Nice to Haves: • Trade or vocational training, machining apprenticeship, or military machining experience. • CNC programming experience using G-code and CAM software such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar. • Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other aerospace or