CNC Programmer

JGA Space & Defense; Huntersville (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

Professional development

Job summary

JGA Space & Defense in Huntersville, NC, is seeking a CNC Programmer – Aerospace Components to develop and optimize programs for multi-axis machining of titanium, Inconel, and other aerospace materials.

You will collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams, mentor junior programmers, and follow AS9100 standards while contributing to lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3–7 years of CNC programming experience or equivalent.
• Advanced Mastercam and/or Siemens NX experience.
• Aerospace, defense, or precision machining experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers.
• Independently create tooling strategies, machining sequences, and setup documentation.
• Support first article prove-outs and production startup.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and implement program improvements.
• Interpret complex aerospace drawings, CAD models, and GD&T specifications.
• Develop machining processes for titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other aerospace materials.
• Collaborate with machinists, engineers, quality, and production personnel to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain programming documentation, setup sheets, tooling libraries, and revision control.
• Recommend process improvements that improve cycle times, tool life, and machine utilization.
• Assist in training and mentoring CNC Programmer I employees.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow AS9100 quality standards and company procedures.

Skills

Multi-axis machining

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Toolpath optimization

Fixture development

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

Siemens NX

Fanuc controls

Haas controls

Siemens controls

Job description

Job Title: CNC Programmer – Aerospace Components

Location: JGA Space & Defense – Huntersville, NC (On-site position)

Reports To: Operations Manager

Company Overview

JGA Space & Defense is a premier manufacturer of advanced specialty composites and precision machined components for aerospace, space, and defense applications. Formerly Joe Gibbs Manufacturing Solutions (JGMS), JGA has evolved from its roots in high-performance racing to become a trusted partner in delivering mission-critical solutions for the world’s leading innovators in national security and space exploration. With decades of experience engineering, qualifying and manufacturing solid rocket motor (SRM) hardware, including rocket nozzle ablative insulators and assemblies, JGA’s dedicated focus is on advancing the U.S. defense supply chain and supporting next generation space exploration out of our manufacturing facility in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Position Summary

The CNC Programmer independently develops, optimizes, and maintains CNC machining programs for complex aerospace components. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve machining efficiency while ensuring programs meet aerospace quality and productivity standards. The CNC Programmer II also supports and mentors less experienced programmers as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers using Mastercam and/or Siemens NX.
• Independently create tooling strategies, machining sequences, and setup documentation.
• Support first article prove-outs and production startup.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and implement program improvements.
• Interpret complex aerospace drawings, CAD models, and GD&T specifications.
• Develop machining processes for titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other aerospace materials.
• Collaborate with machinists, engineers, quality, and production personnel to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain programming documentation, setup sheets, tooling libraries, and revision control.
• Recommend process improvements that improve cycle times, tool life, and machine utilization.
• Assist in training and mentoring CNC Programmer I employees.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow AS9100 quality standards and company procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• 3–7 years of CNC programming experience or equivalent experience.
• Advanced Mastercam and/or Siemens NX experience.
• Aerospace, defense, or precision machining experience preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Multi-axis machining (3-, 4-, or 5-axis)
• Mastercam
• Siemens NX
• Fanuc, Haas, or Siemens controls
• GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• AS9100 manufacturing environment
• Aerospace materials (Titanium, Inconel, Stainless Steel)
• Toolpath optimization
• Fixture development
• Root cause analysis

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• 401(k) with Company Match.
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.