Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer

Cimarron Software Services, Inc.; Briggs (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Major Medical and Hospitalization

401(k) with Company Matching

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Briggs, TX is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer. The role involves generating CNC programs, utilizing Siemens NX, and applying knowledge of composite materials. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in CNC programming, especially with 5-axis CNC machines. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and 401(k) matching, making it a great opportunity for skilled professionals.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years of CNC programming experience.
• Proficiency with Siemens NX Surface and Fibersim modeling.
• Experience programming 5-axis CNC machines.

Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain CNC programs in a manufacturing environment.
• Utilize Siemens NX to generate tool paths and check for collisions.
• Provide input on drawing changes to improve manufacturability.

Skills

CNC programming

Siemens NX Surface

Fibersim modeling

Attention to detail

5-axis CNC machines

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC machines

Siemens CNC 840D SL

Job description

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer - (FAP031826.1)

Location: Briggs, TX 78608 US (Primary)

Work schedule: 2nd shift, 4 on / 3 off from 4:00 PM to 4:30 AM.

Cimarron is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer to support our partnership with a commercial aerospace company at their rocket production facility in Briggs, TX. In this role, you will work in concert with Manufacturing Technicians, Manufacturing Engineers, Design Engineers, and other Engineering teams to increase productivity and optimize machining programs and procedures.

Through this partnership, Cimarron supplies skilled technical talent in support of our customer's advanced launch and space systems. This customer designs and builds small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Together, our teams leverage advanced carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across platforms to move fast, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

Key Duties

• Generate and maintain CNC programs and setup sheets in a high mix, low volume manufacturing environment.
• Utilize Siemens NX Surface and Fibersim to generate tool paths, review simulations, check for collisions, and interpret output files.
• Apply working knowledge of composite materials and Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Advanced Tape Placement (ATP) techniques.
• Define and adjust speed and feed parameters to maximize tool life in complex, high-risk machining applications.
• Digitally prove CNC programs and apply a cautious, detail-oriented approach to high-risk operations to prevent machine crashes while operating within AFP machine parameters.
• Provide input and recommendations on drawing changes to improve manufacturability and CNC programming strategy.
• Design and machine fixture tooling as required to support production needs.
• Meet established productivity and production goals while maintaining quality standards.
• Maintain product flow and proactively communicate with management when production is impeded or delayed.
• Provide feedback and recommendations for process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and repeatability.

Required Skills, Experience, and Education

• Due to facility security requirements, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for consideration at this time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying.
• Availability to work overtime and weekends as business needs require.
• 3 or more years of CNC programming experience.
• Experience programming 5-axis CNC machines.
• Proficiency with Siemens NX Surface and Fibersim modeling.
• Experience developing programs for 5-axis milling or large-format gantry operations.
• Strong understanding of gantry kinematics.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy; optimization efforts may require developing and managing multiple program variations.
• Willingness to be hands on with equipment and closely monitor machine response to CNC programs to support continuous optimization and performance improvements.
• High School diploma or equivalent.

Desired Skills, Experience, and Education

• Experience programming Ingersoll gantry mills or Automated Fiber Placement (Gen2) systems.
• Experience supporting large-format machining or composite fabrication operations.
• Working knowledge of composite manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Siemens CNC 840D SL controllers and drives.
• Experience with multi-axis mill and lathe CNC machines.
• Coding or scripting experience using Python, macros, Visual Basic, file parsing/editing, or Excel scripts.
• Master's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.

Business Profile

Cimarron is a global solutions company with a strategic partnering approach to satisfying customer-driven requirements. We ensure customer success with a modern approach and experienced leadership. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Cimarron is fueled by highly skilled employees, developing new innovative technologies, and delivering superior products and services. We believe in recognizing employees' worth by offering competitive salaries and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contributions, educational reimbursement, and much more. From company communication through company-wide information meetings led by our President and CEO to an awards program designed to recognize our amazing employees and their accomplishments, you will not only feel like you are a part of a team, you will be a valued member of the Cimarron family.

Resumes should list employment dates in month/year format (e.g., January 2020 – March 2024) for each position to meet customer and contract documentation requirements.

Benefits Package

• Major Medical and Hospitalization
• Vision Care
• Preventive Care
• Ancillary Benefits
  • Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Additional Life and Dependent Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Direct Deposit
• Other Benefits
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Leave
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Wellness Program

Cimarron is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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