CNC Lathe Programmer (aerospace)

100Hires, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Employer Match

Job summary

TekPro in the San Jose area seeks an experienced CNC Lathe Programmer to develop, optimize, and troubleshoot lathe programs for high-precision aerospace components.

The role involves creating and validating programs from engineering drawings and GD&T, collaborating with machinists, engineers, and quality teams, and driving continuous improvement on cycle times, tooling costs, and scrap reduction.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship preferred.
• 5+ years of CNC machining experience, including CNC lathe programming in a production environment.
• Strong proficiency with G-code and CAM software such as Mastercam or similar.
• Hands-on experience with CNC turning/lathe machines.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret engineering drawings and CAD models.

Responsibilities

• Create, proof, and optimize CNC lathe programs for complex and high-precision components.
• Develop machining strategies based on drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.

Skills

G-code

CNC turning

GD&T

Engineering drawings

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training or apprenticeship

Tools

Mastercam

Job description

TekPro is partnered with a high-tech precision machining company in the San Jose area in search for an experienced Lathe programmer! Apply now to be considered for this excellent career opportunity with a high-growth aerospace manufacturer!Job Description: CNC Lathe ProgrammerJob Title: CNC Lathe ProgrammerLocation: San Jose, CAShift: 1st ShiftPosition Summary:The CNC Lathe Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, andtroubleshooting CNC programs to support high-precision turning and machiningoperations. This role focuses on creating and improving CNC lathe programs for complexand tight-tolerance components, optimizing machining processes, and ensuring consistentquality and efficiency. The programmer will work closely with machinists, setuptechnicians, engineers, and quality teams to support successful program execution, firstarticle validation, and continuous process improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesProgramming & Process Development:• Create, proof, and optimize CNC lathe programs for complex and high-precisioncomponents.• Develop machining strategies based on engineering drawings, CAD models, andGD&T requirements.• Program turning operations including facing, roughing, finishing, grooving,threading, drilling, boring, and other applicable operations.• Select appropriate cutting tools, inserts, workholding, speeds, and feeds to achieveoptimal cycle times, tool life, and part quality.• Simulate and verify programs to ensure accuracy, efficient toolpaths, and propermachine operation.• Develop and optimize programs for production and repeatability.• Continuously improve machining processes to reduce setup time, cycle time,tooling costs, and scrap.Collaboration & Shop Floor Support:• Partner with setup technicians and machinists to implement, debug, and validateCNC lathe programs.• Provide hands-on support during machine setup, first article runs, and productiontroubleshooting.• Work closely with engineering and quality teams to resolve dimensional issues andensure customer requirements are met.• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, workholding, and machining issues on theshop floor.• Provide guidance and support to machinists and junior programmers onprogramming practices and machining techniques.Quality & Compliance:• Ensure CNC programs and related documentation meet ISO, AS9100, andcustomer-specific requirements.• Support first article inspection (FAI) activities and implement program adjustmentsas required.• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of CNC programs, tooling lists,setup sheets, and revision history.• Ensure programs support consistent and repeatable production results.• Review engineering drawings, tolerances, and GD&T requirements to ensuremachining processes meet specifications.Continuous Improvement• Identify and implement improvements in machining strategies, tooling,workholding, and programming methods.• Participate in lean manufacturing and cycle time reduction initiatives.• Troubleshoot machining and programming issues to minimize downtime and scrap.• Evaluate new CAM tools, cutting tools, technologies, and machining techniques toimprove capability and efficiency.• Identify opportunities to improve machine utilization, tool life, setup efficiency,and overall production performance.**Qualifications**Required:• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship preferred.• 5+ years of CNC machining experience, including CNC lathe programming in aproduction environment.• Strong proficiency with G-code and CAM software such as Mastercam or similar• Hands-on experience with CNC turning/lathe machines.• Strong understanding of GD&T and ability to interpret engineering drawings andCAD models.• Strong knowledge of turning tools, inserts, workholding, speeds and feeds, andmachining practices.• Experience programming and machining tight-tolerance components.• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in a production environment.Preferred:• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, semiconductor, or other highprecision manufacturing industries.• Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes or mill-turn machining.• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement systems.• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for production tracking anddocumentation.Work Environment:• Combination of office-based programming station and shop floor environment.• Exposure to machining conditions including noise, coolant, metal chips, andmoving equipment.• Requires occasional hands-on support during machine setup and productiontroubleshooting.• Standard business hours with occasional overtime based on production needs.Benefits:• Medical Insurance• Dental Insurance• Vision Insurance• Life Insurance• Paid Time Off• 401(k) Retirement Plan• 401(k) Employer MatcYou should be proficient in:CNC ProgrammingMachines & technologies you'll use:CNC Lathe (2-4 axis)CAM Software (Mastercam)CNC Lathe (5+ axis)CAD/CAM