Senior Prototype Machinist

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity. [ Deutsche Version weiter unten] Your Mission At The Exploration Company, we develop, manufacture, and operate Nyx — a modular, reusable orbital spacecraft designed to be refuelled in orbit and transport cargo, with crewed missions potentially planned for the longer term. We’re looking for a hands-on, technically mature professional with an engineering degree or extensive CNC experience to take full ownership of the machining process for space-grade components. You’ll be responsible for CAM programming, machine setup and optimisation, and continuous improvement. You’ll also contribute directly to future investments in machining equipment and tooling. You’ll work on a variety of high-precision parts, including rocket engine components, post-processed metal 3D-printed parts, and critical propulsion subcomponents. You’ll work across a fleet of modern, multi-brand, 5-axis machining centres and CNC lathes. This role offers a high-impact technical position, with opportunities for career growth and increased responsibility. Fluency in English is expected, as our work environment is international. Your Responsibilities • Define and optimise machining strategies, including sequencing, tooling, fixtures, and in-process controls. • Program complex components in HyperMill or equivalent CAM software for 5-axis milling and CNC turning. • Validate parts using multi-brand CNC equipment, ensuring that they meet tolerance and surface-finish requirements. • Manufacture rocket engine components, precision assemblies, propulsion subcomponents, and Inconel structures, including setting workpiece origins and preparing cutting tools. • Perform first-line maintenance to keep machines in good working order. • Analyse and improve toolpaths, reduce cycle times, and stabilise machining quality. • Work with design, quality, and production teams to provide feedback, propose design improvements, and troubleshoot issues. • Lead equipment investment efforts, including specification development, supplier coordination, and commissioning. Profile • An engineering degree or 5+ years of experience as a highly skilled technician in CNC/CAM machining of complex parts. • Expertise in HyperMill or equivalent CAM software and tight-tolerance machining. • Solid knowledge of 5-axis milling and/or precision turning. • Experience working with space or aerospace materials, such as Inconel, titanium, and other high-performance alloys. • An autonomous, hands-on approach, with the ability to structure and lead technical topics. • An interest in developing machining capabilities through process and equipment leadership. Deutsche Version Deine Mission Bei The Exploration Company entwickeln, fertigen und betreiben wir Nyx – ein modulares, wiederverwendbares Orbitalfahrzeug, das im All betankt werden und Fracht transportieren kann. Langfristig sind auch bemannte Missionen vorgesehen. Wir suchen eine praxisorientierte, technisch versierte Persönlichkeit mit einem Ingenieurabschluss oder umfangreicher CNC-Erfahrung, die den gesamten Bearbeitungsprozess für weltraumtaugliche Komponenten eigenverantwortlich übernimmt. Du bist für die CAM-Programmierung, das Einrichten und Optimieren der Maschinen sowie die kontinuierliche Prozessverbesserung verantwortlich. Darüber hinaus wirkst du direkt an zukünftigen Investitionen in Bearbeitungstechnik und Werkzeuge mit. Du arbeitest an unterschiedlichsten hochpräzisen Bauteilen – darunter Komponenten für Raketentriebwerke, nachbearbeitete Metall-3D-Druckteile und kritische Subkomponenten von Antriebssystemen . Dabei nutzt du einen modernen Maschinenpark mit 5-Achs-Bearbeitungszentren und CNC-Drehmaschinen verschiedener Hersteller. Diese Position bietet dir ei