CMM Programmer - 1st Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a skilled CMM Programmer in Huntington Beach, CA to program and operate CMMs and perform dimensional inspections on aerospace components. You will interpret engineering data, maintain AS9100/AS9102 documentation, and collaborate with Quality Engineering on root-cause investigations.

Strong GD&T and blueprint-reading skills are essential. The role requires a bachelor’s degree or technical training and 3+ years of CMM programming experience, with proficiency in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or technical training is required.
• 3+ years of CMM programming experience is required.
• Hands-on experience with metrology equipment such as CNC CMM, portable CMM, laser tracker, or optical comparators is required.
• Proficiency with Calypso or equivalent software and ability to learn Calypso quickly is required.
• Experience designing and building holding fixtures for CMMs is preferred.
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment (micrometers, height gauges, etc.) and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 is essential.
• Experience with AS9100 and ISO standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Programs and operates coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) using Calypso and related software.
• Conducts dimensional inspections, portable CMM inspections, first article inspections, and final inspections while maintaining AS9100 and AS9102 documentation.
• Performs dimensional layouts, CAD-to-part comparisons, tooling checks, fixture checks, and inspection reporting.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Uses precision measuring equipment and maintains inspection records.
• Identifies nonconforming material and supports NCRs, MRB, and corrective actions.
• Collaborates with Quality Engineering on root-cause investigations and documentation.

Skills

CMM programming

Calypso

GD&T proficiency

Blueprint reading

Holding fixtures design

Metrology equipment

AS9100 knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or technical training

Tools

Calypso software

Verisurf

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Q/A Full Time Manual Labor Huntington Beach, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 4159

Salary Range: $45.00 To $63.00 Hourly

CMM Programmer

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As a CMM Programmer, you will program and operate coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to support dimensional inspections, first article inspections, and final inspections across aerospace components. You will contribute to product quality and compliance by interpreting engineering data, conducting precise measurements, maintaining AS9100 and AS9102 documentation, and partnering with Quality Engineering on root-cause investigations. Your work ensures accurate inspection output that supports reliable manufacturing and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Programs and operates coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) using Zeiss Calypso and related software.
• Conducts dimensional inspections, portable CMM inspections, first article inspections, and final inspections while maintaining AS9100 and AS9102 documentation.
• Performs dimensional layouts, CAD-to-part comparisons, tooling checks, fixture checks, and inspection reporting.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings, CAD models, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Uses precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, optical comparators, height gauges, thread gauges, indicators, pin gauges, and surface plate tools.
• Identifies and documents nonconforming material and supports nonconformance reports (NCRs), material review board (MRB) activity, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Partners with Quality Engineering to support problem‑solving, root‑cause analysis, and product design activities.
• Documents inspection results and maintains accurate inspection, traceability, and first article inspection report (FAIR) records.
• Follows safety, quality, and operational procedures in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or technical training.
• 3 or more years of experience, including CMM programming.
• Hands‑on experience with at least three types of metrology equipment such as computer numerical control (CNC) CMM, portable CMM, laser tracker, large‑volume or automated 3D scanners, or optical comparators.
• Proficiency with CMM software including Calypso or equivalent software with the ability to learn Calypso quickly.
• Experience designing and building holding fixtures for CMMs.
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment including micrometers, height gauges, and other hand tools.
• Excellent understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Strong blueprint reading skills.
• Experience with tight‑tolerance aerospace components and dimensional inspection tools.
• Experience with AS9100 and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
• Ability to work independently on the production floor and accurately document inspection results and product traceability.

Preferred Qualifications

• FARO articulated‑arm experience.
• Verisurf software experience.
• Portable CMM programming or inspection‑routine development experience.
• Experience with nonconformance reports (NCRs), material review board (MRB) processes, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• AS9100 internal audit experience.

Special Mentions

• No travel required for this position.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.