CNC Programmer
Aerospace Manufacturing | Precision Machining | Multi-Axis CNC Operations
Position Summary
Advanced Materials Technologies (AMT) seeks a highly skilled and meticulous CNC Programmer to support the manufacture and overhaul of precision aerospace components in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, validating, and maintaining CNC machining programs that support safe, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing operations across a variety of complex aerospace hardware.
The CNC Programmer serves as a key technical resource within Manufacturing Engineering and Operations, translating engineering drawings, process plans, and customer requirements into machine-ready CNC programs and robust machining strategies. This individual will collaborate closely with machinists, manufacturing engineers, quality personnel, tooling specialists, and operations leadership to ensure machining processes consistently meet aerospace quality, dimensional, and performance requirements.
This position requires strong technical expertise in multi-axis machining, tooling selection, workholding concepts, machining optimization, and program validation. The ideal candidate is firsthand, process-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic about continuous improvement within a highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
CNC Programming & Machining Strategy
- Develop CNC machining programs for mills, lathes, horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers, and multi-axis CNC equipment using CAM software.
- Translate engineering drawings, CAD models, routers, process plans, and manufacturing work instructions into executable CNC machining programs.
- Create efficient machining strategies, toolpaths, cutting parameters, and machining sequences that optimize quality, safety, productivity, and repeatability.
- Program complex aerospace components with tight tolerances and demanding geometric requirements.
- Apply GD&T principles and dimensional requirements to machining operations and setup methodology.
Tooling, Workholding & Process Development
- Select cutting tools, tool assemblies, inserts, holders, and machining consumables appropriate for material type and machining application.
- Develop or recommend fixture and workholding concepts that ensure repeatable, stable, and accurate part positioning.
- Support setup development and machining process validation for new and existing production programs.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to improve manufacturability, reduce setup time, and enhance machining efficiency.
Program Validation & Production Support
- Perform program simulation, verification, and collision analysis prior to machine release.
- Support machine setup, prove-outs, first article activities, and initial production runs.
- Troubleshoot machining issues related to tooling, feeds and speeds, machine performance, toolpaths, workholding, and dimensional variation.
- Optimize CNC programs to improve cycle time, tool life, spindle utilization, surface finish, and dimensional capability.
- Provide technical support to machinists and production personnel during setup and production operations.
Quality, Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate revision control and documentation for CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, and machining process data.
- Ensure machining processes comply with aerospace quality standards, customer specifications, and internal manufacturing requirements.
- Support root cause investigations and corrective actions associated with machining or dimensional nonconformances.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process capability, standardization, waste reduction, and operational excellence.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of CNC programming experience within aerospace, precision machining, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes including milling, turning, and multi-axis machining.
- Proficiency with CAM software such as Mastercam, NX CAM, Fusion 360, GibbsCAM, ESPRIT, or similar systems.
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
- Experience supporting machining prove-outs, process validation, and production ramp-up activities.
- Strong understanding of cutting tools, machining dynamics, feeds and speeds, and material machining characteristics.
- Familiarity with CNC machine controls including Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Siemens, Okuma, or equivalent systems.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
- Strong diligence and commitment to machining precision, process stability, and quality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Firsthand machining experience as a CNC machinist or setup technician strongly preferred.
- Experience programming 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers.
- Experience machining aerospace alloys including titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel-based superalloys.
- Familiarity with aerospace quality systems including AS9100 and customer-specific manufacturing requirements.
- Experience supporting lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence initiatives.
- Understanding of statistical process control (SPC), process capability, and dimensional analysis.
- Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship, or equivalent advanced manufacturing training preferred, but not required.
Core Competencies
- Technical Excellence
- Manufacturing Process Optimization
- Aerospace Quality Mindset
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Continuous Improvement
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Diligence
- Accountability & Ownership
- Safety Awareness
- Communication Skills
Work Environment
- Manufacturing and machine shop environment supporting aerospace component production and overhaul operations.
- Frequent interaction with CNC machinery, cutting tools, precision measuring equipment, and manufacturing personnel.
- May require standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working around industrial equipment for extended periods.
- PPE required in designated manufacturing areas.
Why Join AMT?
You will play a critical role in supporting the manufacture and overhaul of high-performance aerospace components that power commercial and military aircraft, and gas turbine engines around the world. Our team values technical excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational integrity. This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced machining technologies, complex aerospace hardware, and highly skilled manufacturing professionals in a growth-oriented environment.
If you thrive in a precision manufacturing environment and take pride in developing world-class machining solutions, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
