CNC Machinist/Programmer

CNC Machinist / Programmer — Hands-On Prototype & Defense MachiningThis is a hands-on role, split between programming and machining. You will write the programs, and you will also be on your feet on the shop floor for much of the day — setting up jobs, moving vises and fixtures, changing tools, running parts, and working the Bridgeport. If you want a programming job that stays at a desk, this is not the right fit. If you like to build the part you programmed, read on.A true programmer-machinist role: take a part from 3D model or print, through CAM, setup, and prove-out, to a finished first article. Prototype and short-run precision work, increasingly tight-tolerance aerospace and defense-related parts — not the same production part every day. Strong overtime income: $30–$40/hr with a roughly 50-hour week, paid weekly. Full benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage and a 401(k) match. Help build the shop's turning capability alongside our Lead Engineer, who leads fixture design and tooling strategy. A small, fast-moving team where your work has visible, immediate impact.Centracore is a precision machining shop in Roseville, Michigan, specializing in rapid prototype and low-volume, high-mix work. The team is strong in milling, is growing its turning capability, and is moving toward tighter-tolerance, smaller-batch aerospace and defense-related parts. Every day brings a different part and a different problem to solve.We are hiring a CNC Machinist / Programmer who does both halves of the job. You will build the machining approach and write the programs — and you will be the one at the machine making the part. On our floor, the person who programs a job also sets it up, swaps the tooling, runs the first pieces, and proves it out. Expect to spend a large part of every day on the shop floor.Programming:Take 3D models and 2D drawings and build the machining approach from start to finishCreate and improve CNC programs using CAM softwareTroubleshoot programs, tool paths, and dimensional issues in real timeHelp move prototype and short-run work into stable, repeatable processesContribute to workholding, tooling, and cutting-strategy decisions, working with our Lead EngineerMachining (on the floor, every day):Set up CNC machines, including mounting, moving, and positioning vises, fixtures, and workpiecesLoad, change, and set tools on machinesRun parts, including test cuts, prove-outs, and first-article verificationOperate manual equipment, including a Bridgeport millSupport and train operators on program intent and setupsThese are essential, everyday parts of this job — not occasional tasks:Standing and walking on the shop floor for most of the shiftRegularly lifting, carrying, and positioning vises, fixtures, tooling, and parts up to 50 lbs, and moving heavier items with hoists or assistanceFrequent bending, reaching, and kneeling to set up machines and change toolsRunning manual and CNC machines, including a Bridgeport millWorking a roughly 50-hour week in a machine shop environment, with required PPEReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Required:Strong CNC programming experience — you can build a program from a print or model, not just edit an existing oneHands-on machinist experience: setups, tool changes, running parts, prove-outs, and first articlesCAM experience, with openness to different software systemsSolid understanding of tooling, workholding, machining strategy, and process developmentBlueprint reading and confidence with dimensions, tolerances, and part requirementsAbility to perform the physical requirements aboveAvailability for a roughly 50-hour weekMust be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident), as this position involves defense-related work subject to U.S. export control regulationsAbility to pass pre-hire screeningsPreferred (a plus, not required):CNC turning and lathe programming experienceJob shop, rapid prototyping, or high-mix / low-volume backgroundManual machining experience on a Bridgeport mill or engine latheAerospace, defense, or other tight-tolerance metal machining experienceExperience training or supporting machine operatorsYou would rather be at the machine than behind a desk all day. You like building the part you programmed and proving it out yourself. You enjoy a different part and a different problem every day. You move with urgency without cutting corners on quality. You hold up well through long, physical, hands-on days.