CNC Mill Machinist/Programmer

FERPA Precision Machine, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company parties

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Wellness resources

Employee discounts

Job summary

FERPA Precision Machine, Inc. seeks a highly experienced CNC Mill Machinist/Programmer with strong Mastercam skills to join our growing team in Texas.

You will develop CNC programs, set up and operate mills, select tooling, and ensure parts meet tight dimensional and quality standards. The role requires a minimum of 10 years of hands-on CNC milling experience and at least 5 years of Mastercam programming for 3- and 4-axis machines, with ITAR clearance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational machining training preferred.
• Minimum 10 years hands-on experience operating CNC milling machines.
• Minimum 5 years Mastercam programming for 3- and 4-axis CNC milling.
• U.S. Person status for ITAR-access data.

Responsibilities

• Create efficient CNC milling programs using Mastercam from blueprints or CAD models.
• Set up and operate CNC mills with precise material loading and configuration.
• Configure tool registers, apply offsets, and interpret blueprints to guide machining.
• Perform detailed inspections with micrometers, calipers, and gauges to verify parts.
• Maintain machine settings and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Design and build fixtures to support milling operations.
• Select tools and workholding for production requirements.
• Conduct routine maintenance and ensure machines are calibrated and safe.
• Monitor operations and make real-time adjustments for efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot mechanical or process issues on CNC mills.
• Adhere to safety procedures and collaborate with teams to meet deadlines.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Mastercam programming

CNC milling

G-code programming

Precision measurement

Tooling selection

Fixture design

SAE tolerances

5-axis milling

FANUC controls

Education

High school diploma

Tools

FANUC CNC

Mastercam

Job description

Benefits

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

FERPA is an AS9100- and ISO 9001-certified contract manufacturer specializing in precision-machined metal and high-performance thermoplastic components for demanding applications. Since 1990, we have supported industry leaders across the oil and gas, petrochemical, refining, aerospace, defense, energy, and space markets.

We're growing-and we're hiring a CNC Mill Machinist/Programmer with strong Mastercam skills to join our team. As part of our continued expansion, FERPA is adding a new facility and investing in additional CNC milling equipment to support increasing customer demand.

In this dual-role position, you'll take precision machining projects from blueprint to finished part. You'll be responsible for developing CNC programs in Mastercam, setting up and operating CNC mills, selecting appropriate tooling and machining strategies, and producing components that meet demanding dimensional and quality requirements.

Our clean, air-conditioned facility is equipped with modern CNC machinery, software, and inspection equipment to support high-quality work and efficient manufacturing.

At FERPA, we value craftsmanship, technical expertise, continuous improvement, and professional development. We're looking for an experienced machinist/programmer who takes pride in their work and wants to grow with a company continuing to invest in advanced manufacturing.

Job Duties

• Create efficient and accurate CNC milling programs using Mastercam based on blueprints, CAD models, and job specifications.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines, ensuring precise material loading and accurate configuration for optimal machining performance.
• Configure tool registers, apply offsets/compensations, and utilize conditional switches as required by job specifications. Interpret and apply information from blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics to guide machining operations.
• Perform detailed inspections using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments to verify part conformity.
• Confirm machine settings and verify compliance with established quality standards.
• Design and build custom fixtures to support efficient and precise CNC milling operations.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, machine settings, and workholding fixtures tailored to specific production requirements.
• Conduct routine maintenance and ensure machines are properly calibrated and in safe working condition.
• Monitor active operations, observe drilling, grooving, and cutting, and make real-time adjustments to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical or process issues related to the CNC milling machines.
• Adhere strictly to all safety procedures and guidelines when operating equipment and handling materials.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve production deadlines and quality objectives.
• Support additional tasks and job-related duties as assigned to meet production needs.

Job Requirements/ Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Technical or vocational training in machining or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience operating CNC milling machines.
• Minimum 5 years prior Mastercam experience programming for 3-axis and 4-axis CNC milling.
• This position requires U.S. Person status as defined by applicable law for authorized access to data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). A U.S. Person includes U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, lawful permanent residents, and workers granted refugee or asylum status in the United States.

Skills and Competencies

• Skilled in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and machining specifications.
• Strong knowledge of plastic and metal properties, tooling selection, and cutting parameters.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, and gauges.
• Strong understanding of CNC G-code and M-code programming.
• Experienced in interpreting tolerances, achieving precise surface finishes, and meeting stringent quality standards.
• Proficient with FANUC-controlled CNC machines.
• Hands-on experience in machining and setup operations, including part prove-outs and troubleshooting.
• Proven ability to maintain tight tolerances and comply with SAE aerospace standards.
• Experienced in machining a wide range of materials, including plastics, stainless steels (300 Series, Nitronic 60), PH stainless steels (15-5, 17-4), aluminum bronze, MP35N, and Inconel.
• Able to work independently, identify and resolve issues, and sustain efficient workflow.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• AS9100 and ISO 9001 experience or familiarity is a plus.
• Preferred experience includes 5-Axis CNC milling and machining plastics.