CNC Shop Manager

About Inversion

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Position Overview

We are seeking a CNC Shop Manager who is both a strong people and operations leader and a hands-on CNC programmer. This is a player-coach role responsible for the daily performance of a six-machine aerospace machining environment, including staffing, scheduling, cost control, policy and procedure development, and direct CAM programming support. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building shop structure and jumping into Mastercam/other CAM software to program complex parts, prove out jobs, and standardize setups.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Operations & Leadership

• Oversee daily CNC shop operations to meet on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets.
• Manage headcount planning, shift schedules, timecards, and performance management.
• Establish and enforce shop policies, SOPs, safety standards, and documentation practices.
• Drive accountability, training, and continuous improvement culture.
• Coordinate priorities with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Programming & Technical Ownership

• Create, modify, and optimize 3-axis and 5-axis CNC programs in Mastercam.
• Support complex setups, prove-outs, and first-article inspections.
• Develop and maintain setup sheets, tooling libraries, post processors, and revision control.
• Improve cycle times, feeds/speeds, and tool paths to reduce scrap and increase throughput.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and fixturing issues on the floor.

Process, Cost & Work Tracking

• Monitor KPIs: spindle utilization, scrap rate, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Manage tooling vendors, consumables, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Build repeatable processes and standardized work instructions.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years CNC machining experience with advanced 5-axis programming.
• Expert-level Mastercam proficiency (toolpaths, posts, simulation, multi-axis strategies).
• 2–3+ years leading machinists or shop personnel.
• Strong GD&T, blueprint reading, and tight-tolerance aerospace experience.
• Experience building SOPs, setup documentation, and process standards.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production tracking.
• Ability to balance floor presence with administrative and leadership duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing background.
• Lean / Continuous Improvement training or certifications.
• AS9100 or ISO-compliant environment experience.
• Experience standing up new shops, cells, or process overhauls.
• Proven tooling and vendor cost-reduction wins.

Compensation & Location

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $120,000-$160,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.