About Us
Founded in 1990, FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. is a family-owned business with over 36 years of experience in outsourced manufacturing. We specialize in high-performance seals and precision components, providing innovative, reliable, and on-time solutions as a single-source machining provider. Our collaborative work environment values each team member’s contribution as we continue our tradition of manufacturing excellence.
Position Summary
FERPA Precision Machine is seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Programmer to support our growing aerospace and space manufacturing business. This role is a mission-critical position responsible for owning lathe programming capability - you will be responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing computer numerical control (CNC) programs that drive precision machining operations. Your expertise will ensure that complex parts are manufactured efficiently, accurately, and to the highest quality standards.
The ideal candidate can independently take a part from print to a production-ready program by developing efficient turning strategies, selecting tooling and work holding, supporting program prove-outs, optimizing cycle times, and troubleshooting complex programming and process issues.
Responsibilities
- Independently create, modify, and optimize CNC lathe programs using Mastercam for aerospace components.
- Interpret job orders, blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine tooling, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining requirements.
- Develop efficient turning sequences, toolpaths, setups, and operation plans for complex, tight-tolerance components.
- Determine the most effective manufacturing methods, fixtures, tooling, and workholding to maximize quality and productivity.
- Support machine setups, new-program prove-outs, first-piece production, and First Article Inspections in collaboration with setup machinists and Quality.
- Collaborate with Quality, Production, and lathe machinists to incorporate production feedback and ensure parts meet customer, regulatory, and quality requirements.
- Create and maintain revision-controlled CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, and other manufacturing documentation.
- Communicate new and revised manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and operating instructions to production personnel.
- Continuously evaluate and implement improvements in programming methods, tooling, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
- Serve as FERPA’s technical authority for CNC lathe programming.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, and company quality procedures.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational machining education preferred.
- Five (5) or more years of CNC lathe programming experience in a precision manufacturing environment, including hands-on experience in the following areas:
o Programming multi-axis CNC turning centers equipped with live tooling, Y-axis, C-axis, and sub-spindles.
o CNC program simulation, verification, and collision detection.
o Creating setup documentation, tooling lists, and production work instructions
o Programming precision components made from materials such as:
§ 300 Series Stainless Steel, 15-5 PH and 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, Nitronic 50 and 60, aluminum, bronze, titanium, MP35N, and Inconel.
o Advanced proficiency with Mastercam.
Skills and Competencies
- Advanced CNC lathe programming and process-development skills using Mastercam and G-code.
- Strong understanding of CNC turning processes, tooling, workholding, feeds, speeds, materials, and cutting strategies.
- Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, GD&T, and tight-tolerance requirements.
- Ability to develop efficient processes for complex precision components.
- Strong shop math, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Detail-oriented, quality-focused, and able to manage programming priorities independently.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- AS9100 and ISO 9001 experience or familiarity is a plus.
- Experience in aerospace, space, medical, or another precision manufacturing environment preferred.
Additional Requirements
- Must be open to work variable schedules including overtime or weekends as needed
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted
ITAR Requirement
- This position requires U.S. Person status or authorization from the U.S. Department of State to access export-controlled technical data under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). A U.S. Person includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), including individuals granted refugee or asylum status in the United States.
Why Work at FERPA?
- Family-owned company with over 35 years of success
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance with generous employer premium contributions
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Direct-hire, full-time position
- Clean, climate-controlled shop
- Opportunity to develop highly valuable manufacturing skills
- Growing aerospace and precision manufacturing company
