SpaceX CNC Specialist at SpaceX programs and manages processes for blades and vanes using NX CAD/CAM. The role includes tooling selection, process development, equipment commissioning, and troubleshooting for high-temperature superalloys.
Responsibilities
Use NX CAD/CAM to program all blades/vanes processes: 5-axis milling, grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling.
Own a comprehensive level of process knowledge: machine capability, workholding, electrodes/wire/wheels/nozzles and other consumables, parameters, and quality outcomes for each process above.
Verify NC files (e.g. Vericut) and own revision control on programs, setup sheets, and process documentation.
Select tooling and consumables; set parameters for superalloys; be accountable for tool/consumable life, cycle time, and part quality.
Drive DFM: recommend and implement drawing/process changes; own the process decision.
Design fixtures, brackets, holders, and rigging required to run the line.
Support equipment selection, vendor engagement, and commissioning, including FAT and SAT as required, for mill, grind, EDM, laser, and related cells.
Troubleshoot common machine, program, consumable, and process issues; train operators and CNC Programmers; act as technical backup on the floor.
Own process development through prove-out to stable production; meet performance goals and escalate only when the issue is beyond the cell.
Drive process improvements and support other teams.
Qualification
7+ years of CNC programming in NX5-axis mill airfoil workIGT (or aero turbine) bladesSinker and wire EDM (GF/AgieCooling holes and stem drillingCNC grinding/trailing-edge
Required
High school diploma/equivalency certificate.
5+ years of CNC programming experience in NX.
Preferred
7+ years of CNC programming in NX, including experience as a manufacturing engineer or lead programmer on blades/vanes.
Demonstrated ownership of turbine blade or equivalent airfoil processes (programming, tooling, probing, and prove-out).
Working knowledge of milling plus two or more of the following: grinding, sinker EDM, wire EDM, trailing-edge machining, laser drilling, and stem drilling, including equipment and consumables.
5-axis mill airfoil work: Starrag/Liechti (LX, NB, STC, Turbomill/g-Mill), Hermle C-series, DMG MORI DMU/DMC, Makino D-series/MAG, GROB, Mazak VARIAXIS, Okuma MU-V, or equivalent.
IGT (or aero turbine) blades, vanes, or high-precision airfoils on superalloys.
Sinker and wire EDM (GF/Agie, Makino, Sodick, Mitsubishi, or equivalent), including electrodes, wire, and dielectric/consumable selection.
Cooling holes and stem drilling: fast-hole EDM and/or laser (Winbro, Huffman, Current EDM, Belmont, GF laser, or similar), including diffusers through base metal and TBC; electrodes, nozzles, assist gas, and related consumables.
CNC grinding/trailing-edge: IMM, Blohm/Mägerle/United Grinding, or equivalent; wheels, dressing, and finish-to-print.
