Metal Fabricator
Precision Manufacturing
Program, set up, and operate multi-axis CNC mills, CNC lathes, wire EDM, and manual machine tools to fabricate flight-certified hardware to tight tolerances.
Model & Drawing Interpretation
Interpret complex 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5).
CAM Programming
Utilize Mastercam, Fusion 360, or equivalent software to generate and optimize multi-axis toolpaths for flight and prototype hardware.
Specialized Materials
Machine high-performance materials including titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, structural plastics, and ceramics.
Inspection & Quality Compliance
Perform in-process and final inspection using CMM, optical comparators, and precision hand tools in compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 and NASA quality assurance standards.
Engineering Collaboration
Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) input to NASA project teams to lower costs, shorten lead times, and optimize hardware designs.
Safety & Operations
Maintain foreign object debris (FOD) control, follow NASA Ames shop safety rules, and document fabrication processes accurately in work order routing records.
Qualifications
- Proficiency in multi-axis CNC programming, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
- Background in welding.
- Strong proficiency in SW and Programming tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Python, etc.
- Strong background in Systems and Facilities.
- Minimum of a High School Diploma, Bachelor’s in Engineering.
- Minimum of 5+ Years of aerospace/prototype precision machining experience.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident; Must be able to obtain and maintain a NASA Ames site security badge and identity credentials.
Skills
- Experience with satellite/payload hardware fabrication, vacuum/cleanroom components, or sheet metal fabrication.
- Experience with additive manufacturing (metal or high-performance polymer 3D printing).
- Exceptional customer relationship management highly desirable.