Nc Programmer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: NC Programmer
Job Description

This role focuses on interpreting complex drawings and 3D models to develop high-quality NC programs that support modern machining methods and deliver precision components to customer specifications. The NC Programmer uses advanced CAD/CAM tools to validate cutting paths, design tooling and fixtures, and create detailed setup documentation that optimizes productivity and quality. This position serves as a key technical resource for the shop floor, providing daily support for problem solving, process improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives in an aerospace-focused manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and 3D models to create accurate NC programs that meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Develop NC programs that utilize modern machining methodologies, including appropriate work holding, cutter selection, and optimized cutting speeds and feeds to maximize productivity and part quality.
• Use software tools, including CATIA v5 and machine simulation, to validate and verify cutting paths before release to the shop floor.
• Design tooling, work holding, and fixtures in CATIA v5 to support efficient and repeatable production of complex components.
• Create clear and detailed production setup documents to guide machinists through setup and operation of 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machines.
• Provide shop support during the tool proving process for new and updated programs, ensuring safe and efficient first-run production.
• Offer daily technical support to production personnel, troubleshooting machining issues and implementing effective process improvements.
• Evaluate, integrate, and document feedback from shop machinists into existing programs and processes in a timely and structured manner.
• Participate actively in continuous improvement activities focused on productivity, quality, and standardization of machining processes.
• Understand and apply quality system requirements, including ISO and QA 9000/9001 compliance, to all programming and documentation activities.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR requirements and related aerospace standards in all programming and process documentation.
• Apply knowledge of aerospace inspection processes and FAI (First Article Inspection) documentation requirements when developing and revising programs.
• Read and interpret 3D GD&T information to ensure dimensional accuracy and proper tolerancing in programmed paths.
• Assess work effort accurately, organize and prioritize multiple tasks, and complete deliverables within defined time constraints.
• Maintain and manage CATIA v5 data structures, ensuring proper file organization, revision control, and data integrity.
• Use G- and M-code knowledge to refine and adjust NC programs for optimal machine performance and part quality.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and production teams to ensure that manufacturing practices support optimized production and consistent quality.
• Prepare, update, and maintain digital documentation related to programs, tooling, fixtures, and process changes using Microsoft Office and other tools.

• Approximately 10 years of experience in NC programming and machining.
• Strong NC programming experience with both 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machines.
• Expert-level knowledge of CATIA v5, including machine simulation and data structure management.
• Demonstrated experience in CNC programming for flat patterns and both hard metals and soft metals.
• Proficient understanding of G- and M-code and their application in CNC machining.
• Proven ability to design tooling and fixtures in CATIA v5 to support complex machining operations.
• Skilled in high-speed machining techniques for aluminum and/or hard metals.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, engineering drawings, and 3D models.
• Ability to interpret and apply 3D GD&T information to ensure dimensional accuracy and tolerances.
• Knowledge of aerospace inspection processes and FAI (First Article Inspection) documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of ITAR requirements and ISO and QA 9000/9001 quality compliance in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and support manufacturing practices designed to optimize production.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to support production personnel in resolving machining and process issues.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately assess work effort, organize tasks, and meet deadlines under time constraints.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Comfort working in a shop-floor environment and collaborating directly with machinists and production staff.
• Well-developed keyboarding skills for efficient programming and documentation.

• Experience serving as a lead tool design programmer in a manufacturing or aviation-related environment.
• Experience with Makino brand CNC machines or similar high-performance machining centers.
• Exposure to or experience with continuous improvement initiatives in a production setting.
• Familiarity with modern machining methodologies, including advanced work holding and cutter selection strategies.
• Ability to create clear, user-friendly production setup documents that support consistent and efficient operations.
• Strong communication skills to effectively gather, interpret, and implement feedback from machinists and other stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, compliant documentation and programs.

This position operates primarily in an engineering office environment with close interaction with the shop floor. Typical hours follow a Monday through Friday schedule, either 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing a consistent daytime work schedule. The role involves regular use of CATIA v5, CNC programming tools, machine simulation software, and Microsoft Office applications. The NC Programmer collaborates frequently with production personnel in a shop-floor setting to support tool proving, troubleshoot issues, and refine processes, offering a mix of office-based design and hands-on manufacturing support in an aerospace-focused facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $65.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.