CNC Programmer, NX CAM (IGT Blades & Vanes) - Level 4/5

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 PROGRAMMER, NX CAM (IGT BLADES & VANES)

The CNC Programmer will support SpaceX’s new industrial gas turbine (IGT) blades and vanes manufacturing line in Bastrop, Texas. Day-to-day work is NX CAM programming, especially 5-axis milling of airfoils, roots, and shrouds on high-temperature superalloys (including nickel-based materials). You will work with machinists, leads, engineering, CNC Specialists, and operations to ship quality programs, prove them out, and keep the line moving.

This is a full-time, on-site role on a project team installing and ramping the line. The line also uses grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling. You do not need to be an expert in every process on day one; we are hiring a strong 5-axis mill programmer who will ramp on the other cells under Specialist and lead guidance. Mechanical design of simple shop aids (brackets, holders, rigging, fixtures) is a plus. We need a programmer who ships quality programs in their core work and helps teammates when bandwidth allows.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Use NX CAD/CAM to program CNC parts, including 5-axis milling (flank and point milling) for roughing and finishing of airfoils, roots, and shrouds.
• Program or support programs for grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling under Specialist/lead guidance.
• Verify NC files (e.g. Vericut), maintain revision control on programs and setup sheets, and work with posts and G-code as needed.
• Apply knowledge of carbide and process-specific tooling/consumables; adjust speeds, feeds, and parameters with guidance.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, and offer suggestions on drawing and process changes to improve manufacturability (DFM).
• Design and/or machine simple fixtures, brackets, holders, and rigging as directed.
• Support machine setup, operation, and prove-out across mill, grind, EDM, laser, and related cells.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of CNC programming experience in NX, including 5-axis milling (or equivalent CAM with demonstrated ability to ramp on NX 5-axis).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 7+ years of CNC programming experience in NX. 
• Hands-on programming or shop-floor exposure to two or more of grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling.
• Experience programming multi-axis mill CNC machines, especially 5-axis for complex surfacing and contours. Examples: Starrag/Liechti, Hermle, DMG MORI, Makino, GROB, Mazak VARIAXIS, Okuma MU-V, Doosan, or equivalent.
• Exposure to blades, vanes, airfoils, or similar precision components on superalloys.
• Mechanical design skills in NX (or similar CAD) for simple fixtures, brackets, holders, and rigging.
• Familiarity with Vericut, post processors, on-machine probing (e.g. Renishaw), and CMM/3D scanning.
• Exposure to example equipment: sinker EDM (GF/Agie, Makino, Sodick, Mitsubishi); wire EDM (GF, Makino, Sodick, Mitsubishi); laser/stem/fast-hole (Winbro, Huffman, Current EDM, Belmont, GF laser); grind/TE (IMM, Blohm/Mägerle/United Grinding, or equivalent).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• This is a full-time, on-site position in Bastrop, Texas. Extended hours may be required during line install and ramp.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted. 
• Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position. 

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 [email protected].