Diamond Turning Machinist (Starshield)
SpaceX
| Company | SpaceX |
| Category | Manufacturing |
| Location | Hawthorne |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 24 Apr 2026 |
| Last verified | 11 Aug 2026 |
| Source | Employer ATS (greenhouse) |
Description
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. DIAMOND TURNING MACHINIST (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on three areas: Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. Designed to meet diverse mission requirements, Starshield satellites are capable of integrating a wide variety of payloads, offering unique versatility to users. With the proven ability to iterate rapidly, SpaceX's unique full-stack approach in developing end-to-end systems, from launch vehicles to user terminals, enables the deployment of capabilities at scale with unprecedented speed. Starshield's proliferated low-Earth orbit architecture provides inherent resiliency and constant connectivity to on-orbit assets, while SpaceX's proven rapid launch capability provides expedient and economical access to space.
As a diamond turning machinist, you are responsible for the manufacturing and development of sub-micron level tolerance diamond turned parts at production volumes. This is a unique and challenging opportunity to use world-class equipment, learn/expand a diamond turning skillset, and work with some of the best and brightest in their fields. The scope of this team is to make the parts that other companies cannot, and to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible to machine.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Follow defined work instructions, process controls, and maintaining a safe work environment
Maintain maximum machine and work center up time by identifying and reporting off-nominal issues such as alarms, out of tolerance conditions, and actively maintaining best practices
Use metrology, including CMM’s, optical microscopes, and Zygo interferometers
Change tools and tooling by following defined processes
Data entry, work tracking, and effective communication with production teams, engineering, and leadership
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
6+ months of experience operating CNC machines
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
1+ years of experience operating CNC machines
Experience running diamond turning lathes
Experience with sub-micron tolerance parts and how to handle/inspect them
CNC Lathe setup experience
Understanding of optics manufacturing and associated metrology
Ability to provide feedback and suggest process improvements to production and engineering teams
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Ability to stand for extended periods
Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and able to maneuver in tight spaces
Ability to work in an environment with repetitive movement, bending or twisting, using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls, exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting
Must be willing to work onsite in Hawthorne, CA
Must be willing to travel for a few weeks a year for initial and ongoing training on machining equipment
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 1: $26.00 - $32.00/hour Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 2: $30.00 - $38.00/hour Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 3: $35.00 - $44.00/hour
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package