5-Axis CNC Programmer & Machinist
Pegasus Manufacturing Inc. | Galesburg, IL
Fair Chance / Second Chance Employer
Full-Time | On-Site | Advanced Manufacturing / Precision Machining
Pegasus Manufacturing Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and motivated 5-Axis CNC Programmer & Machinist to join our advanced manufacturing team. This is a hands-on technical role for a true machining professional who can program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and improve complex CNC machining processes.
Pegasus is a Fair Chance / Second Chance Employer. We believe skilled people deserve opportunities, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply, including individuals with prior convictions or justice-involved backgrounds. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Candidates are considered on a case-by-case basis based on qualifications, experience, job requirements, safety, customer requirements, and applicable laws or regulations.
This is not a button-pusher position. We are looking for someone who can take ownership from print review through programming, setup, tooling, fixturing, first article, and finished part production. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with 5-axis CNC machining, FANUC CNC controls, Mastercam programming, SolidWorks, fixturing, tooling selection, tooling take-offs, GD&T, and precision inspection.
This role supports high-precision work in aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and advanced manufacturing environments where quality, repeatability, documentation, and continuous improvement matter.
Key Responsibilities
Program, set up, prove out, and operate complex CNC jobs with a strong focus on 5-axis machining.
Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using Mastercam, including efficient toolpaths, machining strategies, verification, and post-processing.
Work confidently with FANUC CNC controls, including offsets, tool management, program edits, alarms, troubleshooting, probing, and machine-level adjustments.
Use Mastercam &/or Solidworks to review CAD models, verify part geometry, support fixture concepts, and assist with manufacturability review.
Interpret complex blueprints, 3D models, GD&T, customer specifications, inspection requirements, and technical drawings.
Perform tooling take-offs from drawings, models, and job requirements to identify required cutting tools, holders, inserts, gauges, fixtures, and related setup needs.
Support and develop fixturing and workholding solutions to ensure safe, accurate, repeatable, and efficient machining operations.
Evaluate new jobs for proper machining strategy, including setup approach, fixture requirements, tooling needs, sequence of operations, inspection risks, and process flow.
Set up CNC equipment, including tooling selection, fixture installation, work offsets, tool offsets, probing, alignment, and machine preparation.
Perform first-piece checks, in-process inspections, and dimensional verification using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gauges, thread gauges, height gauges, CMM equipment, and other inspection instruments.
Troubleshoot machining issues related to programming, geometry, tooling, feeds and speeds, workholding, fixturing, machine performance, or dimensional accuracy.
Partner with quality, engineering, and production teams to improve cycle times, tool life, fixture strategy, repeatability, throughput, and overall process capability.
Maintain accurate documentation of programs, setup sheets, tooling lists, fixture notes, inspection results, revisions, and process improvements.
Support AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality system expectations, including documentation, traceability, corrective actions, and process discipline.
Contribute ideas that improve workflow, repeatability, quality, safety, and production results.
Required / Preferred Qualifications
3–5 years of hands-on 5-axis CNC machining experience preferred.
Strong Mastercam &/or SolidWorks programming experience or similar CAD software prefered.
Strong working knowledge of FANUC CNC controls strongly preferred.
Experience with fixturing, workholding, tooling selection, and tooling take-offs required.
Strong understanding of CNC programming, including G-code, M-code, feeds and speeds, tooling strategies, toolpath verification, and machining best practices.
Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, GD&T, mechanical drawings, schematics, and customer specifications.
Strong metrology and inspection skills, including experience with precision measuring instruments and dimensional verification.
Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, fixture, programming, and quality issues with a practical, hands-on approach.
Knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality systems is a plus.
Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, or other high-precision manufacturing environments is a plus.
Strong communication skills, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
Continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to bring ideas forward and help improve the process.
Why Join Pegasus
At Pegasus Manufacturing Inc., you will work in an advanced manufacturing environment focused on precision, innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Our team supports demanding customers across aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and industrial markets with complex, high-quality machined components.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of meaningful work, use advanced CNC technology, contribute to process development, and be part of a team that values craftsmanship, accountability, and problem-solving.
Pay: $30.00 - $42.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of hands-on 5-axis CNC programming & machining experience do you have?
- Do you have hands-on 5 Axis experience creating, editing, and optimizing CNC programs in Mastercam or Mastercam?
- What types of parts, materials, machines, or industries have you worked with in 5-axis machining?
- Do you have experience developing or supporting fixturing and workholding strategies for precision machining?
- Do you have hands-on CNC machining experience with difficult materials such as Inconel 625, Inconel 718, and Titanium? If yes, please briefly describe the materials, part types, tooling strategies, or machining challenges you have worked with.
- Do you have hands-on experience with FANUC CNC controls, including offsets, parameters & ladders, alarms, program edits, and setup troubleshooting?
- Briefly describe a time you improved a CNC process, reduced cycle time, improved tool life, or solved a repeatability issues.
Experience:
- 5 Axis: 3 years (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Galesburg, IL 61401 (Required)
Work Location: In person
