CNC Programmer

Gradel Professional Search; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental coverage

PTO

Retirement savings plan with employer

Job summary

Gradel Professional Search is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to develop reliable machining processes for high-precision components in a 1st shift role. You will collaborate with shop floor personnel, engineering teams, and operations leadership on prototypes and full-scale manufacturing across high-tech, regulated industries.

You will translate technical requirements into safe, efficient, and repeatable machining workflows, apply GD&T, optimize tools and cycles, and support continuous

Qualifications

• 2+ years of CNC programming for precision components.
• Proven expertise in 3-axis, 4-axis, or 3+2-axis programming with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read blueprints and apply GD&T standards.
• Knowledge of cutting tool selection, workholding design, and machining parameters.
• Strong technical problem-solving capabilities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate, test, and optimize multi-axis CNC programs using CAM software with minimal supervision.
• Develop programming strategies for horizontal machining cells and automation systems.
• Establish optimal cutting parameters, tool paths, speeds, feeds, and tooling selection.
• Verify programs via simulation and shop-floor prove-outs.
• Provide hands-on shop-floor support during setup, proves-out, and active production runs.
• Create setup sheets, tooling lists, and work instructions; maintain revision histories.

Skills

Multi-axis CNC programming

GD&T proficient

Blueprint interpretation

Problem-solving

Collaborative communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical degree / trade certificate preferred

Tools

GibbsCAM

Fanuc controls

Siemens controls

Job description

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to develop reliable machining processes and production methodologies for high-precision components. In this 1st-shift role, you will collaborate with shop floor personnel, engineering teams, and operations leadership to support complex prototype development and full-scale manufacturing across high-tech, regulated industries. You will translate technical requirements into safe, efficient, and repeatable machining workflows.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming & Process Optimization

• Generate, test, and optimize multi-axis CNC programs (including 3-axis, 4-axis, and 3+2 multi-axis configurations) using industry-standard CAM software with minimal supervision.
• Develop programming strategies for horizontal machining cells and integrated automation systems.
• Establish optimal cutting parameters, tool paths, speeds, feeds, and tooling selection.
• Perform program verification via software simulation and hands-on, controlled machine prove-outs.
• Continuously refine existing programs to maximize throughput, component quality, and cycle-time efficiency.

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Draft or modify 2D technical drawings and 3D CAD models for manufacturing.
• Conceptualize and design practical workholding solutions, fixtures, and specialized tooling.
• Review part geometry, tolerances, and design for manufacturability (DFM) prior to release.
• Provide hands-on shop-floor support during setup, prove-out, and active production runs to troubleshoot machining issues.

Quality & Process Improvement

• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to ensure strict blueprint compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to minimize setup times, reduce scrap, and lower unit production costs.
• Assist with root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality or operational deviations.
• Standardize and document successful manufacturing methods to ensure consistency.

Documentation & Technical Collaboration

• Create detailed setup sheets, tooling lists, and operational work instructions for shop floor personnel.
• Maintain clean revision histories and organized manufacturing file management.
• Coordinate with quality assurance and production leadership on process changes and continuous improvements.
• Adhere strictly to shop safety guidelines and operational procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED (Technical degree, trade school, or vocational certification preferred).
• 2+ years of professional experience in hands-on CNC programming for precision component manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in 3-axis, 4-axis, or 3+2-axis CNC machining center programming with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency reading technical blueprints, engineering drawings, and applying GD&T standards.
• Strong working knowledge of cutting tool selection, workholding design, and advanced machining parameters.
• Strong technical problem-solving capabilities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on experience with modern CAM platforms (e.g., GibbsCAM or equivalent packages).
• Experience programming high-precision multi-axis machining centers (e.g., Japanese/European premium machinery) and modern CNC controls (Fanuc, Siemens, or similar).
• Exposure to automated manufacturing cells and horizontal machining centers.
• Experience supporting both short-run prototyping and volume production.
• Familiarity operating within certified quality management environments (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).

Work Schedule & Compensation

Shift: Permanent, full-time 1st shift (Day shift).

Compensation: Hourly rate/salary commensurate with experience; overtime available based on production requirements.

Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits package available, including medical/dental coverage, paid time off (PTO), retirement savings plan with employer matching, disability insurance, and performance incentives.