CNC Programmer

Aerotek; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Aerotek in Garden Grove, CA is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer skilled in CATIA V5 to develop programs for large aerostructure components on multi-axis gantry mills. Translate CATIA models into machinable toolpaths and ensure GD&T compliance.

Ideal candidates have hands-on CATIA programming experience on large-envelope machines and strong surfacing skills, ready to optimize toolpaths and support first-article inspection and post-processing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience using CATIA V5, focused on large-part or aerostructure machining.
• Experience programming multi-axis gantry or large-envelope machining centers.
• Strong proficiency with CATIA V5 surfacing and manufacturing modules.
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials and their machining characteristics.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models.
• Experience with toolpath simulation and verification software.
• Knowledge of post-processor logic and troubleshooting post output.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality documentation requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government clearances and authorizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimize 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC programs using CATIA V5 for large gantry-style machining centers.
• Program complex aerostructure components directly from CATIA design models and engineering drawings.
• Build and maintain manufacturing models, stock definitions, fixture assemblies, and tooling libraries within CATIA.
• Optimize toolpaths for material removal rates, cycle time, tool life, and surface finish.
• Select cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and fixturing strategies for aluminum, titanium, and composites.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to ensure GD&T and first-article inspection standards.
• Perform program verification and simulation to eliminate collisions and fixture interference.
• Support first-article setup and on-machine troubleshooting and edits.
• Post-process CATIA toolpaths and troubleshoot post-output for gantry controllers.
• Maintain and update program documentation, setup sheets, and tool lists per AS9100 and customer requirements.
• Support continuous improvement to reduce cycle times and improve process capability.
• Participate in DFM reviews for new aerostructure programs.

Skills

CATIA V5

CNC programming

Multi-axis machining

GD&T

Post-processing

AS9100 knowledge

Tools

CATIA V5 Manufacturing

Post-processor

Job description

Job Title: CNC Programmer Job Description

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer skilled in CATIA V5 to develop CNC programs for large-scale aerostructure components machined on multi-axis gantry mills. The role involves translating CATIA V5 design models into machinable toolpaths for complex, close-tolerance structures utilized in aerospace and defense platforms. The ideal candidate possesses strong CATIA modeling and surfacing skills coupled with hands‑on programming experience on large-envelope gantry machines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimize 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC programs using CATIA V5 for large gantry-style machining centers.




• Program complex aerostructure components, including monolithic wing skins, spars, ribs, and large sheet metal detail parts directly from CATIA design models and engineering drawings.




• Build and maintain manufacturing models, stock definitions, fixture assemblies, and tooling libraries within CATIA.




• Optimize toolpaths for material removal rates, cycle time, tool life, and surface finish while managing part deflection and thin-wall stability on large structures.




• Select appropriate cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and work-holding strategies for aluminum, titanium, and composite materials.




• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to ensure programs meet GD&T requirements and first-article inspection standards.




• Perform program verification and simulation to eliminate collisions, gouges, and fixture interference prior to machine floor deployment.




• Support first-article setup and provide on-machine troubleshooting, including program edits and offset adjustments.




• Post-process CATIA toolpaths and troubleshoot post-processor output for specific gantry machine controllers.




• Maintain and update program documentation, setup sheets, and tool lists in accordance with AS9100 and customer quality requirements.




• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle times and improve process capability on large-format work.




• Participate in DFM reviews for new aerostructure programs, providing manufacturing input on CATIA design models.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience using CATIA V5, focused on large-part or aerostructure machining.




• Demonstrated experience programming multi-axis gantry or large-envelope machining centers.




• Strong proficiency with CATIA V5 surfacing and part design modules in addition to manufacturing modules.




• Strong understanding of aerospace materials and their machining characteristics.




• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models.




• Experience with toolpath simulation and verification software.




• Working knowledge of work-holding and fixturing strategies for large, flexible parts.




• Familiarity with post-processor logic and ability to troubleshoot post output.




• Strong understanding of AS9100 and aerospace quality documentation requirements.




• Ability to obtain and maintain any required government clearances and authorizations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CATIA V5 Manufacturing/Machining workbenches.




• Proficiency in toolpath simulation and verification software.




• Knowledge of AS9100 quality documentation requirements.

Why Work Here?

Join a team that offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and skills training within a collaborative team culture. We value direct placement and invest in our employees’ professional growth.

Work Environment

Work on the 1st shift from 7am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. Flexibility to work 1-2 hours of overtime per day and some Saturdays as needed. Our facility is a leading supplier of complex parts and assemblies for aerospace and defense customers, specializing in multi-spindle, long bed machining of hard metal and aluminum fracture‑critical structural components.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Garden Grove, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72800.00 - $104000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Garden Grove,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.