CNC Programmer/Machinist

Who We Are:

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: CNC Programmer / Machinist

This is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity for an experienced CNC Programmer / Machinist who wants to build complex, precision hardware in a fast-moving, engineering-driven environment. You’ll take ownership of advanced multi-axis machining work, turning challenging designs into high-quality components.

Beyond running machines, you’ll partner closely with engineering, influence manufacturing strategy, and help elevate shop standards in quality, safety, and performance. If you’re motivated by technical challenge, tight tolerances, and meaningful hardware, this role offers real ownership and growth.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Program and support high-precision, quick-turn projects, as well as small-batch production jobs, with the same attention to detail.
• Look critically at all part processes to drive efficiency and improve quality by interfacing with engineers, machinists, and designers.
• Complete machining operations from blueprints, drawings, models, and verbal instructions.
• Plan, program, set up, and help prove out parts on our 3-, 4-, and 5-axis NC machines.
• Give feedback to engineering, including early process reviews, and receive feedback from customers to improve quality at the machine.
• Print-to-part manufacture of precision tooling and rocket hardware.
• Develop processes and procedures to maintain our manufacturing excellence.
• Be a value-added voice in decisions related to tooling and machine choice.
• Bring solutions to hard problems by communicating clearly and conscientiously.
• Provide a critical eye to every detail to ensure success of hardware.
• Use your experience to set the standards in operations and maintenance, while working smart to maintain a healthy and safe environment to ensure we all make it “Home for Dinner.”
• Collaborate closely with a tight-knit team of driven industry experts, united by a shared mission and exceptional teamwork.
• Grow your leadership and teamwork skills.

What You Have

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of CNC programming experience, including 5+ years hands-on experience setting up and operating 5-axis Mills or Lathes
• Experience or exposure to multiple controls including: Fanuc, HAAS and Okuma
• Proficiency with CATIA (DELMIA) programming suite; Mastercam experience is a plus
• Ability to read and troubleshoot G-code before it gets to the shop floor and in process at the machine
• Comprehensive understanding of GD&T and Blueprint reading skills
• Proficiency with metrology tools such as dial indicators, bore gauges, micrometers, calipers, and other common inspection tools
• Deep knowledge of cutting tools, a strong basis for speed and feed selections across material groups/types, and a desire to expand your knowledge base
• Ability to work directly with designers in an R&D environment
• Excellent communication and written skills
• Excellent coordination and mechanical skills
• Computer proficiency
• Proficiency in shop math
• Willingness to work in a dynamic prototype/R&D environment
• Ability to lift 50 pounds

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience designing in Siemens NX and Catia

Location:

On-site in Houston, TX

Benefits:

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

About Venus Aerospace

By enabling one hour global travel, Venus Aerospace is transforming the world and our access to it. We’re building a spaceplane with a low carbon footprint that will enable one-hour global travel. We are a diverse, veteran team with extreme experience in successful new space, commercial, R&D, and government/military programs.

We are looking for incredible, motivated, enthusiastic people that want to build a world-changing culture and organization. You will be helping Venus grow and develop, so flexibility and a sense of adventure is quintessential. We are looking for all-around AWESOME people to help us grow.

We’ve done the professional grind, and we’ve got a better approach. We take “Home for Dinner” seriously – we want you to work for us and be “home for dinner”. Family is important and we don’t want you to miss out on what matters most. If that appeals to you, we’d love to connect!

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (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). You can learn more about ITAR here .

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected]or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page .

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.