CNC Shop Manager I

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world.  We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth. 

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.

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.

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