Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Citizen Swiss CNC Programmer / Process Engineer to support and grow our aerospace machining operations. This position is responsible for programming, setup, process development, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of complex precision-machined aerospace components on Citizen Swiss machines.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Citizen Swiss platforms, tight-tolerance aerospace machining, multi-channel programming, live tooling, sub-spindle operations, and unattended machining strategies. This role directly supports production efficiency, quality, delivery performance, and long-term manufacturing growth.
The right person will take ownership of machining processes, solve problems independently, improve cycle times, support operators and setup personnel, and help build a world-class Swiss machining department.
The Citizen Swiss CNC Programmer / Process Engineer will be responsible for independently managing complex Swiss machining processes while supporting daily production goals. This position requires strong technical ability, good judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to solve problems without constant supervision.
This role includes programming multi-axis Citizen Swiss machines, supporting production troubleshooting, improving process capability, reducing setup times, improving cycle efficiency, optimizing tooling strategies, and maintaining stable repeatable machining processes for aerospace components.
The position may involve machining difficult materials such as Inconel, titanium, 440C stainless, 347 stainless and other aerospace alloys requiring advanced cutting strategies and process control.
This role directly impacts quality, delivery, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term manufacturing capability.
Primary Machines
- Citizen L12 Swiss Machines
- Citizen L20 Swiss Machines
- Citizen L32 Swiss Machines
- Citizen M32 Swiss Machines
- Citizen Cincom Swiss Machines
Key Responsibilities
- Programming: Program, edit, and optimize Citizen Swiss CNC machines for aerospace and precision-machined components.
- Process Development: Develop complete machining processes from print review through production approval.
- Setup and Prove-Out: Perform complex machine setups, prove-outs, first articles, and production validation.
- Cycle Time Optimization: Improve cycle times, spindle utilization, tool life, and process reliability.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve machining, tooling, quality, chip control, and machine process issues.
- Tooling and Workholding: Select tooling, holders, guide bushings, workholding, and cutting strategies for efficient production.
- Quality Support: Work closely with quality personnel to maintain aerospace quality standards and inspection requirements.
- Training and Leadership: Train and mentor operators and setup technicians on Swiss machining best practices.
- Documentation: Maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, process documentation, and programming records.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify practical opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, organization, and overall manufacturing performance.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of Citizen Swiss programming and setup experience in a precision machining or aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Strong Swiss machining knowledge (multi-channel programming, live tooling, sub-spindle operations, guide bushing applications, tight tolerances) with aerospace material experience (stainless steels, 440C, titanium, Inconel, and other difficult alloys).
- Ability to read and interpret complex aerospace drawings, GD&T, and inspection requirements.
- Independent problem solving and prioritization with the ability to optimize feeds, speeds, tooling, and cycle times to improve reliability and efficiency.
- Clear, collaborative communication with management, operators, setup personnel, engineering, and quality teams; dependable, organized, and safety-minded.
Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
