CNC Swiss Machine Programming Technician
Arena Staffing has partnered with a confidential, established precision manufacturing company in North San Diego County to identify a CNC Swiss Machine Programming Technician. This is a hands-on technical role focused on CNC programming, tooling, prototype support, production support, and machining process optimization.
The ideal candidate will have practical CNC machining experience, introductory to intermediate programming knowledge, and the ability to work from engineering prints, drawings, sketches, and CAD models. This person will support both new part development and existing production processes, helping improve quality, efficiency, repeatability, and overall machining performance.
Position Overview
The CNC Swiss Machine Programming Technician will be responsible for creating, editing, validating, and optimizing CNC machine programs and tooling documentation for prototype and production parts. This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and shop leadership to support new part development, troubleshoot machining issues, improve existing programs, and help transfer parts into repeatable production.
This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the machine, working through technical problems, supporting machinists, and improving machining processes in a precision manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, edit, validate, and maintain CNC machine programs for prototype, new production, and existing production parts.
- Develop setup parameters, tooling diagrams, and related documentation to support accurate and repeatable machining processes.
- Read and interpret engineering prints, drawings, sketches, CAD models, and part specifications.
- Review part requirements to determine appropriate machining methods, tools, materials, machine capabilities, and sequence of operations.
- Support prototype development and help transition parts into scalable production.
- Optimize machining methods to reduce variability, improve tool life, decrease cycle times, reduce secondary operations, and improve overall cost efficiency.
- Modify and troubleshoot G Code and M Code as needed to support setup, production, and process improvements.
- Assist with tooling changes, machine setup, program edits, and process adjustments on CNC Swiss screw machines.
- Partner with machinists and setup teams to support new or improved machining processes.
- Troubleshoot day-to-day machining issues related to programs, tooling, setup, quality, or process performance.
- Audit machining processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and process control.
- Use SolidWorks or similar CAD software to support programming, print interpretation, and manufacturing review.
- Apply GD&T knowledge to ensure machined parts meet required specifications.
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and team-oriented work environment.
- Support continuous improvement efforts within the machine shop.
Required Qualifications
- 1 to 3 years of hands-on CNC machining experience, including introductory CNC programming experience.
- Experience creating, editing, or validating CNC machine programs for prototype or production parts.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering prints, technical drawings, machining sketches, and part specifications.
- Working knowledge of G Code and M Code.
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software in a machining or manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, including GD&T.
- Experience setting up parts, changing tooling, editing programs, or supporting production on CNC Swiss screw machines.
- Ability to troubleshoot machining issues and recommend practical process improvements.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and shop-floor teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Citizen CNC Swiss screw machines strongly preferred.
- Previous experience in an ISO, cGMP, or quality-regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
- Some college, technical school, trade school, or certificate coursework preferred.
- Experience training machinists, operators, or setup teams on new or improved machining processes is a plus.
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement exposure is a plus.
Compensation and Schedule
- Compensation: $100,000 to $125,000 annualized, based on experience
- Pay Type: Hourly, non-exempt, eligible for overtime
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Location: North San Diego County, CA
- Work Environment: On-site manufacturing environment
Benefits
This opportunity offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan options, paid time off, and additional employee support programs.
Interview Process
The interview process is expected to include one on-site interview and a facility tour with members of the operations and machine shop leadership team.
Candidate Screening Questions
- Do you have hands-on experience creating or editing CNC machine programs for prototype or production parts?
- Can you read and interpret engineering prints, drawings, and machining sketches independently?
- Do you have working knowledge of G Code and M Code?
- Have you used SolidWorks or similar CAD software in a machining environment?
- Have you set up, tooled, or edited programs for Citizen CNC Swiss screw machines?
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
