5-Axis CNC Programmer / Machinist - Prototype & Defense Work (SolidCAM / Fanuc)

At a GlanceCompany: Empire GroupLocation: Attleboro, MA (on-site)Job Type: Full-TimeCompensation: $100,000 – $140,000 per year (based on experience)Shift: Day Shift | Typical start time of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AMSchedule: Standard 8-hour shifts with common half-days on FridaysOvertime: Available as neededExperience Level: Mid to Senior Level (5+ years preferred)Industry: Prototype Machining / Defense Manufacturing / Advanced ManufacturingRelocation Assistance: Not available — local candidates preferredCAM Software: SolidCAM (Mastercam experience highly transferable)---Why This Role ExistsEmpire Group is expanding its advanced machining capabilities and preparing to bring additional 5-axis machining capacity online to support complex defense and prototype manufacturing programs.This role will play a key part in producing highly complex machined components for defense-related projects, including work tied to Black Hawk helicopter weaponization kits. The company is looking for a skilled CNC programmer/machinist who can help bridge current 3-axis and 4-axis operations into a more advanced 5-axis environment over the coming months.This is an opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial manufacturing company with a “25-year-old startup” feel — minimal bureaucracy, direct access to ownership, and exposure to advanced machining, additive manufacturing, and cutting-edge defense projects.---The Work Youll Be DoingIn this role, you will:Program and set up CNC milling machines for complex prototype and low-volume workInitially focus on 3-axis and 4-axis machining while helping transition into dedicated 5-axis productionCreate and optimize offline CNC programs using CAD models and blueprintsWork closely with engineering and leadership on highly technical defense-related projectsSet tooling, work offsets, fixtures, and verify setups at the machinePerform first-article and in-process inspectionsTroubleshoot machining issues and optimize programs for efficiency and qualityWork on large, complex aluminum components and prototype-style partsCollaborate with a small, highly skilled team of programmers and machinistsLong-term, this position is expected to evolve into a more programming-heavy role as additional 5-axis projects ramp up.---Machines, Controls & SoftwareYoull work with equipment and software such as:MachinesSmart VMCsYCM vertical machining centers3-axis and 4-axis milling platformsUpcoming dedicated 5-axis machining platformControlsFanucHurcoCAM SoftwareSolidCAMMastercam experience considered highly transferable---Inspection & Technical SkillsBlueprint readingGD&T interpretationPrecision inspection toolsCAD model-based programming workflows---Materials Youll Work WithAluminumStainless steelAlloy steelsExotic metalsPrototype and defense-grade materials---What Were Looking ForRequired5+ years of CNC programming and machining experienceStrong milling background in a metal machining environmentExperience with setup, tooling, offsets, and troubleshootingAbility to read blueprints and understand GD&TExperience programming from CAD modelsPrototype, low-volume, or high-complexity machining experiencePreferred5-axis machining exposureSolidCAM experienceMastercam programming experienceDefense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing backgroundExperience with Haas, Fanuc, or Hurco environments---Not a FitThis role is likely not a fit for candidates coming primarily from:Plastics machiningHigh-volume production machining environmentsRepetitive production-only work---Why Machinists Like Working HereMachinists choose Empire Group because of the combination of advanced work, clean environment, and growth potential.Highlights include:Extremely clean, climate-controlled shopHeated floors throughout the facilitySmall, highly skilled team environmentExposure to advanced manufacturing technologiesDefense and drone-related projectsOpportunity to rapidly grow into advanced 5-axis machiningMinimal red tape and approachable ownershipFuture expansion into a newer, larger facilityThis is the type of shop where skilled machinists can have direct impact on projects, processes, and future capabilities.---Pay, Benefits & ScheduleCompensation$100,000 – $140,000 per year (DOE)Salary or hourly structure possible depending on candidate backgroundBenefitsBlue Cross Blue Shield medical coverageDentalVisionBenefits begin after 30 days401(k) with 4% company match after 12 monthsShort-term disabilityLife insurancePTO starts at 2 weeks and increases with seniorityPaid company holidaysScheduleDay shiftTypical start times of 6:00 AM or 7:00 AMStandard 8-hour shiftsHalf-days on Fridays are commonOvertime available as needed---ApplyInterested CNC programmers and machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.Apply Now or Save This Job to learn more about this opportunity with Empire Group.