CNC Programmer/Machinist

CNC Programmer/Machinist (Haas Mills & Lathes) Location: Poway, California Employment Type: Full-time, Direct Hire Work Arrangement: On-site Compensation: $35$40 per hour, depending on experience Position Overview An established manufacturer in the Poway area is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer/Machinist to support both production machining and R&D prototype work. This is a hands-on programming and machining position requiring someone who can take a part from an engineering drawing or CAD model through CAM programming, machine setup, program prove-out, machining, and initial inspection. The company uses the latest version of Mastercam to program Haas CNC mills and lathes. This is not an operator-only or setup-only position; candidates must have practical experience creating CNC programs, performing complete setups, troubleshooting machining issues, and producing conforming parts. Key Responsibilities Create CNC programs in Mastercam from engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and manufacturing requirements. Program Haas 3-axis vertical machining centers and CNC turning centers. Post, upload, verify, and troubleshoot programs at the machine. Perform complete machine setups, including tooling, fixtures, workholding, tool offsets, work offsets, and raw material. Run setup pieces and prove out new programs, tooling, and machining processes. Make G-code and M-code edits at the machine when required. Select appropriate cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, machining strategies, speeds, feeds, and cutting parameters. Machine production parts, prototype components, fixtures, tooling, and other R&D-related work. Inspect first pieces using standard precision measuring equipment and coordinate with Quality to confirm conformance. Troubleshoot dimensional, programming, tooling, cycle-time, surface-finish, and general machining problems. Develop or modify custom fixtures and workholding when needed. Create and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, programs, process instructions, and other manufacturing documentation. Provide manufacturability and machining-process feedback to engineering. Support improvements involving cycle time, tool life, setup reduction, quality, and process repeatability. Coordinate material, tooling, fixture, and outside-processing requirements with purchasing and other departments. Perform routine machine care and basic preventive maintenance. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area. Required Qualifications Five or more years of CNC machining experience involving machine setup and operation in a manufacturing or precision-machining environment. At least two years of hands-on CNC programming experience. Experience creating CNC programs with Mastercam rather than only running or making minor edits to existing programs. Ability to independently program, set up, prove out, troubleshoot, and operate both CNC mills and CNC lathes. Experience with Haas machining centers, Haas turning centers, and Haas controls strongly preferred. Strong understanding of G-code, M-code, work offsets, tool offsets, canned cycles, cutter compensation, and program troubleshooting. Experience programming and machining both 3-axis milled components and turned parts. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, dimensional tolerances, and manufacturing specifications. Strong working knowledge of cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, fixture design, speeds and feeds, and general machine-shop practices. Experience using precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, thread gauges, and related inspection tools. Knowledge of threads, thread classes, fits, surface finishes, and close-tolerance machining. Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with engineering, quality, purchasing, production, and management. Strong troubleshooting, documentation, organization, and problem-solving skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting both prototype and production machining. Experience developing custom fixtures, tooling, or workholding. Experience machining a variety of metals and engineering materials. Experience with horizontal machining centers, mill-turn equipment, live-tool lathes, or additional multi-axis equipment. Previous involvement in tooling optimization, cycle-time reduction, process development, or design-for-manufacturability reviews. Experience working within an established manufacturing quality system. Education High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience required. Technical coursework, vocational training, apprenticeship, or an associate degree in machining, manufacturing technology, or a related discipline is preferred. Benefits The company offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) matching Paid time off and company holidays Tuition reimbursement Wellness reimbursement Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance Employee assistance program Professional development and internal advancement opportunities