Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer

Cimarron Inc.; Briggs (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) contributions

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Cimarron Inc. is seeking an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Programmer to support a rocket production facility in Briggs, TX. You will collaborate with Manufacturing and Design Engineers to optimize machining programs and improve throughput while ensuring safety and quality.

The role targets 3+ years of CNC programming experience, with 5-axis capability and proficiency in Siemens NX Surface and Fibersim. It requires hands-on engagement and a detail-oriented mindset to prevent machine issues

Qualifications

• 3+ 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.
• Willingness to be hands-on with equipment and monitor machine response.
• Mastery of coordinating multiple program variations for optimization.

Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain CNC programs and setup sheets in a high mix, low volume environment.
• Use Siemens NX Surface and Fibersim to generate tool paths, run simulations, check collisions, and interpret outputs.
• Adjust speed/feeds to maximize tool life in high-risk milling operations.
• Digitally prove CNC programs and prevent crashes within AFP machine parameters.
• Provide input on drawings to improve manufacturability and programming strategy.
• Design and machine fixture tooling as needed to support production.
• Meet productivity targets while maintaining quality standards.
• Maintain product flow and communicate delays to management.
• Suggest process improvements to increase efficiency and repeatability.

Skills

CNC programming

5-axis CNC

Siemens NX Surface

Fibersim modeling

Gantry kinematics

Attention to detail

Hands-on with equipment

Python scripting

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Siemens 840D SL controllers

Job description

Position Introduction/Key Duties

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.

This position supports 2nd shift, working a 4 on / 3 off schedule from 4:00 PM to 4:30 AM.

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.

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.