What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prototype Machinist position at Karman Space & Defense?
Summary
The Protoshop Machinist is responsible for end-to-end fabrication of prototypes and models, including programming, set-up, machining, and hands-on problem solving. This role requires creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills to bridge the gap between engineering concepts and manufacturable parts. Unlike traditional machine shop operators, the Protoshop Machinist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams—often educating non-machinists on design-for-manufacturability and rapid prototyping best practices.
About Us
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
The Protoshop Machinist is responsible for end-to-end fabrication of prototypes and models, including programming, set-up, machining, and hands-on problem solving. This role requires creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills to bridge the gap between engineering concepts and manufacturable parts. Unlike traditional machine shop operators, the Protoshop Machinist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams—often educating non-machinists on design-for-manufacturability and rapid prototyping best practices.
About Us
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
Compensation & Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
- Build models and prototypes using a variety of manual and CNC tools
- Program, set up, and operate CNC equipment (3, 4, and 5 axis mills; multi-axis mill/turn machines) and manual machines
- Machine complex, high-precision parts in metal, plastic, and carbon fiber
- Inspect parts and ensure quality standards are met
- Maintain and troubleshoot shop equipment
- Keep a safe, clean, and organized work environment
- Manage stock material and supplies for daily operations
- Collaborate with engineers and external teams to advise on part manufacturability, feasibility, and design improvements
- Coach and mentor team members unfamiliar with machining processes
- Demonstrate quality craftsmanship and a commitment to producing the best possible components
- Adapt to diverse tasks and changing priorities in a rapid prototyping environment
- Ideal candidates are creative problem solvers with a hands-on approach, comfortable with ambiguity and diverse tasking
- Strong communicators who can translate technical machining concepts for non-experts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional and external teams
- Work environment includes a machine shop with potential exposure to noise, metal and carbon fiber particulate, coolant, and cutting fluids
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for up to ten hours
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- 5 years of experience operating 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC milling equipment
- Experience with multi-axis mill/turn machines
- Proficiency with Fanuc and Haas controllers
- Experience with CAM software and CNC programming
- Experience with CAD software and fixture design
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability in a rapid prototyping environment
- Experience communicating timelines and expectations to program teams
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Preferred: 5 years in a prototyping and production environment with advanced CNC machine tools
- Preferred: Experience in short-run production environments
- Preferred: Familiarity with Esprit and Mastercam
- Preferred: Experience working with diverse teams and coaching non-machinists on design-for-manufacturability
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.
Salary : $39 - $48