Cnc Programmer

Job Title: CNC Programmer
Job Description
The CNC Programmer develops and documents complete manufacturing strategies to produce precision parts to print, including fixturing, tooling, and CNC programs. This role programs CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines using the latest Mastercam software, creates detailed process paperwork from drawings and models, and supports the shop floor by setting up and proving out programs. The position requires a highly detail-oriented and organized professional with strong computer, communication, and problem-solving skills who can collaborate across departments and confidently operate in a machine shop environment.
Responsibilities

• Review customer drawings, models, and requirements to develop comprehensive manufacturing strategies that produce parts to specification from start to finish.
• Determine and document fixturing, tooling, and machining methods needed to manufacture parts per print.
• Create clear and detailed process paperwork and shop travelers that other machinists will follow during manufacturing.
• Use Mastercam software to program 2-, 3-, and 4-axis CNC machinery, including mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines.
• Read, understand, and adjust G and M code to optimize programs and address issues as needed.
• Set up CNC machines for new jobs, including loading programs, tooling, and fixtures, and ensure proper workholding and offsets.
• Proof out new programs on the shop floor, verify first articles, and make necessary adjustments to achieve dimensional accuracy and quality requirements.
• Plan and document manufacturing processes from raw material through final machining, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to customer specifications.
• Apply extensive knowledge of CNC machine tools, controls, and tooling to select appropriate strategies for complex geometries.
• Interpret blueprints and GD&T to ensure all dimensional and tolerance requirements are met.
• Use shop mathematics to calculate feeds, speeds, offsets, and other machining parameters.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process and programming issues as they arise, using critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Collaborate with machinists and other departments to clarify requirements, improve processes, and support production schedules.
• Work independently with limited supervision while managing priorities and maintaining organized documentation.
• Continuously build knowledge and skills in CNC programming, machining strategies, and Mastercam, and share expertise with colleagues.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency using Mastercam software to program CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines.
• Ability to program 2-, 3-, and 4-axis CNC machine tools.
• Ability to program CNC mills of various sizes and fully machined parts.
• Strong experience planning and documenting manufacturing processes from start to finish.
• Extensive knowledge of CNC machine tools, controls, and their operation.
• Extensive knowledge of tooling and machining strategies for complex geometry.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.
• Excellent machine shop mathematics skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and adjust G and M code.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and perform job requirements with limited supervision.
• Confidence working on the shop floor to set up and prove out CNC programs.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized approach with solid computer skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience as a machinist, including setting up and running CNC machines.
• Experience proving out programs on the shop floor and validating first article parts.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machining and programming issues in a production environment.
• Strong desire to continuously build knowledge and skills and to share expertise with others.
• Comfort working across departments and collaborating with production, engineering, and quality teams.

Work Environment
This role is fully onsite in Clackamas, OR, within a machine shop environment that utilizes CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines programmed with Mastercam. The position follows a day shift schedule, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. You will work directly on the shop floor, around active machinery, tooling, and fixturing, and will regularly interact with machinists and other technical staff in a collaborative, production-focused setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clackamas, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Clackamas,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.