CNC Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

**SPACE MACHINE & ENGINEERING CORP.

**

*Precision Manufacturing | St. Petersburg, Florida

*

**CNC PROGRAMMER

**

**Job Description

**

**Reports To

**

Machine Shop Supervisor

**Job Hours

**

Flexible schedule; extended hours as needed

**Supervisory Responsibilities

**

None

| | | |

**JOB SUMMARY

**

The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, proving out, and maintaining CNC programs used to manufacture precision components and assemblies. This position programs and supports CNC machining operations, verifies dimensional compliance, optimizes machining processes, and ensures work is performed in accordance with drawings, travelers, quality requirements, and applicable safety standards. The CNC Programmer works closely with Machine Shop, Engineering, and Quality to achieve first-pass yield, productivity, and on-time delivery objectives.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

**

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work travelers, GD&T requirements, and other technical documentation.

• Develop CNC programs and toolpaths using Mastercam for precision machining operations.

• Set up, prove out, and support CNC machining processes in accordance with approved drawings and manufacturing requirements.

• Post CNC programs to the appropriate machine controls and maintain organized, controlled program files and revisions.

• Select appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, workholding, and machining strategies to achieve dimensional and productivity requirements.

• Optimize cutting paths, feeds, speeds, tooling, and setups to improve cycle time while maintaining product quality.

• Account for dimensional requirements associated with subsequent outside processes, including plating and other specified finishes.

• Perform dimensional verification using appropriate precision measurement equipment and confirm conformance to drawing requirements.

• Identify and correct programming, setup, or tolerancing issues that could result in nonconforming product.

• Support first-piece, in-process, and final inspection activities as required.

• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, setup, and program-related issues and implement effective corrective actions.

• Review completed programs and processes for manufacturability, repeatability, efficiency, and production readiness.

• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, and Production personnel to resolve manufacturing issues and improve processes.

• Produce accurate, repeatable CNC programs that support productivity, quality, safety, and on-time delivery goals.

• Develop CNC programs directly from customer engineering drawings, solid models, and STEP files using Mastercam.

• Perform Mastercam simulation and toolpath verification prior to program release to identify collisions, machine-travel limitations, tooling interference, and other potential machining issues.

• Develop and maintain controlled setup documentation, including setup sheets, tool lists, workholding/fixture requirements, machining parameters, and program revision information.

• Support first-piece inspection and AS9100 First Article Inspection (FAI) activities, including investigation and resolution of machining-related nonconformances.

• Drive continuous improvement through setup reduction, cycle-time optimization, tooling improvements, scrap reduction, improved first-pass yield, and increased machine utilization.

**REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

**

• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing documentation.

• Advanced knowledge of CNC machining, tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and machining practices.

• Proficiency with Mastercam CAD/CAM software is mandatory.

• Working knowledge of G/M-code and CNC machine controls.

• Ability to use precision inspection and measurement equipment.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical shop mathematics skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot machining and programming issues independently.

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, repeatability, and process control.

• Effective time-management, organization, and prioritization skills.

• Ability to work independently while following controlled procedures and documented requirements.

• Ability to communicate effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and management.

• Must meet applicable U.S. person requirements associated with the company's controlled work and customer contracts.

• Ability to program from 2D engineering drawings and 3D solid models/STEP files.

• Working knowledge of CAM simulation, toolpath verification, collision avoidance, and machine-travel limitations.

• Ability to develop production-ready setup documentation, tooling strategies, and workholding/fixture requirements.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

**

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in CNC machining, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of proven CNC programming experience in a precision manufacturing environment; aerospace or defense manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated Mastercam programming experience required.

• Experience programming and supporting CNC mills required.

• CNC lathe and Wire EDM experience preferred.

• Experience in an AS9100 or other regulated precision-manufacturing environment preferred.

**PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITIES

**

• Meet established production and productivity objectives.

• Support required production and reporting deadlines.

• Maintain quality standards and maximize first-pass yield.

• Develop programs and processes that are safe, efficient, repeatable, and production-ready.

• Maintain accurate program control and manufacturing documentation.

**TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

**

• GD&T and blueprint interpretation

• CNC programming and G/M-code

• Mastercam CAD/CAM

• CNC tooling and workholding

• Production optimization and cycle-time improvement

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

• Advanced inspection and gauge measurement

• Machine setup, changeover, geometry, and alignment

• Statistical Process Control (SPC)

• AS9100 quality systems

• ITAR / export-controlled manufacturing awareness

• Industrial and manufacturing engineering fundamentals

• Basic computer and file-management skills

• AS9100 First Article Inspection (FAI) support

• Mastercam simulation and toolpath verification

• 3D solid-model and STEP-file programming

**MACHINES AND TECHNOLOGIES

**

• Haas CNC Mills / 3- and 4-axis Vertical Machining Centers (VMCs)

• Haas EC-400 Horizontal Machining Center (HMC)

• Haas CNC Lathes

• Mastercam CAD/CAM software

• Precision measurement and inspection equipment

• Wire EDM equipment, where applicable

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS

**

• Ability to occasionally push, pull, lift, or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to stand, walk, reach, and perform normal machine-shop activities for extended periods.

• Visual ability sufficient for precision inspection, including depth perception and peripheral vision.

• Hearing and mental coordination sufficient to safely operate and work around manufacturing equipment.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT

**

• Work is performed primarily in a precision manufacturing and machine-shop environment.

• Employees may be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, machining fluids, fumes, and airborne particles.

• Noise levels are generally moderate but may vary by work area; required personal protective equipment must be used.

**BENEFITS

**

• 401(k) retirement plan eligibility

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Paid time off

**EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

**

Space Machine & Engineering Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

*This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Responsibilities may be modified as business and operational needs require.

*

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• G-Code
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• M-Code
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC) (Fanuc, Bridgeport, Mazak, ProtoTRAK, Haas, Okuma, Dmg Mori Seiki, Hurco, Brother, Makino, Kitamura, Doosan, Hwachon)
• CNC Lathe (2-4 axis) (Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Doosan, Takisawa, Dmg Mori Seiki, Hwachon, Fuji, Murata, Nakamura, Hyundai - Wia, Samsung, Quick Tech)
• CAM Software (Mastercam, Esprit, Autodesk Fusion 360, Siemens NX)
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC) (Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Kitamura, Hwachon, Dmg Mori Seiki, Mikron, Matsuura)
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis) (Mazak, Okuma, Doosan, Index, Eurotech, Miyano, Hwachon, Nakamura, Samsung, Dmg Mori Seiki)