CNC Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

CNC Programmer I

Overview:

We are looking for a CNC Programmer who can take an aerospace part from the drawing or solid model to a stable production process. This is not a desk-only programming job. You will be at the machine for setup, prove-out, first-piece inspection, and troubleshooting, working directly with machinists, Quality, and Engineering. A good program is not just code that runs. It must be safe, repeatable, clearly documented, and practical for the people running the job.

Responsibilities:

• Program new and repeat work in Mastercam for Haas machines and other assigned equipment.

• Start every job with the current drawing, model, traveler, specifications, and customer notes. Confirm the revision before any programming work begins.

• Decide how the part will be made, including the operation sequence, datums, stock condition, workholding, tooling, and inspection points.

• Choose cutting tools, holders, fixtures, speeds, feeds, coolant, and chip-control methods that fit the material, machine, tolerance, and expected tool life.

• Review, simulate, and backplot posted code before it reaches the machine. Check units, offsets, tool changes, spindle direction, coolant commands, machine travel, and all tool, holder, and fixture clearances.

• Be present for prove-out. Use graphics, dry run, single block, reduced rapid, and controlled first-piece methods until the process is safe and predictable.

• Build a setup package that another machinist can follow without guessing. Include the setup sheet, tool list, workholding details, program notes, and any special checks.

• Stay involved through the first piece and First Article Inspection. Compare the actual results with the drawing and make controlled corrections before the job is released.

• Keep programs under revision control. Save the approved file in the correct server location, document changes, and make sure the shop is running the current version.

• Troubleshoot alarms, dimensional movement, chatter, tool wear, poor finish, chip problems, and repeatability issues. Improve cycle time and tool life only after the process is stable.

• Explain the process to the setup person, machinist, or operator before handoff. Make sure they understand part orientation, clamping, tool-life concerns, offsets, and critical features.

• Raise manufacturability concerns early and support nonconformance or corrective-action investigations when the program, setup, tooling, or machining method may be involved.

• Follow P4 Swiss Lindel safety, FOD, traceability, and AS9100 procedures throughout the job. Stop and ask when the drawing, traveler, program, setup, inspection plan, and actual part do not match.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of hands-on CNC programming, setup, prove-out, and machine-operation experience in precision manufacturing or a closely related field.

• Strong Mastercam skills and experience programming Haas machines. You must be able to read, check, and safely edit G-code and M-code.

• A record of taking milling, turning, or multi-axis work from the drawing or model through a conforming first piece and production release.

• The ability to read advanced engineering drawings, follow revision controls, and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing using ASME Y14.5 principles.

• Practical knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, machine limits, speeds and feeds, and machining aerospace materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel-based alloys.

• Solid shop math, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. You must be comfortable calculating coordinates, offsets, angles, and dimensions.

• The ability to check your own prove-out work with micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, indicators, and other appropriate inspection tools.

• Good file-management habits in a Windows network environment. You must be comfortable handling CAD/CAM files, controlled programs, and production documents.

• The ability to read and understand English-language drawings, procedures, safety instructions, and controlled records well enough to perform the job accurately and safely.

• High school diploma or GED certificate.

• Preferred experience includes AS9100 and AS9102, 4-axis or 5-axis milling, mill-turn or Swiss-type equipment, probing, macros, post processors, fixture design, inspection planning, or CMM programming.

• Apprenticeship or journeyman credentials, a CNC or machining certificate, or a relevant associate degree are preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Keep programs, notes, and revisions organized. The next person should not have to guess which file is current or why a change was made.

• Communicate problems early. Do not wait for scrap, a missed delivery, or the next shift to discover an issue that was already visible.

• Work from measurements and evidence. Do not use repeated trial and error as the normal troubleshooting method.

• Work independently when the path is clear, and pull in Quality, Engineering, or Production leadership when the issue crosses into their area.

• Treat machinists, setup personnel, and operators as part of the programming process. Listen to what the machine and the people running it are telling you.

• Own problems through resolution or a clear handoff. Document what was found, what changed, and what still needs attention.

• Keep safety and part conformity ahead of schedule pressure. A fast process is useful only when it is controlled and repeatable.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.