PORTFOLIO JOBS

JOIN ONE OF OUR COMPANIES!

Senior Machinist/Programmer

Astranis

Astranis

Software Engineering
San Francisco, CA, USA
USD 30-55 / hour + Equity
Posted on Aug 28, 2025

As a team, we’ve launched five satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $750 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 400 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

Senior Machinist/Programmer

As a Machinist II - IV at Astranis, you will be responsible for programing and machining flight components for Astranis spacecraft, as well as supporting engineering with equipment and prototypes for future projects. The role will entail being able to program and operate CNC machines and various manual equipment, use quality inspection tools to verify hardware, and communicate with engineering teams to provide manufacturing feedback.

Role

  • Read work instructions and prints for aerospace prototype and production parts, and produce them on a variety of equipment in our machine shop.
  • Program and set up 2, 3, 5, and 9-axis CNC mills and lathes, including tooling creation, tool selection, and operation.
  • Use data from Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs) and hand tools to inspect parts and adjust the machining process to deliver conforming parts.
  • Document builds via Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to control part configuration, document production issues, and keep traceability.
  • Procure material and tooling for jobs as needed based on requests for parts and scheduled production.
  • Own start to finish quality and part acceptance adhering to tightly toleranced features and critical characteristics.
  • Write non-conformance tickets for defects created or found during the manufacturing process.
  • Assist in training for new employees and other internal users of the machine shop.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • A minimum of 3+ years experience machining parts for aerospace, medical, gearing, or other high-precision industries.
  • Experience in programming 3 and 5 axis mills utilizing a variety of toolpaths including simultaneous toolpaths.
  • Experience in programming 2 and 3 Axis lathes utilizing a variety toolpaths including part transfer operations.
  • Knowledge of Solidworks, Fusion 360, MasterCAM, or other CAM software.
  • Knowledge Fanuc or Siemens based CNC controllers.
  • General material knowledge (Aluminum alloys, Steel alloys, etc).
  • Proficiency with inspection tools and experience dimensionally verifying hardware to engineering specifications.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety data sheets, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures.
  • Ability to work in a neat, organized manner following all safety protocols and MES work instructions.
  • Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus

  • Knowledge of Haas, Matsuura, DMG Mori, Makino machines.
  • CMM programming experience (Zeiss preferred).

  • Welding experience desired but not required ( TIG, UHV TIG, Ultrasonic, EBW, other bonding processes).
  • Honeycomb panel machining experience desired but not required.
  • Exotic materials desired (7050,LiAL,TI, 3d Prints and other ASTM materials).
  • Composite fabrication knowledge desired but not required.
  • Component cleaning, bagging and documentation knowledge desired but not required.
What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Hourly Pay
$30$55 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.