Senior Materials Characterization Technician, Machine Shop, Second Shift Full Time

About the Team: 

The Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.

This is a second-shift position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. PT.  In addition to base pay, employees receive a 10% shift differential.

• Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, performing first article inspections including programming, setups, dry runs, and program edits for accuracy, to produce precision aerospace metal alloy components and materials test coupons
• Program and edit G-code and utilize CAD/CAM software to create, modify, and refine CNC programs
• Design and build custom fixturing to support machining operations, and follow established setup sheets covering fixtures, tooling, and inserts
• Inspect finished parts and verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and aerospace industry standards
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, and communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions
• Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures

• 5+ years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC mills and lathes, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting; wire EDM experience is a plus
• Proven ability to perform first article inspections, including programming, setups, dry runs, and editing programs for accuracy
• Ability to design and build custom fixturing and follow setup sheets for fixtures, tooling, and inserts
• Working knowledge of G-code programming, with the ability to read, understand, and edit existing programs
• Proficiency with common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.) to inspect parts and verify dimensions against engineering drawings and specifications
• Ability to adapt in fast paced environments and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications

• Experience in machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure optimal performance
• Solid understanding of machining best practices for aerospace materials
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of tolerancing and measurement techniques in accordance with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards