Diamond Turning Machinist (Starshield) - Level 4/5

SpaceX· Hawthorne, CA· Starshield Production

Posted 2026-10-30

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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) - LEVEL 4/5

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 - Level 4/5 on the Diamond Turning team, 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:

Collaborate with engineering to develop new diamond-turned products and processes
Continuously improve production process to maximize throughput, improve yield, and improve process up time
Maintain maximum machine up time by troubleshooting off-nominal issues such as alarms, repairing tooling, and actively maintaining best practices
Follow defined work instructions, process controls, and maintain a safe work environment
Using metrology, including CMM’s, optical microscopes, and Zygo interferometers
Changing tools and tooling, following defined processes
Data entry, work tracking, and effective communication with production teams, engineering, and leadership

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of experience operating diamond turning lathes
Experience using GD&T producing precision optics

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of experience operating diamond turning lathes
3+ years of experience operating CNC machines
Experience developing and producing new diamond turned products
Experience using Nanocam or similar software
Ability to independently troubleshoot off-nominal issues related to diamond turning and precision optics manufacturing

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 4: $40.00 - $49.00/hour
Diamond Turning Machinist/Level 5: $45.50 - $58.00/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 at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].

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