Find & Apply For CNC Programmer Jobs in San Jose, California

Job Overview We're hiring an experienced Multi-Axis CNC Lathe Programmer to join a growing, high-end precision manufacturer in the San Jose area supporting aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and other advanced industries . This is more than a traditional programming position. The company is actively investing in and modernizing its CNC turning department , and this person will play an important role in helping expand its capabilities, improve programming and machining processes, and support the next stage of growth. You'll work on complex, tight-tolerance components and challenging new programs rather than repetitive production. The role offers significant ownership—from print/model through programming, tooling and workholding strategy, prove-out, first article, and production optimization . The shop currently programs with SURFCAM and Mastercam , and they're looking for someone who can bring strong multi-axis turning knowledge, help improve how work is programmed and processed, and contribute ideas as the department continues to evolve. What You'll Do Develop, prove out, and optimize programs for multi-axis CNC lathes and mill-turn equipment Help modernize and grow the turning department , improving programming practices, machining strategies, and overall capabilities Program using SURFCAM and Mastercam Develop complex turning operations involving live tooling, C/Y-axis machining, sub-spindles, threading, grooving, boring, drilling, and milling Build complete machining strategies from CAD models, engineering drawings, and GD&T Determine tooling, inserts, workholding, speeds/feeds, and operation sequencing Support machine setups, first articles, new-part introductions, and prove-outs Troubleshoot programming, tooling, workholding, dimensional, and machining issues directly on the shop floor Improve existing processes to reduce cycle time, setup time, scrap, and tooling costs while increasing repeatability and tool life Work closely with machinists, engineering, and quality to successfully move new and increasingly complex jobs into production What We're Looking For 7+ years of CNC machining/programming experience Strong experience programming multi-axis CNC lathes, mill-turns, or advanced turning centers Experience with Mastercam and/or SURFCAM strongly preferred Strong G-code knowledge and ability to troubleshoot programs at the machine Deep understanding of GD&T, tooling, workholding, speeds and feeds, and tight-tolerance machining Ability to take a job from print/model through a proven, repeatable production process Comfortable being hands-on during setup, prove-out, troubleshooting, and process development Someone who can bring new ideas and machining expertise to a turning department that is actively growing and evolving Experience in aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical device, or another high-precision machining environment preferred

Pay:

$120,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year Application Question(s): How many years of experience do you have programming CNC lathes or mill-turn machines, and what types of machines have you programmed? What CAM software have you used for CNC turning? Do you have hands-on experience with Mastercam and/or SURFCAM? Can you independently take a complex turned part from print/model through programming, tooling/workholding selection, setup, prove-out, and first article? Please briefly describe your experience. Have you worked in a high-precision machine shop supporting aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical, or similar industries? If so, what types of parts, tolerances, and materials were you working with?

Work Location:

In person