Machine Shop Lead
ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company building a faster, more connected future. Our mission is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel flexible, accessible, and sustainable. We believe that rapid, on-demand, point-to-point global mobility will become the new standard for moving people and goods across the planet. To achieve this, we are integrating our advanced airframe and engine technologies—which include Duality™, our proprietary dual-use propulsion system—with a new flight operations model to make supersonic transport as efficient and economical as commercial air travel is today. In the near term, we are developing adaptable, high-speed systems to close aircraft performance gaps for the United States government.
WHO WE ARE:
We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.
WHO YOU ARE:
A hands-on manufacturing leader who knows how to run a high-performance machine shop while staying close to the work
Comfortable balancing speed, precision, and safety in a rapid prototyping and flight hardware environment
A mentor and organizer who builds strong teams, clear processes, and a culture of accountability and pride in workmanship
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Own day-to-day operations of Astro Mechanica’s in-house machine shop, supporting propulsion, airframe, and test hardware development
Lead, schedule, and develop machinists, CNC programmers and technicians while maintaining a hands-on presence on the floor
Supervise and coordinate the activities of machinists, fabricators, and technicians to meet production goals.
Oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, and other machining equipment
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
5+ years of experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and prototyping, particularly within aerospace, defense, or similarly complex, precision-driven industries.
Strong knowledge of CNC and manual machining processes, materials (aluminum, steel, titanium, superalloys), and aerospace tolerances
Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize work, and deliver high-quality parts on aggressive schedules
Comfort working directly from engineering drawings, CAD models, and evolving designs
Familiarity with inspection practices, GD&T, and quality standards relevant to flight and test hardware
Thoughtful management skills and the ability to lead a growing technical team.
Ambition to work in a fast-paced environment.
PERKS & BENEFITS:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
Flexible work environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.