Senior 5-Axis CNC Programmer
At a glance Company: AST SpaceMobile Location: Midland, Texas Pay: DOE Job type: Full-time Shift: 8–12-hour shifts Experience: 10 years Machines: 5-axis CNC mills CAM software: Mastercam • Fusion 360 Materials: CFRP • Advanced composites Why join AST SpaceMobile? AST SpaceMobile is building a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Its mission is to eliminate mobile connectivity gaps and bring broadband access to billions of people around the world. This is a senior-level opportunity to help scale aerospace-grade composite manufacturing in Midland, Texas. You’ll lead the development and optimization of 5-axis CNC programs used to produce high-volume, Class-A CFRP components. This is not a routine programming position. AST SpaceMobile needs an experienced CNC programmer who can take ownership of the entire process—from CAD and tooling strategy through validated production programs and finished parts. You’ll establish programming standards, solve difficult composite-machining problems, improve cycle times, and mentor other programmers. Your work will directly affect throughput, quality, repeatability, and production capacity as AST SpaceMobile continues expanding its manufacturing operations. ⚙️ What you’ll be doing Develop, validate, and deploy 5-axis CNC programs for aerospace-grade CFRP production components Create efficient toolpaths for trimming, drilling, countersinking, and edge finishing Optimize feeds, speeds, tooling, and machining strategies to increase throughput Minimize tool wear, delamination, dimensional variation, and cosmetic defects Select and qualify PCD, diamond, and other advanced cutting tools Develop and improve fixtures, workholding, and vacuum systems Troubleshoot machining and process issues using data-driven root-cause analysis Implement permanent corrective actions instead of temporary production fixes Improve cycle times while protecting dimensional and Class-A cosmetic quality Standardize CAM templates, programming practices, and work instructions Establish programming benchmarks and performance expectations Mentor junior CNC programmers and help strengthen shop-wide capabilities Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Production to meet yield and production targets ️ Machines, software & technology Machining: 5-axis CNC milling and high-volume composite machining CAM software: Mastercam and Fusion 360 CAD and data systems: Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault, and AutoCAD Programming capabilities: Multi-axis toolpath development, simulation, collision avoidance, and process validation Tooling: PCD, diamond, ceramic, and other advanced tooling for composite materials Workholding: Composite fixtures, vacuum fixtures, and custom workholding systems Quality: Blueprint interpretation, GD&T, dimensional verification, and cosmetic inspection ⭐ Shop highlights Advanced aerospace and space-technology manufacturing Senior-level ownership of the CNC programming process Complex 5-axis composite machining High-volume production environment Class-A aerospace components Opportunity to establish shop-wide programming standards Direct collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Production Strong focus on process control and repeatability Leadership and mentoring responsibilities Mission-driven work with global impact Materials you’ll work with Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) Aerospace-grade composite materials Advanced composite structures ✅ What we’re looking for Required: 10 years of proven aerospace composite machining experience At least five years of 5-axis CNC milling and programming experience Deep experience machining CFRP and other advanced composites Advanced proficiency with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion 360 Strong understanding of multi-axis toolpath development and simulation Advanced knowledge of feeds, speeds, tool geometry, tooling selection, and workholding Ability to prevent and troubleshoot delamination, tool wear, and composite-machining defects Exceptional blueprint-reading and GD&T skills Experience supporting high-volume aerospace production Strong understanding of process control, repeatability, and lean manufacturing Ability to establish standards and hold production processes to those standards Strong written and verbal communication skills High school diploma or GED Proficiency with Microsoft Office Preferred: Experience machining with ceramic cutting tools, including alumina or silicon carbide Experience trimming, drilling, countersinking, and finishing composite structures Knowledge of composite dust-extraction systems and shop safety protocols Fixture design experience Vacuum fixture or vacuum system design experience Experience mentoring CNC programmers or leading programming teams Working knowledge of Autodesk Inventor, Vault, and AutoCAD Why you’ll like working here This role provides the authority and responsibility to make meaningful manufacturing improvements. You won’t simply receive models and generate programs—you’ll help determine how composite components should be tooled, fixtured, programmed, validated, and moved into repeatable production. You’ll work on technically demanding aerospace components while helping AST SpaceMobile increase output without compromising dimensional accuracy or cosmetic quality. For a senior CNC programmer who enjoys solving difficult problems, establishing better processes, and developing other programmers, this is an opportunity to influence an entire manufacturing operation. Pay, benefits & schedule Pay: DOE Employment: Full-time Location: On-site in Midland, Texas Schedule: Must be able to work extended 8–12-hour shifts in a manufacturing environment Benefits information was not provided. Physical requirements Frequently stand, walk, and work on your feet in a shop environment Lift, push, pull, or carry objects weighing approximately 20–50 pounds Use the manual dexterity required to handle precision tools, components, and machine controls Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, crawl, and reach Work extended 8–12-hour shifts as production demands require About AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile is developing a global cellular broadband network in space designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Built on the company’s extensive intellectual property and patent portfolio, the network is being developed for commercial and government applications. The company’s mission is to eliminate the connectivity gaps experienced by today’s mobile subscribers while bringing broadband access to billions of people who remain unconnected. Achieving that mission requires advanced engineering, aerospace manufacturing, and highly repeatable production processes. At the Midland operation, this Senior CNC Programmer will help scale aerospace-grade CFRP production by improving the way complex composite components are programmed and manufactured. The position combines hands-on technical expertise with process leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and mentorship. Apply today If you’re an experienced 5-axis CNC programmer with deep aerospace composite machining knowledge and want to help build manufacturing processes that support a global space-based communications network, apply today through hireCNC.
