Lead CNC Programmer and Machinist

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for precision milling and turning operations using Mastercam.
• Program complex components from engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Set up, program, troubleshoot, and operate Okuma CNC lathes.
• Perform machine setups, prove-outs, first-piece runs, and production machining.
• Determine appropriate machining strategies, tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and operation sequences.
• Operate CNC mills and lathes while maintaining tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes.
• Lead troubleshooting of machining, programming, tooling, workholding, dimensional, and process issues.
• Optimize existing programs to reduce cycle time, improve tool life, increase machine utilization, and improve process capability.
• Establish repeatable manufacturing processes for new and existing aerospace and defense components.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to identify manufacturability concerns and recommend improvements.
• Apply GD&T requirements and ensure manufactured components conform to engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Select and qualify cutting tools, inserts, holders, fixtures, and workholding solutions.
• Design or assist with the design of fixtures and manufacturing aids.
• Perform in-process inspection using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, and indicators.
• Support first article inspections and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate CNC programs, setup documentation, tooling information, and revision controls.
• Work closely with engineering, quality, production, and management to resolve technical issues and meet production requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, training, and mentoring to CNC machinists and operators.
• Establish machining best practices and standardize programming, setup, tooling, and production methods.
• Assist with estimating machining time, tooling requirements, setup requirements, and manufacturing complexity for new work.
• Identify opportunities for automation, cycle-time reduction, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain clean, safe, organized, and efficient machining work areas.
• Ensure compliance with company quality procedures, safety requirements, and applicable aerospace and defense manufacturing requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Significant hands-on experience programming, setting up, and operating both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Proven hands-on experience with Okuma CNC lathes.
• Advanced proficiency in Mastercam, including development and optimization of CNC milling and turning programs.
• Strong CNC programming knowledge and demonstrated ability to develop programs for complex precision components.
• Strong understanding of G-code, M-code, feeds, speeds, cutting conditions, cutter compensation, tool offsets, and machining fundamentals.
• Strong knowledge of multi-axis milling and CNC turning processes.
• Ability to independently take a component from print/model through programming, setup, machining, and inspection.
• Strong blueprint reading skills.
• Advanced understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated ability to hold tight dimensional and geometric tolerances.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, toolholding, workholding, fixturing, and machining strategy.
• Experience machining aerospace and defense materials such as aluminum, stainless steels, alloy steels, titanium, nickel-based alloys, and engineering plastics.
• Proficiency with precision inspection equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to train and mentor machinists with varying levels of experience.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing conforming parts.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in a production environment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to contractual requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience programming, setting up, and operating an Okuma LB3000 EX II CNC lathe.
• Experience with Okuma OSP controls.
• Experience manufacturing components for aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience working within an AS9100 or similar quality management system.
• Advanced Mastercam experience with complex 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis toolpaths.
• Experience with 4-axis and 5-axis machining.
• Experience with live tooling, Y-axis, sub-spindle, or multi-tasking CNC lathes.
• Experience developing fixtures and workholding for complex or low-volume components.
• Familiarity with first article inspection requirements, including AS9102.
• Familiarity with CMM inspection and inspection software.
• Experience implementing machining process improvements and cycle-time reductions.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and manufacturing engineering activities.

Leadership Expectations

Quality and Compliance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work around CNC machinery for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift and handle tooling, fixtures, raw materials, and components consistent with company safety requirements.
• Ability to use precision measuring equipment and perform detailed visual inspection.
• Ability to safely work in a manufacturing and machine-shop environment.

What Success Looks Like