Programming Manager Position Description
Job Title: Programming Manager
Department: Programming
Position Type: FTE M-F day shift
Reports To: QMS Manager
Pay: $110K-$130K
Location: 11501 SW Amu, Street Tualatin, OR
OVERVIEW
Machine Sciences is bent on being the highest impact manufacturing partner for our customers. We make custom-machined parts from prototyping through production for our partners and customers -- some of the world’s most advanced companies at the forefront of innovation. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in rapid development and pride ourselves on producing some of the most complex machined parts for world-changing technologies. Our team is growing with our business, and we are seeking highly talented, growth-minded, forward-leaning people to join our team of go-getters in delivering superior services with uncommon professionalism. We’re not just another machine shop; we are future-builders.
SUMMARY
The Programming Manager at Machine Sciences leads the CNC Programming team responsible for developing the programming strategy, standards, and processes that drive the company’s precision machining operations. This role is primarily focused on leadership, process development, and team capability building rather than hands-on programming output.
The Programming Manager will oversee daily programming operations through team leadership, establish and implement programming best practices, and ensure consistency in manufacturability, machining efficiency, and production readiness across multi-axis CNC mills, lathes, and other advanced manufacturing equipment. This position plays a key role in building scalable programming processes, supporting new product introductions (NPI), and developing programmers through coaching, training, and technical mentorship.
The ideal candidate brings a strong technical background in CNC lathe and mill programming strategy, paired with a passion for teaching and developing others- someone who has performed this work and is now motivated to lead, guide, and elevate team performance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES
· Lead and execute the overall CNC programming strategy in alignment with operational, engineering, and production goals
· Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and workload prioritization for the CNC Programming team to support production schedules, prototype runs, and engineering changes
· Develop, implement, standardize, and continuously improve programming processes, workflows, and best practices to improve efficiency, consistency, scalability, and production readiness
· Establish and maintain standards for consistent programming practices, tooling selection, setup documentation, tool libraries, and revision control protocols to ensure repeatability and traceability
· Mentor, coach, and train programmers through structured training, documentation, and technical guidance to strengthen team capability and performance
· Guide team members in CAM software usage and ensure proper post-processing across all CNC platforms, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills, Swiss machines, and lathes
· Review and approve CNC programs for complex, tight-tolerance components to ensure accuracy, efficiency, manufacturability, and optimized toolpath strategy
· Partner with Engineering, Production, Tooling, and Quality teams to ensure programming aligns with design intent, GD&T requirements, machining strategy, and inspection standards
· Support design-for-manufacturing (DFM) reviews and provide programming input during quoting, planning, and new product introduction (NPI) stages
· Oversee programming for new part launches from prototype development through full production readiness, including support for engineering trials and first article inspections (FAI)
· Lead initiatives to improve cycle times, machine utilization, first-pass yield, and reduce downtime through programming and machining strategy enhancements
· Assist in root cause investigations related to programming-driven quality issues and implement corrective actions as needed
· Evaluate and recommend improvements to CAM software, post-processors, simulation protocols, and machining strategies to support evolving customer and product complexity
· Ensure team compliance with internal documentation standards, audit readiness requirements, and AS9100 quality system expectations
QUALIFICATIONS
· 10 + years of CNC Mill and Lathe Machining within a manufacturing environment.
· 5+ years of CNC programming experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
· 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role within a comparable industry or position.
· Proficient in CAM software (Mastercam, Hypermill or similar).
· Strong understanding of GD&T, G-code, tooling strategies, and multi-axis machining.
· Strong understanding of programming strategy around parts required.
· Experience with setup documentation, simulation, and post-processing.
· Ability to interpret complex blueprints, models, and technical drawings.
WHAT WE OFFER
Machine Sciences takes pride in creating a culture for our employees that supports and fosters growth, offers exciting challenges and promotes talent. Like our customers, innovation is in our DNA, and so we invest in the latest and greatest machinery and technology and have hired some of the industry’s most talented to learn from. As part of the Machine Sciences team, here are just a few of the perks you can expect:
● A benefits package that includes top-rate medical, dental and vision plans
● Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and overtime opportunities
● Competitive compensation plans
● 401k Match
● A Culture Team that runs many employee events such as golf tournaments, bowling competitions, monthly lunches etc.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- For this role, we are looking for a senior mill/lathe CNC Programmer who is an expert in programming strategy around parts programming who is looking to lead, train and develop other programmers while also working on continuous improvement and overall efficiency. It requires a strong leader, someone who doesnt want to program all day, but wants to oversee programming, working at a higher level within strategy and process/team development. What qualifies you to this position and what has you most interested in a role like this? (only candidates who answer thoroughly will be considered)
Experience:
- Machining: 10 years (Required)
- CNC programming: 7 years (Required)
- Leadership: 3 years (Required)
- Mastercam: 5 years (Required)
- Hypermill: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
