CNC Programmer

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Develop, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for vertical machining centers to meet customer drawings, tolerances, and production requirements. Design, build, and continuously improve machining fixtures and work-holding solutions to support safe, repeatable, and efficient production. Aggressively identify and implement cycle time reductions through tooling optimization, program improvements, fixture enhancements, and process standardization. Help create and maintain accurate setup sheets, work instructions, and process documentation for production use. Optimize feeds, speeds, tool paths, and tool life to improve throughput and part quality. Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and fixturing issues in a fast-paced production environment. Support production by assisting operators, resolving setup issues, and ensuring programs run as intended. Verify part conformance using precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, gauges, etc.). Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to support new part launches, process changes, and continuous improvement efforts. Assist in developing machining strategies, standard times, and process inputs to support quoting and cost reduction initiatives. Train and mentor CNC operators on setup procedures, fixturing, tooling, and machining best practices. Update and control revision-level process documentation and operation cards. Perform basic preventative maintenance activities and ensure machine and work area cleanliness. Participate in safety, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives. Operate forklifts or material handling equipment as required (training provided).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Experience, and Attributes:

High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or machining certification preferred. Minimum 3-5 years of CNC programming experience in a production machining environment. Strong experience programming vertical machining centers using G-code. CAM software experience required (e.g., ProCAM, Mastercam, BobCAD, or similar). Proven experience designing and building machining fixtures. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications. Strong understanding of machining principles, tooling selection, and process optimization. Solid shop math skills, including fractions, decimals, and tolerances. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Ability to work effectively in a production-driven, continuous improvement environment. Experience machining castings or high-volume production components. Demonstrated success reducing cycle time and improving machining efficiency. Experience supporting quoting, standard times, or cost-reduction initiatives. Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to operate machines and tools. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or balancing. The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs and fixturing for vertical machining centers in a production environment. This role focuses on maximizing efficiency, reducing cycle time, and ensuring consistent quality while supporting manufacturing throughput and continuous improvement initiatives.