Markets Served: Aerospace & Defense, Industrial, and MRO
Reports To: Manager of Global CNC Programming
FLSA: Exempt, Full-time
Direct Reports: None (individual contributor; may mentor machinists and junior programmers)
Position Summary
The CNC Programmer develops, proves out, and optimizes the machining programs that turn raw stock into the precision components behind our pneumatic tools—impact wrenches, ratchets, drills, grinders, sanders, and related accessories—serving aerospace & defense, industrial, and MRO customers. Working primarily in ESPRIT CAM, the programmer creates efficient, repeatable toolpaths for multi-axis mills, lathes, and mill-turn equipment, then partners with machinists, engineering, and quality to bring parts to first-article approval and into stable production. Success in this role is measured by parts that run safely, hit print the first time, and cycle at or below target—reducing scrap, cycle time, and machine downtime across the shop.
Key Outcomes — What Success Looks Like
- Programming Quality: Programs run to print with first-article approval on the first or second attempt; tight-tolerance features (bores, threads, splines, sealing surfaces) hold dimensional and surface-finish requirements consistently.
- Productivity: Cycle times meet or beat standards through smart toolpath strategy, optimized feeds/speeds, and reduced air-cutting; setup and changeover times trend down year over year.
- Reliability & Safety: Minimal crashes, tool collisions, or scrapped parts due to programming error; all programs verified in simulation before they reach the machine; safe, documented setups every time.
- Continuous Improvement: Standardized post-processors, tooling libraries, and reusable program templates that shorten future programming time; documented savings from process and tooling improvements.
- Support & Documentation: Complete, accurate setup sheets, tool lists, and work instructions that let any qualified machinist run the job; fast, effective troubleshooting support on the floor.
Core Responsibilities
- Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs in ESPRIT and Gibbs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn applications using 2D/3D models and engineering drawings.
- Develop and maintain post-processors, machine/tool libraries, and machining templates; verify all programs through ESPRIT and Gibbs simulation/verification (and other simulation tools as available) before release.
- Select tooling, workholding, and machining strategies that balance cycle time, tool life, finish, and part quality; specify and validate feeds and speeds.
- Lead and support setup and first-article runs at the machine; troubleshoot dimensional, finish, and tool-life issues and drive them to resolution with machinists and quality.
- Produce clear setup sheets, tool lists, and operator work instructions; manage program revisions under document control and keep the program library organized and current.
- Partner with manufacturing and design engineering to provide design-for-manufacturing (DFM) feedback on new and revised parts; support NPI from prototype through production launch.
- Contribute to continuous-improvement efforts (Lean, Kaizen) targeting cycle time, scrap, setup reduction, and machine utilization (OEE).
- Maintain compliance with safety, quality (ISO 9001), and housekeeping standards on the shop floor; support first-article inspection (FAI) and part traceability requirements.
Education, Qualifications & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical/associate degree or certificate in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred.
- 10+ years of hands-on CNC programming experience in a precision machining or metalworking environment; demonstrated proficiency programming in ESPRIT CAM is required.
- Strong working knowledge of multi-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn machining; experience with Swiss-type or live-tooling lathes a plus.
- Proficient at reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models; able to develop and edit post-processors and G/M-code.
- Solid understanding of cutting tools, workholding, fixturing, feeds/speeds, and machine controls (e.g., Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Okuma, or similar).
- Familiarity with inspection methods and equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMM basics), with ISO 9001 quality practices and first-article inspection (FAI).
- Experience programming components for pneumatic tools, fluid power, or other high-precision industrial products strongly preferred.
- Detail-oriented, methodical, and collaborative; effective communicator on the shop floor and with engineering.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
Works primarily in a manufacturing/machine-shop environment with time split between a workstation and the shop floor. Requires prolonged standing and walking on concrete floors, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and use of required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear). Exposure to coolant/oil mist, noise, metal chips, dust/fumes, and operating machinery. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
How Performance Will Be Measured
First-article pass rate and program accuracy; cycle-time performance vs. standard; scrap and rework attributable to programming; crash/collision and tool-breakage incidents; setup and changeover time reduction; on-time delivery of programs and documentation for NPI and production jobs; and contribution to documented continuous-improvement savings.
EOE
Pay: $70,000.00 - $95,000.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Explain your experience with Esprit program language? Have you worked with Gibbs Cam and how did you transition one program to another?
Work Location: In person
