CNC Programmer

LAIKA Studios; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LAIKA Studios in Hillsboro, OR seeks a proficient CNC Programmer to support prototype parts for multiple studio departments. You will program, set up, prove out, operate, and inspect parts on Haas VF1, Makino U3, and related equipment, read drawings and GD&T, and troubleshoot performance issues.

The role requires 3+ years of CNC programming experience, strong tool knowledge, and the ability to work independently with minimal direction after LAIKA training.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC programming experience.
• Experience programming, setting up, proving out, and operating 3-axis CNC mills.
• Ability to independently create a process plan from a model or drawing.
• Experience machining small, tight-tolerance parts to ±0.001 in.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, speeds, feeds.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
• Hands-on inspection experience using precision inspection tools.
• Experience reading and editing G-code and macro variables.
• Strong troubleshooting and independent working skills.

Responsibilities

• Review models, drawings, and part requirements to determine machining approach, tooling, and inspection strategy.
• Create CNC programs for 3-axis milling using ESPRIT EDGE to machine small-batch parts.
• Set up, prove out, operate, and troubleshoot CNC programs on Haas VF1, Makino U3, and a lathe.
• Transfer setup and operation guidance to CNC Operators with clear notes and expectations.
• Use simulation, probing, inspection, and machining judgment to verify programs.
• Read drawings, CAD models, and GD&T; edit G-code as needed.
• Use Renishaw probing or similar for setup and verification.
• Occasionally perform CAD work in Autodesk Inventor to support fixtures.
• Troubleshoot machining, tooling, tolerance, and repeatability issues.

Skills

CNC programming

3-axis milling

G-code editing

GD&T interpretation

Inspection tools

Macro variables

Troubleshooting

Independent worker

Communication skills

Tools

Haas VF1

Makino U3

Babin-Hardinge lathe

Renishaw probing

Autodesk Inventor

ESPRIT EDGE

Job description

General Summary

LAIKA is seeking a proficient and highly independent CNC Programmer to support CNC manufacturing for multiple studio departments. This role is responsible for programming, setting up, proving out, operating, and inspecting small-batch prototype precision parts.

Job Functions

• Review models, drawings, and part requirements to determine machining approach, tooling, workholding, setup sequence, and inspection strategy for machined parts used throughout the studio.
• Create CNC programs for 3‑axis milling using ESPRIT EDGE to machine small‑batch precision parts from materials including annealed tool steels, aluminum, bronze, and plastics.
• Set up, prove out, operate, and troubleshoot CNC programs on a Haas VF1 vertical mill, Makino U3 Wire EDM, and Babin‑Hardinge CNC lathe.
• Transfer appropriate setup and operation work to a CNC Operator by providing clear setup direction, process notes, inspection expectations, and troubleshooting support.
• Use simulation, probing, inspection, and machining judgment to verify programs before and during prove‑out.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, holders, fixtures, workholding methods, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies.
• Inspect parts using appropriate inspection tools including micrometers, calipers, pin gauges, height gauges, indicators, optical comparator, and microscope inspection methods.
• Read and interpret drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements, and read and edit G‑code as needed including programs using macro variables.
• Use Renishaw probing or similar probing methods for setup, verification, and process support.
• Perform occasional CAD work in Autodesk Inventor to support fixture design and related machining needs.
• Troubleshoot machining, workholding, tooling, tolerance, finish, and repeatability issues, and perform occasional manual machining as needed.
• Contribute to an evolving system of process notes, setup practices, tooling standards, and CAM/machine workflows.
• Communicate clearly with mechanical fabrication leadership and internal customers regarding part requirements, technical concerns, schedule impacts, and process risks.
• Work effectively with artists, engineers, designers, and other studio staff in a nontraditional CNC manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CNC programming experience.
• Experience programming, setting up, proving out, and operating 3‑axis CNC mills.
• Ability to independently create a process plan, select tooling and workholding, program, simulate, set up, prove out, inspect, and troubleshoot from a model or drawing.
• Experience machining small or highly detailed parts including producing tight‑tolerance precision components, commonly to ±.001 in.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, speeds, and feeds.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
• Hands‑on inspection experience using precision inspection tools.
• Experience reading and editing G‑code.
• Experience working with macro variables.
• Strong troubleshooting skills related to machining, setup, tooling, finish, tolerance, and repeatability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction after LAIKA‑specific training.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to identify and resolve technical concerns early.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ESPRIT, ESPRIT EDGE, or similar CAM software.
• Experience with Haas CNC controls or Haas vertical mills.
• Experience with Renishaw probing or similar CNC probing systems.
• Wire EDM experience.
• CNC lathe experience.
• CAD experience, especially Autodesk Inventor.
• Experience supporting low‑volume production or prototype‑to‑small‑batch manufacturing.
• Experience providing technical direction, setup guidance, and process support to CNC operators or junior machinists.

LOCATION

On‑site in Hillsboro, OR

SALARY

Salary Is Commensurate With Skills And Experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made as required by applicable law.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, stand, sit, use hands to operate mechanical equipment, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee works under typical shop conditions around CNC equipment, cutting tools, inspection equipment, small parts, coolant, oil, and tumbling equipment, with variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually moderate.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Please review our EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER and MATERIALS SUBMISSION AGREEMENT.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LAIKA is an equal opportunity employer, and we make employment decisions on the basis of individual qualifications and merit. We have created a workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and encouraged to contribute. We value everyone’s differences and understand that we each contribute in different ways. Hiring, work assignments, rates of pay, promotion, layoff, and recall are based upon skill and ability, satisfactory attendance and conduct, productivity, quality of work, length of service, and other legitimate, job‑related factors.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO A WORKPLACE FREE OF DISCRIMINATION

We don’t allow discrimination of any type and we consider everyone for a job based on their skills and abilities, not their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, workers’ compensation status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local non‑discrimination laws. Discrimination based on any of these factors is inconsistent with our philosophy and is not tolerated at any time. It is our firm policy to maintain a work environment that is free of such discrimination.