Cnc Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: CNC Programmer

Job Description

This role focuses on programming and optimizing 4th- and 5th-axis CNC machines using Fanuc controls to produce complex machined components from castings. The CNC Programmer owns the complete machining process from interpreting engineering drawings and castings through work holding design, machining sequences, CNC programming, tooling selection, inspection approach, and production troubleshooting. The position requires close collaboration with production, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure efficient, high-quality, and safe machining operations while continuously improving productivity and reducing costs.

Responsibilities

• Program and optimize 4th- and 5th-axis CNC machines using Fanuc controls to produce complex machined components.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot CNC programs to ensure parts meet dimensional, tolerance, and surface finish requirements.
• Work directly with castings, understanding casting variations, machining allowances, datums, and fixturing requirements.
• Own the complete machining process, from reviewing castings and engineering drawings to defining work holding, machining sequence, CNC program, tooling, and inspection approach.
• Design, specify, evaluate, and approve cutting tools and custom tooling for CNC machining operations.
• Collaborate with tooling suppliers to develop custom cutting tools when required.
• Select appropriate cutters, inserts, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies for efficient and stable machining.
• Design and develop fixtures, work holding solutions, and other machining aids to support production.
• Review engineering drawings and 3D models to determine machining requirements, tolerances, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Troubleshoot machining problems such as tool wear, chatter, dimensional issues, poor surface finish, and cycle-time concerns.
• Optimize CNC programs and tooling to improve productivity, quality, tool life, and overall machining efficiency.
• Support production personnel with CNC programming, machine setup, and machining issues on the shop floor.
• Inspect finished components and help establish appropriate inspection methods and processes.
• Collaborate closely with quality, maintenance, and production teams to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Maintain accurate CNC programs, tooling documentation, setup sheets, and manufacturing documentation.
• Identify opportunities to reduce machining costs, scrap, setup time, and cycle time while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Ensure all machining processes meet required quality and safety standards and follow established procedures.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience programming CNC machines.
• Proven experience programming and optimizing 4th- and 5th-axis CNC machines.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting CNC machines and machining processes.
• Strong CNC programming skills, including Fanuc programming.
• Ability to design and develop fixtures and work holding solutions for complex parts.
• Solid understanding of machining principles, cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies.
• Experience working directly with castings, including knowledge of casting variations, machining allowances, datums, and fixturing requirements.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and 3D models, including GD&T.
• Capability to own and manage the complete machining process from casting and drawing through to finished part and inspection.
• Strong problem-solving skills for addressing tool wear, chatter, dimensional issues, surface finish problems, and cycle-time concerns.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software for reviewing models and supporting fixture and tooling design.
• Experience in designing custom cutting tools and collaborating with tooling suppliers.
• Ability to establish and refine inspection methods and processes for machined components.
• Comfort working in a collaborative environment with production, quality, and maintenance teams.
• Strong documentation skills for maintaining CNC programs, tooling information, setup sheets, and process records.
• Attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset focused on reducing cost, scrap, setup time, and cycle time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a smaller, collaborative company environment where communication across the team is frequent and open. The shop floor is located in a large warehouse-style building without air conditioning; temperature is controlled primarily with fans. In winter, the facility is heated, but due to the size of the building it may not be warm enough for very light clothing, so practical work attire suited to variable temperatures is recommended. The office area is air conditioned and heated, providing a more controlled climate for programming and engineering work. The company runs two shifts and offers flexibility in working hours, with a culture that focuses on getting the job done efficiently and allowing reasonable flexibility in start and end times. Benefits are available after a 60-day probationary period and include health, dental, and vision coverage, along with a 401(k) plan featuring up to a 4% match. The environment values individuals who are comfortable interacting with colleagues, confident in their day-to-day responsibilities, and able to work independently while contributing to a close-knit team.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sturtevant, WI.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $43.26/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Sturtevant,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.