--- title: 'Senior CNC Programmer at Inversion' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cnc-programmer-inversion-playa-vista-4c12ah0jvbps' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-17' --- # Senior CNC Programmer at Inversion - **Company:** Inversion - **Location:** Playa Vista, CA - **Posted:** 2026-10-16 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-17 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/inversionspace/jobs/4744399005 ## Job description Advanced Reentry Technologies Who We Are: Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology to enable next-generation capabilities from space. By combining high-performance materials, precision aerodynamics, and mission-driven autonomy, Inversion is transforming reentry into an operational capability for an entirely new class of missions. The company’s highly maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and other national security missions that require precise, controlled flight through the atmosphere. Arc creates an entirely new transportation domain, unlocking unprecedented speed and global reach. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Inversion designs, manufactures, and integrates its spacecraft under one roof, enabling the company to move rapidly from concept to flight. The company is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, with customers across the U.S. government and commercial space industry. Position Overview: We are seeking a Senior CNC Programmer to support the development and production of precision aerospace components. This role focuses on hands-on CNC programming, machining optimization, and close collaboration with engineering and quality teams in a fast-paced startup environment. You will play a key role in turning complex designs into reliable, repeatable manufacturing processes. Key Responsibilities: - CNC Programming & Machining. - Program 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC mills and/or CNC lathes for aerospace components. - Develop and optimize CNC programs for tight-tolerance, high-complexity parts. - Select tooling, fixtures, and machining strategies to meet quality and cycle-time goals. - Support machine setups, prove-outs, and first-article runs. - Troubleshoot machining issues and support continuous improvement efforts. - Work closely with design and manufacturing engineers on DFM feedback. - Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T. - Support rapid prototyping and frequent design iterations. - Assist with transitioning parts from prototype to production. - Follow aerospace quality standards and internal manufacturing procedures. - Support inspections, FAIs, and resolution of non-conformances. - Maintain accurate documentation of programs and setup sheets. - Contribute to process improvements that increase efficiency and repeatability. Required Qualifications: - Typically 5+ years of CNC programming experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing. - Experience programming multi-axis CNC machines 5-axis. - Experience with lathe programming. - Proficiency with Mastercam CAM software. - Strong understanding of GD&T and tight-tolerance machining. - Experience machining aluminum alloys, titanium, and/or nickel-based superalloys. - Ability to support machine setup and on-the-floor troubleshooting. - Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance. Desired Qualifications: - Experience in a startup or rapid product development environment. - Familiarity with AS9100 or similar aerospace quality systems. - Experience with both milling and turning operations. - Knowledge of probing, in-process inspection, or automation. - Ability to mentor junior programmers or machinists as needed. Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence. The California hourly rate for this role is currently $40.00 - $60.00.  Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. ITAR Compliance: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a 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. Learn more about the ITAR [here](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987). Equal Employment Opportunity: Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.  If you are a US Job Applicant see the [CCPA Privacy Policy Notice](https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa) for further details. ## About Inversion ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Inversion builds advanced reentry vehicles to turn space into a global logistics network for Earth, enabling rapid, precise delivery of payloads anywhere on the planet. - **Entity Type**: Private (funding stage: Series unknown; raised $44M from investors including Y Combinator, plus a $71M U.S. Space Force contract) - **Headquarters**: Playa Vista, California, United States - **Founded**: 2021 - **Founders**: Justin Fiaschetti and Austin Briggs ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Aerospace & Defense – Reentry vehicles, space logistics, hypersonic delivery - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, national security agencies, and future commercial logistics operators (B2G / B2B) - **Mission**: “To make Earth radically more accessible by turning space into a global logistics network.” ## Products & Services - **Ray**: Inversion’s first in-house developed spacecraft and reentry capsule, built to validate key subsystems for future vehicles. Developed by a team of 25 for under $1M. - **Arc**: Flagship autonomous, reusable, low-cost space-based delivery vehicle designed to deploy payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour. Dual-use for defense and commercial applications. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed - **Key Metric**: Total funding of $44M (led by Y Combinator and other investors) + $71M Space Force contract - **Notable Investors / Partners**: Y Combinator, Anduril Industries (partnered on space-based interceptors for Golden Dome), U.S. Space Force - **Growth Signals**: 60-person team, 55,000 sqft facility in Los Angeles, dedicated test site in Mojave Desert, successful orbital flight of Ray, partnership with Anduril for Golden Dome program ## Competitive Advantages - **Speed & cost**: Entire spacecraft developed by 25 people for under $1M – dramatically faster and cheaper than traditional aerospace. - **In-house vertical integration**: Nearly every system (propulsion, avionics, thermal protection, parachutes) developed internally. - **Dual-use focus**: Technology serves urgent defense needs while laying groundwork for commercial logistics. - **Experienced founding team**: Former SpaceX (Raptor engine) and ABL Space Systems engineers. ## Strategic Focus - **Immediate priority**: Deliver on the Space Force contract and Golden Dome partnership with Anduril for space-based interceptors. - **Long-term vision**: Build a reusable, on-demand logistics network using Low-Earth Orbit to enable global delivery in under an hour. - **Technical roadmap**: Scale reentry vehicle production, improve landing precision, and expand military and commercial applications. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Emphasizes “talent density” and “extreme ownership” – a small, high-impact team where every engineer owns critical hardware flying in space. - **Work environment**: Hands-on, fast iteration – rapid testing at Mojave test site, full machine shop, cleanroom integration facility, and parachute manufacturing on-site. - **Hybrid / office**: Likely on-site heavy (engineering, manufacturing, testing); HQ in Playa Vista, CA. - **Perks**: Generous parental leave, family and childcare benefits (per Built In). - **Engineering culture**: Build and test own hardware; work across GNC, avionics, propulsion, structures, and simulation. 32 open roles on Greenhouse as of mid-2026. ## Sources 1. [inversionspace.com](https://www.inversionspace.com/) 2. [inversionspace.com/company](https://www.inversionspace.com/company) 3. [inversionspace.com/careers](https://www.inversionspace.com/careers) 4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/inversionspace](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/inversionspace) 5. [builtin.com/company/inversion-space](https://builtin.com/company/inversion-space) ## Other roles at Inversion - [Avionics Embedded Software Engineer - Summer Internship 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-embedded-software-engineer-summer-internship-2027-inversion-playa-vista-z5egz8y5tz6r) — Playa Vista, CA - [Avionics Mechanical Engineer - Summer Internship 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-mechanical-engineer-summer-internship-2027-inversion-playa-vista-g0crbm6p0qzj) — Playa Vista, CA - [Manufacturing Engineer - Summer Internship 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-engineer-summer-internship-2027-inversion-playa-vista-v1axdn62g0tw) — Playa Vista, CA - [Mechanical Engineer - Summer Internship 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-summer-internship-2027-inversion-playa-vista-9mpn8cr4xyyn) — Playa Vista, CA - [Senior Avionics Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-avionics-mechanical-engineer-inversion-playa-vista-pk7ff15bzc2f) — Playa Vista, CA - [RF Engineer - Summer Internship 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-engineer-summer-internship-2027-inversion-playa-vista-djqxjtdhjtpd) — Playa Vista, CA - [Parachute Systems Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/parachute-systems-engineer-ii-inversion-playa-vista-apzgx075hbp0) — Playa Vista, CA - [CNC Machinist II](https://feeny.ai/job/cnc-machinist-ii-inversion-playa-vista-c5ajmr376eb1) — Playa Vista, CA - [Senior Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-electrical-engineer-inversion-playa-vista-kb6ex4qth374) — Playa Vista, CA - [Technical Program Manager II](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-program-manager-ii-inversion-playa-vista-ygwp7kf4tftn) — Playa Vista, CA