Cnc Programmer

Job Title: CNC Programmer Job Description
This position is responsible for programming, setting up, and running advanced CNC machines-particularly 5axis mills-to produce highly precise metal parts in a fullservice machine shop and metal fabrication environment. The role combines hands-on machining with CAD/CAM design and prototyping, including design for manufacturability and continuous improvement of quality and efficiency.
Responsibilities

• Set up and run 5axis CNC machines to manufacture highly precise metal parts.
• Program CNC machines using Mastercam (or similar CAM software), creating and adjusting programs and toolpaths.
• Review engineering drawings, blueprints, and customer requirements to develop a complete manufacturing strategy from start to finish.
• Create detailed process documentation and paperwork to be followed by other machinists.
• Read, understand, and adjust G and M code to optimize machine performance and part quality.
• Use CAD/CAM tools to support design and programming of parts, including prototyping work.
• Contribute to design for manufacturability (DFM) by thinking through how parts should be made, not just executing existing plans.
• Check finished parts using appropriate measuring tools to ensure dimensional accuracy and adherence to specifications.
• Make process and program adjustments to improve quality, efficiency, and resolve machining or programming issues.
• Apply extensive knowledge of CNC machine tools, controls, tooling, and machining strategies to complex geometries.
• Collaborate with shop personnel to ensure smooth handoff of programs and process documentation to production.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to program CNC machines using Mastercam software.
• Experience setting up and running advanced CNC machines, particularly 5axis mills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints accurately.
• Skill in reading, understanding, and adjusting G and M code.
• Capability to develop and document manufacturing processes from start to finish.
• Strong critical thinking skills to resolve process and machining issues as they arise.
• Extensive knowledge of CNC machine tools and controls, including 5axis systems and common control platforms such as Fanuc and Siemens.
• Extensive knowledge of tooling and machining strategies for complex geometries.
• Hands-on machining experience in a prototype or development environment.
• Proficiency with CAM programming for 5axis CNC machinery.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks for design and modeling.
• Background in design for manufacturability (DFM) and process development.
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and its application to precision machining.
• Experience in a fullservice machine shop environment that may include milling, turning, sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly, and finishing processes such as paint, powder coat, and plating.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with machinists and other shop personnel using clear process documentation.
• Comfort working on both the programming/design side and the hands-on machining side of production.

Work Environment
This role is based on the shop floor in a hands-on machine shop environment with access to a dedicated desk space for the design and programming portion of the work. You will spend most of your time on your feet setting up and running CNC machines, working directly with tools, fixtures, and parts. The facility is clean and climate-controlled, offering a more modern and organized setting than a typical dirty machine shop. The culture emphasizes quality, precision, and thoughtful manufacturing strategies rather than high-volume, chaotic production, providing a professional environment focused on craftsmanship and continuous improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hillsboro, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $38.00/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 Hillsboro,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 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.