CNC Operator/Programmer

Walker Products Inc.; Fruita (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker Products in Fruita, CO is seeking an experienced CNC programmer to create, edit, and optimize programs for precision components. You will perform complete machine setups, interpret drawings and GD&T, and ensure first-piece inspection and repeatable processes.

This role collaborates with Engineering, Quality, and Production to improve cycle times and tool life. Candidates should be proficient in Espirit, Bobcad, Mastercam and hand G-code programming, with experience on Swiss lathes,

Qualifications

• Must be able to independently develop CNC programs and machining processes from engineering drawings, including tooling selection, workholding strategy, speeds and feeds, operation sequence, and inspection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs for new and existing components.
• Perform complete machine setups, including tooling, workholding, offsets, and program verification.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Prove out new programs and establish repeatable machining processes.
• Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, machine, and process-related issues.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection using appropriate measuring equipment.
• Adjust programs, speeds, feeds, tooling, and machining strategies to improve cycle time and tool life.
• Document setup information so processes can be reliably repeated by production personnel.
• Support transition of completed setups into normal production.

Skills

CNC programming

GD&T interpretation

Inspection & metrology

Process optimization

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Quality standards

Tools

Espirit

Bobcad

Mastercam

Job description

Walker Products

Location: Fruita, CO

Primary responsibilities

• Create, edit, and optimize CNC programs for new and existing components.
• Perform complete machine setups, including tooling, workholding, offsets, and program verification.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Prove out new programs and establish repeatable machining processes.
• Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, machine, and process-related issues.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection using appropriate measuring equipment.
• Adjust programs, speeds, feeds, tooling, and machining strategies to improve cycle time and tool life.
• Document setup information so processes can be reliably repeated by production personnel.
• Support transition of completed setups into normal production.

Machines and controls used

• Experience programming and setting up CNC equipment such as Swiss-style lathes, CNC turning centers, CNC mills, multi-axis equipment, or screw-machine replacement applications, depending on Walker's equipment mix.
• Tsugami B0-205's / B0-206's; S-206's
• Citizen Swiss capability
• Live tooling / sub-spindle experience

Programming software used

• Espirit, Bobcad, Mastercam
• Ability to program at the control when required
• Understanding of G-code and M-code
• Ability to troubleshoot and edit existing programs without having to completely reprogram a job

Programming expectations

• Must have demonstrated ability to independently develop CNC programs and machining processes from engineering drawings, including tooling selection, workholding strategy, speeds and feeds, operation sequence, and inspection requirements.

Parts, Materials & Tolerances

• Stainless steels, carbon/alloy steels, aluminum, brass, and other applicable materials
• Small, precision-machined components
• Tight-tolerance production machining
• Ability to hold dimensional requirements of ±0.0005 in. or tighter where required, if that reflects your actual work
• Working knowledge of surface-finish requirements
• GD&T interpretation and application

Additional duties

• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, setup time, scrap, and tooling cost.
• Develop standardized setup documentation.
• Assist in fixture and workholding development.
• Improve process capability and repeatability.
• Support root-cause analysis of machining and quality problems.
• Assist with new-product introduction and first-article activities.
• Train CNC operators on established processes and setup requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Maintenance.
• Support continuous-improvement activities involving tooling, machine utilization, capacity, and manufacturing efficiency.