CATIA CNC Programmer for Large‑Part Aerostructures

ALIGN PRECISION; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ALIGN PRECISION in Garden Grove, CA, is seeking an experienced CATIA Programmer to develop CNC programs for large aerostructure parts machined on multi-axis gantry mills. You will translate CATIA V5 designs into manufacturable toolpaths for close-tolerance components used in aerospace and defense platforms.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of CATIA V5 programming, experience with 5-axis or large-envelope machines, and proficiency in Vericut, GD&T, and post-processor troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience using CATIA V5 (Manufacturing/Machining workbenches).
• Experience programming multi-axis gantry or large-envelope machining centers.
• Strong proficiency with CATIA V5 surfacing and manufacturing modules.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials (aluminum alloys, titanium) and their machining characteristics.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models.
• Experience with toolpath simulation/verification software (Vericut or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of work-holding and fixturing strategies for large, flexible parts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimize 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC programs using CATIA V5 (Prismatic/Surface Machining, Advanced Machining workbenches).
• Program complex aerostructure components from CATIA design models and drawings.
• Build and maintain manufacturing models, stock definitions, fixtures, and tooling libraries within CATIA.
• Optimize toolpaths for material removal rates, cycle time, tool life, and surface finish.
• Select cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and work-holding strategies for aluminum, titanium, and composites.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to meet GD&T and FAI standards.
• Perform program verification and simulation (Vericut, CATIA NC) to avoid collisions and fixture interference.
• Support first-article setup and on-machine troubleshooting and edits.
• Post-process CATIA toolpaths and troubleshoot post-processor output.
• Maintain and update program documentation, setup sheets, and tool lists per AS9100 and customer QA requirements.
• Support continuous improvement to reduce cycle times and improve process capability.

Skills

CATIA V5 programming

Gantry/large-envelope machining

CATIA surfacing

Aerospace materials knowledge

GD&T interpretation

Vericut

Post-processor troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Vericut

CATIA V5 tooling

Post-processor knowledge

Job description

ALIGN PRECISION in Garden Grove, CA, is seeking an experienced CATIA Programmer to develop CNC programs for large aerostructure parts machined on multi-axis gantry mills. You will translate CATIA V5 designs into manufacturable toolpaths for close-tolerance components used in aerospace and defense platforms.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of CATIA V5 programming, experience with 5-axis or large-envelope machines, and proficiency in Vericut, GD&T, and post-processor troubleshooting.