Job Summary
This is not a CNC operator position. We are not looking for someone to stand at the machine and load parts.
We are looking for a CNC Automation Programmer — a technically fluent, software-forward individual who owns the full workflow from CAD file to verified, lights-out pallet queue. You will be responsible for programming, simulation, pallet scheduling, tooling strategy, in-process probing routines, and the quality of every job that runs unattended overnight.
You will be the first technical hire at Lights Out CNC. That means your fingerprints will be on the CAM library, the tooling standards, the pallet SOPs, and the quality systems we build toward AS9100D certification. This is a foundational role at a company being built to scale — and we will compensate and structure your employment accordingly.
What You Will Own
- Full 5-axis CAM programming in Mastercam (or equivalent) from STEP/IGES file through verified, post-processed NC output — zero on-machine editing required
- Pallet scheduling and job queue management on the MX-330 PC10's 10-station pallet system — loading priorities, tool life tracking, and overnight run sequencing
- Renishaw OMP probing routine development — in-process measurement macros, work offset verification, and automated dimensional checking during lights-out cycles
- Tool library management — assembly, presetting, offset entry, life monitoring, and replacement scheduling to support unattended overnight operation
- First article setup and verification — fixturing confirmation, program prove-out, and sign-off before jobs enter the unattended queue
- CAMplete TruePath simulation and post-processing — collision detection, toolpath verification, and safe machine output on the G-Tech 31i control
- Contributing to the AS9100D quality documentation framework — routers, travelers, work instructions, and programming SOPs
- Participating in quoting support — cycle time estimates and DFM feedback to help the business price and win work
What We're Looking For
Required:
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on CAM programming experience on 5-axis machining centers in an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated proficiency in Mastercam, Fusion 360 CAM, Siemens NX CAM, or equivalent — simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths required, not 3+2
- Experience programming and running pallet pool or automated cell systems — you understand how to build a job queue, manage tool life across pallets, and set up a machine to run unattended
- Familiarity with Renishaw probing systems — you have written or modified probing macros, not just used them
- Working knowledge of FANUC G-code and the ability to read, diagnose, and safely edit NC output when needed
- Direct experience machining aluminum aerospace alloys — 6061, 7075, 2024 — with a working understanding of optimal feeds, speeds, tooling strategy, and chip management
- Experience working within or building toward ISO 9001 or AS9100D quality systems — you understand travelers, first article inspection, and documentation discipline
Strongly preferred:
- Direct experience with Matsuura MX-330, MAM72, or equivalent multi-pallet 5-axis platform (Makino, Hermle, DMG Mori 5-axis with pallet automation)
- Experience with CAMplete TruePath software
- Familiarity with Xometry, Paperless Parts, or similar instant-quote / digital manufacturing platforms
- Experience in a high-mix, low-volume job shop environment where you programmed and ran diverse part numbers, not just repeat production
- ITAR awareness or prior experience in an ITAR-registered manufacturing environment
What This Is Not
We want to be direct about what this role is not, so you can self-select accurately:
- This is not a machine operator role. You will not spend your day standing at the machine loading parts.
- This is not a production environment where you run the same five programs repeatedly. Every day will involve new parts, new customers, and new challenges.
- This is not a large, established shop with five senior programmers to lean on. You will be the technical lead. You need to be self-sufficient.
- This is not a role for someone who programs in 3+2 and calls it 5-axis.
What We Offer
- Compensation: $135,000–$150,000, depending on experience —
- Performance-based bonus tied to spindle utilization, on-time delivery, and quality metrics
- Equity / profit-sharing participation available for the right foundational hire — we are building this company from the ground up and the first technical hire will share in what we build
- Direct access to the founder — this is a small, focused team and your ideas will shape how we operate
- The opportunity to build the programming library, quality systems, and automation workflows of a precision aerospace shop from Day 1 — with the equipment, the capital structure, and the customers to make it real
Location & Schedule
Hawthorne, California 90250. On-site, full-time. Day shift with flexibility to manage and monitor lights-out overnight operations remotely via the MX-330's remote monitoring system.
To Apply
Submit your resume along with a brief description (3–5 sentences) of the most complex 5-axis lights-out or pallet-automated job you have programmed and run — what the part was, what machine and CAM software you used, and what made the setup or programming challenging. Applications without this information will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Automation Optimization: Set up, operate, and monitor CNC machines integrated with high-automation peripherals (e.g., APC/FMS pallet systems, gantry loaders, or robotic cells).
Machine Operation: Load raw materials, execute programs, and manage unmanned or "lights-out" manufacturing cycles efficiently.
Controls & Programming: Navigate and utilize Matsuura controls to monitor system status, recover from automation faults, and make necessary offset adjustments.
Quality Control: Inspect precision-machined parts using micrometers, calipers, and gauges to ensure strict adherence to blueprints and GD&T specifications.
Tooling Management: Monitor tool wear, change inserts, and manage redundant tooling strategies within the automation software to prevent downtime.
Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnose and resolve minor mechanical, programming, or automation sequence errors to keep the spindle utilization rate high.
Maintenance: Perform daily preventative maintenance on both the CNC machines and the automation hardware.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience: Minimum of 2–4 years of experience operating CNC machining centers (lathes or mills), with a strong preference for Matsuura or Fanuc platforms.
Automation Expertise: Proven proficiency in managing automated CNC environments (Palletace, cell controllers, or integrated robotics).
Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret complex blue prints and engineering drawings.
Proficiency with precision measuring tools.
Efficiency Mindset: Deep understanding of how to minimize cycle times, optimize part-loading sequences, and maintain continuous production.
Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and eager to master proprietary automation workflows during the contract phase.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or CNC certification is a major plus.
Pay: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Submit your resume along with a brief description (3–5 sentences) of the most complex 5-axis lights-out or pallet-automated job you have programmed and run — what the part was, what machine and CAM software you used, and what made the setup or programming challenging. Applications without this information will not be considered.
Work Location: In person
