Space Tango is an innovative space technology small business based in Lexington, Ky. Space Tango’s mission is to manufacture health and technology products in space that create value and transformational solutions. Space Tango provides space-based automated facilities and payloads to support research and development and small-scale manufacturing needs of our partners and customers in the Low Earth Orbit environment and beyond. As a leader in automated systems, Space Tango pursues pathways to on-orbit production. Our vision is to inspire, innovate and create a better future for humanity by utilizing the environment of space.
We are seeking a skilled machinist and fabrication specialist to join our team in producing low volume, medium complexity parts. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in machining techniques, experience with various machines and tools, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate manual lathe, Prototrak mill, and Haas VMC to produce precision parts
- Read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
- Set up, adjust, and maintain machinery
- Ensure quality control and adherence to specifications
- Collaborate with engineering team to optimize manufacturing processes
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment
- Troubleshooting Skills: Diagnoses chatter, tool deflection, poor surface finishes, and other machining defects.
- Understanding GD&T from CAD drawings to apply correct tolerances in machining.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a machinist, with proficiency in manual lathes, manual mills, and cnc mills
- Strong knowledge of machining processes and tooling
- Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings and blueprints
- Experience with basic shop hand tools
- Familiarity with SolidWorks
- Excellent attention to detail and precision
- Ability to complete complex tasks with minimal supervision
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of CNC programming and operation
- Familiarity with quality control processes and measuring instruments
- Experience with CAM programming including:
- Ability to simulate toolpaths before cutting, reducing mistakes, scrap, and rework.
- High-Speed Machining (HSM): Optimizing stepovers, feeds, and speeds for efficiency.
- Designing fixtures & setups in CAD/CAM to avoid vibration and tool interference.
- Importing and modifying 3D models (STEP, IGES, or native CAD files).
- Multi-Part Programming: Running multiple workpieces efficiently
- Material Knowledge: Understands different metals and plastics, their machinability, and how they react to cutting forces.
- Tool Selection: Knows which cutting tools, inserts, and coatings work best for specific materials and tolerances.
- Toolpath Optimization: Can adjust cutting strategies to improve efficiency and reduce tool wear.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Technical school certificate or associate's degree in machining or related field preferred
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a machining role
Space Tango is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space Tango 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.
This position may require access to technology and information subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment is contingent upon the ability to obtain any necessary government authorizations to access and handle controlled technology and data. Candidates must be able to comply with all applicable export control regulations.