Senior Prototype Machinist

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

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.

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  Define and optimise machining strategies, including sequencing, tooling, fixtures, and in-process controls.

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  Program complex components in HyperMill or equivalent CAM software for 5-axis milling and CNC turning.

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  Validate parts using multi-brand CNC equipment, ensuring that they meet tolerance and surface-finish requirements.

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  Manufacture rocket engine components, precision assemblies, propulsion subcomponents, and Inconel structures, including setting workpiece origins and preparing cutting tools.

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  Perform first-line maintenance to keep machines in good working order.

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  Analyse and improve toolpaths, reduce cycle times, and stabilise machining quality.

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  Work with design, quality, and production teams to provide feedback, propose design improvements, and troubleshoot issues.

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  Lead equipment investment efforts, including specification development, supplier coordination, and commissioning.

• 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.

• Wir diskriminieren niemanden aufgrund von ethnischer Herkunft, Religion, Hautfarbe, nationaler Herkunft, Geschlecht, sexueller Orientierung, Alter, Familienstand oder Behinderung.

• Unterstützung beim Umzug, einschließlich Visa-Unterstützung bei Bedarf, ist verfügbar.

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.  


All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.