• Engineering
• Numerical Control Programmer 4

•

Auburn, WA Posted:

9/25/2026 Job Description Job ID#: 215984

Job Category:

Engineering Position Type:

Associate - W2

Duration:

26

Shift:

1

Positions Available:

19

• PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Numerical Control Programmer 4, in Auburn, WA. Job ID#215984

• Pay Rate:

  $67 - $72/hr

• Job Description:

• Join a high-performing fabrication team supporting aerospace structural production in Auburn, WA.

As a contractor Numerical Control Programmer (NCP) on our Machining/Tooling team, you'll drive the NC programming, setup documentation, and machining strategy for complex multi-axis parts used on commercial airplanes. You will collaborate closely with planning, aerospace engineering, tooling, and shop-floor operators to turn engineered concepts into producible, high-quality parts. This role is ideal for hands-on programmers who enjoy solving machining challenges, optimizing workflows, and seeing their programs executed on the shop floor.

• Primary Responsibilities
• Create, verify, and revise Machine Control Data (MCD), tooling geometry, and setup documentation for multi-axis CNC machines (primarily 5-axis).
• Interpret engineering drawings, planning documentation, and manufacturing requirements to develop robust NC programs for aluminum and hard-metal parts.
• Develop multiple setups and operations for complex part geometries, ensuring fixturing, tooling, and machine selection support producibility and tolerances.
• Produce clear setup sheets and operator instructions that enable consistent and safe machine operation.
• Use simulation/verification tools (e.g., Vericut) to validate programs and eliminate collisions or gouges prior to shop-floor execution.
• Troubleshoot and iterate programs based on first-article inspections, in-process feedback, and shop-floor testing.
• Coordinate with planning, manufacturing engineering, tooling design, and machine operators to optimize cycle times, reduce scrap, and address manufacturability concerns.
• For Level 4: Lead the design of custom fixtures and complex tooling arrangements and define machining strategies across multiple operations and machines.
• Maintain program documentation, revisions, and configuration control per company/contract requirements.
• Work under minimal direction.
• Required Skills
• 7+ years of NC programming experience for production machining or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience programming 5-axis CNC machines for aerospace parts (aluminum and hard metals).
• Proficiency reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficient in

CATIA V5 NC

programming.

• Proficient in NC simulation/verification tools such as Vericut.
• Ability to create clear setup documentation and operator instructions.
• Able to work 2nd shift schedule as specified.
• Contractor eligibility to work under the terms of the engagement.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience creating custom fixtures and tooling for multi-setup machining operations
• Experience defining machining strategy and selecting appropriate machines and processes for part families.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, inspection practices, and first-article requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record of reducing cycle times or improving producibility.
• Effective communicator with experience collaborating across planning, engineering, and shop-floor teams.
• Experience with additional CAM systems or post-processors commonly used in aerospace environments.
• Education /

Experience:

• Education/experience typically acquired through advanced education (e.

g. Associate) and typically 6 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g. Bachelor+4 years' related work experience, 8 years' related work experience, etc.). Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Job Requirements Minimum Security Clearance:

No Clearance

• VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
• To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit
• http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/
• or •https://pdsdefense.

com/candidate-privacy/

• The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: + The California Fair Chance Act + Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance + Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers + San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceVEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled