---
title: 'CNC Programmer at Venus Aerospace'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/cnc-programmer-venus-aerospace-houston-ypsv8w3wny5x'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# CNC Programmer at Venus Aerospace

- **Company:** Venus Aerospace
- **Location:** Houston, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-09-09
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/venusaero/861e9557-2421-46c6-a0f8-1370c81d8cf1

## Job description

Who We Are:

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: CNC Programmer

This is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity for an experienced CNC Programmer who wants to build complex, precision hardware in a fast-moving, engineering-driven environment. You’ll take ownership of advanced multi-axis machining work, turning challenging designs into high-quality components.

Beyond running machines, you’ll partner closely with engineering, influence manufacturing strategy, and help elevate shop standards in quality, safety, and performance. If you’re motivated by technical challenge, tight tolerances, and meaningful hardware, this role offers real ownership and growth.

## What You’ll Get To Do

- Program and support high-precision, quick-turn projects, as well as small-batch production jobs, with the same attention to detail.
- Look critically at all part processes to drive efficiency and improve quality by interfacing with engineers, machinists, and designers.
- Complete machining operations from blueprints, drawings, models, and verbal instructions.
- Plan, program, set up, and help prove out parts on our 3-, 4-, and 5-axis NC machines.
- Give feedback to engineering, including early process reviews, and receive feedback from customers to improve quality at the machine.
- Print-to-part manufacture of precision tooling and rocket hardware.
- Develop processes and procedures to maintain our manufacturing excellence.
- Be a value-added voice in decisions related to tooling and machine choice.
- Bring solutions to hard problems by communicating clearly and conscientiously.
- Provide a critical eye to every detail to ensure success of hardware.
- Use your experience to set the standards in operations and maintenance, while working smart to maintain a healthy and safe environment to ensure we all make it “Home for Dinner.”
- Collaborate closely with a tight-knit team of driven industry experts, united by a shared mission and exceptional teamwork.
- Grow your leadership and teamwork skills.

## What You Have

- High school diploma or equivalent
- 5+ years of CNC programming experience, including 5+ years hands-on experience setting up and operating 5-axis Mills or Lathes
- Experience or exposure to multiple controls including: Fanuc, HAAS and Okuma
- Proficiency with CATIA (DELMIA) programming suite; Mastercam experience is a plus
- Ability to read and troubleshoot G-code before it gets to the shop floor and in process at the machine
- Comprehensive understanding of GD&T and Blueprint reading skills
- Proficiency with metrology tools such as dial indicators, bore gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other common inspection tools
- Deep knowledge of cutting tools, a strong basis for speed and feed selections across material groups/types, and a desire to expand your knowledge base
- Ability to work directly with designers in an R&D environment
- Excellent communication and written skills
- Excellent coordination and mechanical skills
- Computer proficiency
- Proficiency in shop math
- Willingness to work in a dynamic prototype/R&D environment
- Ability to lift 50 pounds

What Will Set You Apart

- Experience designing in Siemens NX and Catia

ITAR Requirements This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here.

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email careerassistance@venusaero.com or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.

## About Venus Aerospace

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Venus Aerospace is developing the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since the Apollo era, using a rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) to power hypersonic flight for space, defense, and commercial applications.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A; Total Funding: $46M)
- **Headquarters**: Houston, Texas, United States
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Founders**: Sassie Duggleby (CEO) and Dr. Andrew Duggleby (CTO)

## Core Business
- Primary industry/industries: Aerospace & Defense – Hypersonic propulsion, rocket engine manufacturing, high-speed flight systems.
- Target customers: Government (defense, space agencies), commercial aerospace (satellite launch, high-speed transport), and private industry partners.
- Mission/Purpose: “Connect the world and make it safer” by enabling one-hour global transport through revolutionary hypersonic technology.

## Products & Services
- **Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE)**: A breakthrough rocket engine that uses detonation waves for combustion, offering historic efficiency and low cost. Successfully test-flown in May 2025 – the first high-thrust RDRE flight ever.
- **Venus Detonation Ramjet (VDR)**: An air-breathing engine combining RDRE with ramjet technology, designed to power vehicles from take-off to sustained hypersonic cruise (Mach 5+). Intended for both defense and commercial high-speed platforms.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company).
- **Key Metric**: Total Funding – **$46M** across multiple rounds; Annual Revenue – **$2.8M** (estimated).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**:
  - Prime Movers Lab (led Series A, $20M, April 2022)
  - Airbus Ventures (led $15.9M venture round, June 2023)
  - Texas Space Commission ($3.9M grant, April 2025)
  - Other partners include NASA, Virgin Orbit alumni team.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - 28.7% headcount growth YoY (69 employees; +28 from previous year)
  - 27,085 LinkedIn followers (+36% YoY)
  - Successful first flight test of high-thrust RDRE in May 2025
  - Actively hiring for 14 open positions (engineering, manufacturing, test, finance)

## Competitive Advantages
- **First fundamental improvement in rocket engine technology in 60+ years** – RDRE eliminates complex turbopumps, reduces part count, and increases efficiency.
- **Affordable by design** – Simple construction, standard materials, and reusability allow lower production and operating costs compared to traditional rocket engines.
- **Proven flight test** – On May 14, 2025, Venus executed the world’s first high-thrust RDRE test flight, validating the technology.
- **Scalable platform** – The same core engine architecture can be used for space launch, hypersonic missiles, and commercial air travel.

## Strategic Focus
- Scale the RDRE and VDR engines for production and integration into defense platforms (e.g., hypersonic vehicles, drones) and commercial applications.
- Secure additional government contracts and strategic partnerships.
- Continue capital-efficient development while growing the team and infrastructure in Houston.
- Pursue flight testing of the VDR air-breathing engine.

## Why Work Here
- **Impact**: Join a small but fast-growing team working on the most significant propulsion breakthrough since the Apollo missions.
- **Culture**: The company emphasizes “curiosity, collaboration, and balance,” trusting engineers to take bold swings and solve tough problems.
- **Environment**: On-site work in Houston, Texas – a hub for aerospace innovation (Space City). Offices near major space players.
- **Team**: Composed of alumni from Virgin Orbit, SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and top engineering schools. Flat structure with high ownership.
- **Growth**: Ability to shape the future of propulsion from an early stage; exposure to full product life cycle from design to flight test.

## Sources
1. [venusaero.com](https://www.venusaero.com/)  
2. [venusaero.com/careers](https://www.venusaero.com/careers)  
3. [venusaero.com/team](https://www.venusaero.com/team)  
4. [linkedin.com/company/venusaero](https://www.linkedin.com/company/venusaero)  
5. [jobs.lever.co/venusaero](https://jobs.lever.co/venusaero)

## Other roles at Venus Aerospace

- [Senior Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-test-engineer-venus-aerospace-houston-wytdtrw37vs9) — Houston, TX
- [Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-venus-aerospace-houston-zcta6neszt08) — Houston, TX
- [Principal Propulsion Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-propulsion-engineer-venus-aerospace-oceanside-1m132n6ejwb4) — Oceanside, CA
- [Paralegal](https://feeny.ai/job/paralegal-venus-aerospace-remote-fg2k8r2sw3ty)
- [Test Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/test-technician-venus-aerospace-houston-zp9g05aq2w29) — Houston, TX
- [Business Performance Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/business-performance-lead-venus-aerospace-remote-j22wtwdzc5sn)
- [Test Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/test-operator-venus-aerospace-houston-xx10h2bcpamd) — Houston, TX
- [Senior Test Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-test-operator-venus-aerospace-houston-bvj8egbz9p4n) — Houston, TX
- [Propulsion Drawing Checker/CAD Modeler](https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-drawing-checker-cad-modeler-venus-aerospace-houston-38vq8haq0zzk) — Houston, TX
- [Propulsion Engineer (2 positions)](https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-engineer-2-positions-venus-aerospace-houston-62ccft8r62n4) — Houston, TX