CNC Programmer

Job Description

About the Role

Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a CNC Programmer in Indianapolis, IN. This is a hands-on programming and manufacturing engineering position within a high-mix, low-volume machine shop environment supporting medical device manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of CNC programming experience, strong MasterCAM expertise, and experience with multi-axis machining, GD&T, tooling, speeds and feeds, and quality inspection. This role will focus heavily on programming and manufacturing planning, with approximately 80% of the time spent at a desk and the remainder on the production floor supporting first-piece runs and troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate new and existing jobs and develop manufacturing plans for production.
• Provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to improve manufacturability and machining efficiency.
• Generate CNC programs for active and new jobs using MasterCAM.
• Develop machining strategies for high-mix, low-volume production.
• Program parts for 3-axis and 5-axis machining centers.
• Optimize machining processes and collaborate with Production to improve efficiency, quality, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Support new product development and one-off or low-volume part production.
• Facilitate the transition of programmed parts from engineering into production.
• Be present during first-piece runs to ensure programs and processes are running correctly.
• Troubleshoot CNC equipment, programs, tooling, and machining processes.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, workholding fixtures, and machining strategies.
• Perform quality checks on completed and first-piece parts using micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T requirements during programming and inspection.
• Create and maintain standard work procedures for machining and programming processes.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and implement Lean manufacturing practices.
• Collaborate with operators, Production, and Engineering to resolve machining and process issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the machine shop.
• Help ensure CNC programs produce quality parts efficiently and consistently.
• Work with multi-axis machining equipment, primarily Haas machinery.
• Support machining of a variety of materials and part types in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
• Assist with CNC setups and machine operation as needed to support the team.
• Work closely with Engineering and Production to identify and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Maintain accurate and organized CNC programs, manufacturing documentation, and standard work.
• Evaluate new technologies and processes that could improve CNC programming and machining operations.
• Support the company's exploration of AI and other emerging technologies within machining and manufacturing.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience.
• Strong proficiency with MasterCAM.
• Experience programming multi-axis machining centers; Haas experience preferred.
• Experience with 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machinery.
• Ability to perform quality inspections using micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, and similar measurement equipment.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, speeds, feeds, workholding, and machining strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop efficient machining processes.
• Experience troubleshooting CNC programs, equipment, and machining processes.
• Experience evaluating jobs and developing manufacturing plans.
• Experience providing DFM feedback.
• Experience supporting first-piece runs and production launches.
• Demonstrated experience improving processes, reducing costs, or implementing Lean manufacturing practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of CNC programming responsibilities.
• Ability to work a Monday-Friday, 8-hour schedule, typically around 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, with some flexibility.

Preferred:

• Associate's degree in Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience with Amada Fab software.
• Experience machining plastics, particularly polypropylene or Radel.
• Experience with hard-plastic CNC machining.
• CNC setup experience.
• Experience designing sheet metal components, including shapes, bends, and punched holes.
• Experience with sheet metal manufacturing processes.
• Experience in a custom, high-mix, low-volume machine shop.
• Medical device manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting new product development and low-volume production.
• Experience working with surgical, medical, or other precision components.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience introducing or applying AI technologies within machining or manufacturing.
• Experience with Haas CNC equipment.
• Experience working with both metal and plastic machining applications.
• Experience developing or maintaining standard work procedures.
• Experience collaborating closely with Production teams during first-piece and new-product runs.

Benefits Overview:

• $80K-$90K base salary
• Salaried position with limited overtime.
• Quarterly performance/profit bonus opportunity
• Monday-Friday, 5-day/8-hour schedule.
• Clean, well-lit, temperature-controlled manufacturing facility.
• 16 hours of paid volunteer time.
• Charitable giving and community involvement.

Explore More Engineering Opportunities

This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division , where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as:

• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
• Manufacturing/Process Engineering
• Controls Engineering
• Project Engineering
• Technical Sales
• Operations / Plant Engineering

Explore additional Engineering roles and learn more about how we support Engineering professionals:

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