Diamond Turning Machinist

About the role

Join the Starshield team to manufacture high-precision, sub-micron tolerance parts for national security missions. You will operate specialized equipment to produce components that support Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. In this capacity, you are responsible for ensuring that every part meets strict specifications before it moves to the next stage of production. You will work directly with advanced metrology systems to verify that all dimensions are within tolerance. Your attention to detail will directly impact the reliability and performance of critical hardware. You will follow established work instructions and safety protocols during production to maintain a secure and efficient workplace. You will monitor equipment to ensure maximum uptime, reporting alarms or out-of-tolerance conditions immediately to prevent delays. This role requires a commitment to quality, consistency, and adherence to strict manufacturing standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Follow established work instructions and safety protocols during production to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Monitor equipment to ensure maximum uptime, reporting alarms or out-of-tolerance conditions immediately to maintain workflow.
• Use metrology tools including CMMs, optical microscopes, and Zygo interferometers to verify part dimensions and surface finish.
• Perform tool changes according to defined processes to keep operations running smoothly and reduce downtime.
• Manage data entry, work tracking, and communication with engineering and production departments to maintain accurate records.
• Inspect parts for surface defects and dimensional accuracy using precision measurement instruments.
• Set up and adjust CNC machines in alignment with job requirements and engineering specifications.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace to support safety and operational efficiency.
• Assist in troubleshooting production issues by analyzing part failures and machine behavior.
• Collaborate with team members to meet production targets and resolve bottlenecks.
• Document all procedures and results to support traceability and continuous improvement.
• Support the implementation of process improvements suggested by engineering teams.
• Handle materials with care to prevent damage and ensure parts meet optical and mechanical standards.
• Contribute to achieving operational excellence by adhering to schedules and quality benchmarks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• Minimum 6 months of experience operating CNC machines.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
• Ability to work all shifts, weekends, and overtime as required to meet production demands.
• Physical capacity to lift 25 lbs, stand for long periods, and maneuver in tight spaces during equipment setup.
• Willingness to travel for a few weeks annually for equipment training to maintain skill proficiency.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow complex instructions accurately.
• Basic understanding of quality control principles and metrology practices.
• Reliable communication skills to coordinate effectively with engineering and production teams.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment at all times.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving manufacturing technologies.
• Dedication to upholding the highest standards of precision and reliability in part production.

Nice to have

• 1+ years of CNC machine operation experience to reduce training time and support immediate productivity.
• Previous experience with diamond turning lathes to ensure optimal setup and operation.
• Proficiency in CNC lathe setup to streamline production and minimize errors.
• Background in optics manufacturing and related metrology to align with specialized part requirements.
• Ability to suggest process improvements to engineering teams to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Experience handling and inspecting sub-micron tolerance parts to maintain strict specifications.

Skills & tools

• CNC Lathes
• Diamond Turning
• Metrology (CMM, Optical Microscopes, Zygo Interferometers)

Practical notes

Pay ranges: Level 1 ($26.00 - $32.00/hour), Level 2 ($30.00 - $38.00/hour), Level 3 ($35.00 - $44.00/hour). Compensation includes potential stock options, cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10+ paid holidays. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.