---
title: 'Senior CNC Programmer at Vast'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cnc-programmer-vast-hawthorne-california-skb8nnq6ank2'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Senior CNC Programmer at Vast

- **Company:** Vast
- **Location:** Hawthorne California, United States
- **Compensation:** $44–$63/hr
- **Posted:** 2024-09-19
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/vast/jobs/4404336006?gh_jid=4404336006

## Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Senior CNC Programmer, reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Hawthorne facility.

This role will specifically support the Launcher E-2 liquid rocket engine program. Vast has the ambitious goal for E-2 to be the world’s highest-performing engine for small launchers, optimized for mass production and low cost. You will be a key team member helping complete the development of our E-2 engine into a reliable, high-performance product.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Programmer who works on lathe machines to join our team to machine E-2 parts and tools. You will play a crucial role in the development, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of various tools, jigs, and fixtures used in our production processes. Your precision, attention to detail, and ability to work with a variety of materials and machinery will contribute to the efficiency and quality of our manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities:

- Proficiency in Mastercam for turning centers.
- Design, develop, and manufacture tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, molds, and other equipment required for production, ensuring they meet exacting specifications and tolerances.
- Choose appropriate materials for tool construction based on factors such as strength, durability, and compatibility with the manufacturing process.
- Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications to accurately create or modify tools.
- Inspect finished tools to verify their accuracy, precision, and quality, making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
- Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain existing tools to extend their lifespan and ensure continuous production operations.
- Work closely with design engineers, production managers, and other team members to ensure tools align with production requirements and goals.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation in tool design and manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality.
- Maintain comprehensive records of tool designs, modifications, maintenance procedures, and any troubleshooting activities.
- Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines, promoting a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- 6+ years experience in related machining role, 3+ years CAM with mill turn experience (lathe Y axis.)

Preferred Skills & Experience:

- Experience with Fanuc controller and Doosan / DNM PUMA turning centers.
- Experience turning aerospace materials like Inconel 718, SS304, SS316, AL7075.
- Experience fixturing and turning metal additive manufacturing parts.
- Strong GD&T skills, and experience creating and reviewing drawings.
- Proficiency in operating a variety of machine tools, including lathes, mills, grinders, and EDM machines.
- Meticulous attention to detail and precision in all tasks, ensuring tools meet strict tolerances and specifications.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to adapt to changing manufacturing needs and work in a dynamic environment.
- Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide insights on tool design and manufacturing processes.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following all safety protocols.
- Capable of standing for extended periods and performing manual tasks that may require moderate physical effort.

Additional Requirements:

- Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Range: California $44—$63 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

## COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

## U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by [22 C.F.R. § 120.62](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-120.62) or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

## EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast 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.

## About Vast

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aerospace, space infrastructure, commercial space stations
- **Target customers**: B2B (government space agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical/biotech companies, satellite operators), B2C (private astronaut missions)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Our long-term vision is to create artificial gravity stations, allowing humanity to live and work in space without long-term harm to the body.” – Jed McCaleb

## Products & Services
- **Haven-1**: The world’s first commercial space station, a single-module habitat launching in 2027 aboard a Falcon 9. Designed for 4-crew missions of up to 30 days, with microgravity research lab (10 payload slots), large window dome, always-on Wi-Fi, and Starlink laser communications. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
- **Haven-2**: A planned multi-module space station designed as a commercial successor to the ISS. First module (based on Haven-1 but stretched) to launch on Falcon Heavy in 2028, with full configuration of eight modules by 2032. Will compete for NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) Phase 2. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))
- **Haven Demo**: A 500 kg demonstration satellite launched in November 2025, successfully tested communications, power, propulsion, and deorbit capabilities. Operated for three months before controlled reentry in February 2026. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
- **High-Power Satellite Buses**: Leveraging in-house space station technology, Vast has expanded into designing and building high-power satellite buses for commercial and government customers. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed. However, the company raised $500M in March 2026 ($300M equity + $200M debt). [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))
- **Key Metric**: Total funding to date – at least $500M (March 2026), plus prior undisclosed rounds led by founder Jed McCaleb.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Balerion Space Ventures, IQT, Qatar Investment Authority, Mitsui & Co., MUFG, Nikon Corporation, Stellar Ventures, Space Capital, Earthrise Ventures, Jed McCaleb. Partners include SpaceX (launch provider, Starlink), Impulse Space (propulsion), AnySignal, TRL11, Addvalue, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, CASIS, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, NASA (CCSC-2 agreement). [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company)) [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Won the sixth commercial ISS astronaut mission contract (Feb 2026), with ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet as commander. 
  - Signed multi-mission agreements with France (to ISS and Haven-1) and the Czech Republic (via ESA). 
  - Completed primary structure of Haven-1 – the first U.S. space station flight article built in over 20 years. 
  - Headcount grew from 606+ (Oct 2024) to “1000+ team members” by mid-2026. 
  - Former NASA CEO Steve Isakowitz and veteran astronauts Andrew Feustel and Garrett Reisman joined as advisors/team members. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/) [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))

## Competitive Advantages
- **First-mover in commercial space stations**: Vast is the only operational commercial space station company to have flown and operated its own spacecraft in orbit (Haven Demo). 
- **Hardware-rich, low-cost approach**: Rapid iteration and in-house manufacturing enable faster development than competitors. 
- **Artificial gravity vision**: Long-term differentiator for human health in space – a key gap in current ISS and other station designs. 
- **Strong talent pipeline**: Leadership includes serial entrepreneurs (Max Haot, Jed McCaleb) and top SpaceX and NASA veterans (CTO Alex Hudson, COO Kris Young, astronaut Andrew Feustel). 
- **Strategic partnerships**: Deep relationships with SpaceX, international space agencies, and research institutions provide launch, funding, and mission opportunities.

## Strategic Focus
- **Haven-1 launch and crewed missions**: Complete assembly, launch in 2027, and execute the first Vast-1 crew mission (4 astronauts, ~14 days). 
- **Haven-2 development**: Compete for NASA’s CLD Phase 2 contract (decision expected July 2026) to become a primary ISS replacement. 
- **Expand microgravity research network**: Partner with pharmaceutical, biotech, and materials science companies for in-space manufacturing and R&D. 
- **International expansion**: Secure additional government astronaut missions (France, UK, Czech Republic) and explore Indian launch capabilities. 
- **High-power satellite bus business**: Leverage in-house technology to capture commercial and defense satellite contracts.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “All in” – bottom-up engineering, first principles, extreme ownership, rapid progress, and celebration of wins. Emphasizes respect, curiosity, and excellence. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/careers)
- **Benefits**: Long-term equity incentive, 401(k), generous PTO with annual cash-out, paid parental leave, comprehensive medical/dental/vision, subsidized meals, fitness memberships, and wellness benefits. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/careers)
- **Work environment**: In-office in Long Beach, CA. State-of-the-art 115,000 sq ft facility with manufacturing operations. 
- **Engineering culture**: Agile, risk-tolerant, and driven by passion for space. Team includes former SpaceX, NASA, and top aerospace engineers. 
- **Impact**: Directly building the future of long-term space habitation – a mission-driven environment with ambitious timelines and tangible results.

## Sources
1. [vastspace.com](https://www.vastspace.com/)
2. [vastspace.com/careers](https://www.vastspace.com/careers)
3. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vast_(company))
4. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vastspace)

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