CNC Programmer

Pacific Aerospace & Electronics, Inc.; Agawam (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PacAero Agawam is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to lead CNC milling programming and process development in aerospace manufacturing. You will develop programs, support operations, optimize processes, and mentor machinists to strengthen our machining capabilities.

The role emphasizes quality, AS9100 compliance, and continuous improvement, with a focus on efficient, repeatable processes and collaboration across teams in a full-time onsite setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; technical training preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of CNC programming experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Strong Mastercam programming experience (multi-axis milling required).
• Hands-on CNC milling setup experience.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge; aerospace experience ideal.
• Experience with Haas, Okuma, or similar CNC controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC machining programs using Mastercam for complex aerospace milling components.
• Create and maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, and process documentation.
• Select cutting tools appropriate for materials, geometry, and tolerance requirements.
• Establish and maintain standardized tooling libraries and programming practices.
• Provide programming and technical support to CNC machinists on the floor.
• Assist with complex setups, prove-outs, and troubleshooting.
• Support multi-axis milling operations (3-, 4-, 5-axis) and optimize programs.
• Collaborate with Quality to resolve machining-related nonconformances.

Skills

Mastercam programming

Multi-axis milling

CNC programming

Blueprint reading

GD&T knowledge

Tooling selection

Mentoring machinists

Education

High School Diploma

Technical training preferred

Tools

Haas controls

Okuma controls

Mastercam

Job description

Description

The Company:

PacAero Agawam (formerly Litron) is a leader in the Defense and Aerospace sectors, specializing in RF/microwave package integration, laser welding, CNC machining, medical device manufacturing, and more. With around 70 employees at our 23,000 sq ft Agawam, MA facility, we serve aerospace, industrial, and medical customers. A Qnnect Company, we are ISO9001 certified and comply with DFAR and ITAR regulations.

Job Details:

PacAero Agawam is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to provide technical leadership for CNC milling programming and machining process development within our aerospace manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for developing CNC programs, supporting machining operations, optimizing processes, mentoring machinists, and helping drive continuous improvement in our CNC milling department. This individual will play a key role in strengthening PacAero’s machining capabilities and supporting future technical growth of our engineering and programming functions.

This position is onsite, full-time days, Monday – Friday and is non-exempt.

Requirements

CNC Programming & Process Ownership

• Develop CNC machining programs using Mastercam for complex aerospace milling components
• Create and maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, and process documentation
• Select cutting tools appropriate for materials, geometry, and tolerance requirements
• Establish and maintain standardized tooling libraries and programming practices
• Document machining processes for repeatability and continuous improvement
• Support new part introduction, prove-outs, and process validation

Machining Support & Technical Leadership

• Provide programming and technical support to CNC machinists on the floor
• Assist with complex setups, prove-outs, and troubleshooting
• Support multi-axis milling operations including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines
• Optimize programs to improve cycle times, tool life, and quality
• Serve as the primary technical resource for CNC programming and machining strategy

Tooling, Fixtures & Continuous Improvement

• Select, evaluate, and implement tooling strategies for aerospace machining
• Support fixture design and machining workholding solutions
• Evaluate new tooling technologies and machining methods
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency
• Support lights-out and unattended machining initiatives when possible

Quality & Compliance Support

• Ensure machining programs and processes comply with AS9100 and customer requirements
• Support First Article Inspections and process validation
• Ensure proper documentation, revision control, and traceability
• Collaborate with Quality to resolve machining-related nonconformances

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with machinists, supervisors, quality, and management
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to machinists
• Support training and development of machining staff
• Communicate technical issues, improvements, and priorities to the Manager

Workplace Standards

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe machining environment
• Follow all PacAero safety, quality, and operational procedures
• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; technical training preferred
• Minimum 5 years of CNC programming experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing
• Strong Mastercam programming experience (multi-axis milling required)
• Hands-on CNC milling setup experience
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T knowledge
• Experience machining tight-tolerance aerospace components
• Experience with CNC controls such as Haas, Okuma, or similar

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming Okuma 5-axis milling machines
• Fixture design experience
• Experience supporting machining process development
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems
• Lean manufacturing experience

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical machining and programming expertise
• Ability to provide technical leadership and guidance
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Organized and process-focused

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and metalworking fluids
• Standing, walking, lifting, and handling tooling and components
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Overtime may be required

Expected Compensation:

Actual compensation within this range will be determined in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and Company policy and will not be influenced by an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Benefits Overview:

PacAero (Litron, LLC) offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML); and other benefits in accordance with Company policy and applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

PacAero (Litron, LLC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, individual qualifications, and merit.

PacAero (Litron, LLC) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and applicants throughout the hiring process in accordance with applicable law.

ITAR / Export Control Compliance:

This position may require access to export-controlled information and materials subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

In accordance with these regulations, employment is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to lawfully access such information. Candidates must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by ITAR (22 C.F.R. §120.15) or otherwise authorized to receive controlled information under applicable export control laws.

U.S. Persons include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other protected individuals as defined by law.

PacAero (Litron, LLC) complies with all applicable export control laws and regulations and maintains policies and procedures to ensure adherence to ITAR and EAR requirements.