CNC Programmer

Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Exceptional candidates with demonstrated expertise may be considered above this range.

About the Role: We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for highly complex, tight-tolerance aerospace, defense, and space components. This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role requiring complete ownership of the programming process, from machining strategy and tooling selection through setup documentation, verification, production support, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is more than an experienced Mastercam programmer. They are a manufacturing expert who consistently delivers production-ready programs with exceptional first-pass yield, proactively identifies manufacturing challenges before they reach the shop floor, and develops repeatable machining processes that maximize quality, efficiency, and machine performance. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced multi-axis machining technologies while partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams to support some of the industry's most demanding precision machining applications. Due to the nature of the work performed, candidates must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) and eligible to access export-controlled information in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Responsibilities: Develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for complex 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis milling and turning operations using Mastercam. Analyze engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T requirements, material specifications, and customer requirements to develop efficient machining strategies. Create complete manufacturing packages, including CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, workholding documentation, process plans, and inspection requirements. Verify CNC programs using Vericut simulation software before release to production. Select cutting tools, workholding, and machining strategies that maximize first-pass yield, productivity, and process capability. Validate speeds and feeds through tooling manufacturers and proven machining practices rather than estimation. Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to develop fixtures, custom tooling, gauges, and workholding solutions. Provide hands-on technical support to production by troubleshooting machining issues and implementing permanent corrective actions. Independently identify manufacturing risks and resolve potential issues before programs reach the production floor. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cycle time, improving quality, extending tool life, and lowering manufacturing costs. Maintain accurate programming documentation, engineering change records, setup sheets, tooling databases, and process documentation. Lead root cause investigations and corrective action initiatives utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies. Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Purchasing, and Engineering teams to continuously improve manufacturing processes and production performance. Serve as a technical resource for advanced CNC programming, machining strategy, and manufacturing process development.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent CNC programming and manufacturing experience will be considered. Minimum of 5 years of CNC programming experience within a precision machining environment. Extensive experience programming 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers, with simultaneous 5-axis programming strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency with Mastercam and experience creating production-ready CNC programs. Experience with Vericut simulation software. Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks and CAD model interpretation. Expert understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and ASME Y14.5 standards. Strong knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, fixture design, machining dynamics, and manufacturing process development. Demonstrated ability to create complete setup documentation and repeatable machining processes with high first-pass yield. Proven experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical device, or other tight-tolerance precision manufacturing environments. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and technical communication skills. Strong ownership mentality with exceptional attention to detail and accountability for manufacturing outcomes. Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) and eligible to access export-controlled information in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Desired Qualifications: Experience machining aerospace alloys including Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy, titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum. Previous experience in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 precision manufacturing environment. Experience with Siemens or Fanuc controls and DMG MORI machining centers. Mastercam certifications in Multi-Axis, Advanced Milling, or Lathe. GD&T ASME Y14.5 certification. Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) or Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP).Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher. Experience developing machining strategies for complex aerospace or defense components. Demonstrated success improving first-pass yield, reducing machining variability, optimizing tooling strategies, and implementing continuous process improvements.