CAM Machinist

Powell Industries, Inc.; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k savings

Annual bonus potential

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Wellness programs

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Powell Industries, Inc. seeks a Senior Prototype CNC Programmer and Machinist to lead multi-axis programming, setup and production of prototype parts in our R&D shop. You will create 3D models, interpret drawings, and collaborate with engineers to develop working prototypes and provide design feedback.

Responsibilities include optimizing CNC programs, tool selection, first article inspections, and Lean initiatives while supporting cross-functional teams in R&D, production and quality.

Qualifications

• Extensive CNC programming experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specs.
• Hands-on experience in low volume, high-mix production environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for multi-axis machines.
• Interpret drawings and specifications to ensure accurate machining.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve manufacturability.
• Lead setup verification and first article inspections to ensure part conformance.
• Maintain CNC program libraries and champion Lean initiatives on the shop floor.

Skills

Multi-axis machining

G-code

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Education

Trade school / technical institute

Tools

Mastercam

Esprit

NX

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

Sr. Prototype CNC Programmer and Machinist, Research and Development

Job Summary

Working in a prototype and development machine shop and lab environment, the Senior Prototype Programmer and Machinist is responsible for the complete CAD/CAM multi-axis programming, machine setup and operation for creating complex machined parts independently in the Research and Development department. Experienced in creating 3D part models and assemblies in design software. You will work directly with Engineers and Lab personnel both inside and outside of the R&D department to develop working prototypes, new part components, modifications of existing parts and assemblies and provide design feedback for both DFM and DFA.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for multi-axis milling, turning, and mill-turn machines using CAD/CAM software in the R&D department (e.g., Mastercam, Esprit, NX).
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications to ensure accurate machining processes (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, NX).
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve manufacturability and reduce cycle times.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and feeds to maximize efficiency and tool life.
• Conduct first article inspections and troubleshoot machining issues to ensure part conformance and quality standards.
• Maintain and update CNC program libraries and documentation in accordance with company standards.
• Champion Lean initiatives across the shop floor, focusing on waste reduction, cycle time improvement, and setup efficiency.
• Lead equipment maintenance, calibration, and setup verification as needed
• Maintain the R&D shop in a clean and orderly fashion
• Provide DFA/DFM feedback to engineers as needed
• Maintain new and existing vendor relationships as related to R&D

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable in basic computer operation, Microsoft Office products
• Deep knowledge of G-code, multi-axis machining (3-, 4- and 5-axis) and mill-turn, blueprint reading, part and assembly tolerance, high-performance tooling and modern cnc machining practices and techniques
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• High mechanical aptitude
• Experienced in low volume high mix production environment
• Familiar with wide variety of materials from thermoplastics to ferrous and non-ferrous alloys
• Familiar with design Vaults/PDM's and MRP systems and digital manufacturing tools
• Extensive hands-on experience in CNC programming, with demonstrated ability to independently program, troubleshoot, and optimize complex multi-axis operations.
• Formal technical training in machining and CNC programming is preferred (trade school, technical institute, university program, or industry-recognized certification), though equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications!

Powell offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, 401k savings, annual bonus potential, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, company-sponsored wellness programs, and a collaborative work environment.

• comprehensive health insurance for you and your family
• 401k savings
• annual bonus potential
• generous paid time off
• professional development opportunities
• company-sponsored wellness programs
• collaborative work environment

EOE Protected Veterans/Disability

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