Machinist III+
Karman Space & Defense
United States
Posted on Mar 25, 2026
Summary
Karman Space & Defense is currently seeking a talented and experienced Machinist 3 or Senior Machinist, you will program, set up, and operate 3, 4, & 5-axis, vertical and horizontal CNC milling and turning machines to perform diversified machining operations on work having close tolerance and finish specifications. You will take the initiative to ensure work is done accurately and completely. Perform complex assignments and apply existing work methods to different known situations. Solve problems involving recurring routine situations and may refer to more complex problems to supervisors or more senior level personnel within organization.
About Us
Karman is the market leading suppliers of metallic and composite flight hardware and sub-assemblies for the space, missile, and hypersonic markets. Karman offers an unprecedented capability set to customers, creating a supply chain solution in a historically fragmented supply base. The Karman team draws on in-house expertise in engineering & design, precision machining, large part forming, welding, heat age, finishing, assembly, ablative & insulative composites, and other capabilities to serve as a strategic partner to customers. Karman is headquartered in greater Los Angeles and currently has 5 locations in Southern California and 1 location in Mukilteo, Washington.
Compensation & Benefits
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required
Itar Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicantsto 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.
No travel required for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
SHIFT: Day Shift – 7AM – 3:30PM
Karman Space & Defense is currently seeking a talented and experienced Machinist 3 or Senior Machinist, you will program, set up, and operate 3, 4, & 5-axis, vertical and horizontal CNC milling and turning machines to perform diversified machining operations on work having close tolerance and finish specifications. You will take the initiative to ensure work is done accurately and completely. Perform complex assignments and apply existing work methods to different known situations. Solve problems involving recurring routine situations and may refer to more complex problems to supervisors or more senior level personnel within organization.
About Us
Karman is the market leading suppliers of metallic and composite flight hardware and sub-assemblies for the space, missile, and hypersonic markets. Karman offers an unprecedented capability set to customers, creating a supply chain solution in a historically fragmented supply base. The Karman team draws on in-house expertise in engineering & design, precision machining, large part forming, welding, heat age, finishing, assembly, ablative & insulative composites, and other capabilities to serve as a strategic partner to customers. Karman is headquartered in greater Los Angeles and currently has 5 locations in Southern California and 1 location in Mukilteo, Washington.
Compensation & Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Develop and implement manufacturing process designs, in collaboration with cross functional teams, that result in low cost and high-quality performance.
- Utilize CAD/CAM software (FeatureCAM/Mastercam) to create and optimize CNC programs for milling and turning operations in the defense and aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Collaborate closely with engineering and production teams to develop efficient machining processes and tooling strategies for complex defense and aerospace components.
- Perform thorough analysis of engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to ensure accurate programming and machining of parts.
- Utilize simulation software to verify CNC programs, detect potential collisions, and optimize tool paths for maximum efficiency.
- Develop manufacturing routers and work instructions to support using ERP/MRP software.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline production processes, reduce cycle times, and minimize material waste.
- Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality standards and meet production deadlines.
- Provide technical support and documentation to machine operators to ensure proper execution of CNC programs and procedures.
- Recent NC Lathe experience is a plus.
- 10+ years of experience as a machinist programming and setting up CNC mills and lathes.
- Proficiency in FeatureCAM, or equivalent, software for CNC programming and machining is a plus.
- Experience with Vericut simulation software for CNC program verification and optimization.
- Strong understanding of turning and milling processes, including multi-axis machining techniques.
- Fixture design experience.
- Experience supporting the development of process planning, setup documentation, and work instructions.
- Knowledge of GD&T principles, blueprint reading, defense and aerospace materials.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Multitasks, prioritizes, and meets deadlines in a timely manner.
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required
Itar Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicantsto 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.
No travel required for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
SHIFT: Day Shift – 7AM – 3:30PM
