CNC Programmer

SDM Composites; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SDM Composites is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer to develop, test, and optimize Mastercam programs for 3, 4, and 5-axis machining of aerospace components, tooling, and fixtures.

The role collaborates with Production, Engineering, Quality, and shop personnel to improve cycle times, ensure conformance to drawings and GD&T, and support new-product introduction through robust setup documentation and post-processor validation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years CNC programming experience with Mastercam.
• Minimum 5 years CNC machining and programming combined.
• Experience with 3-axis; 4- and 5-axis machining preferred.
• Ability to read drawings and GD&T.
• Aerospace or tight-tolerance manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with SAP or ERP/MRP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining.
• Develop machining methods, operation sequences, and toolpaths from drawings and specs.
• Design or support workholding fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids.
• Create setup documentation including setup sheets and tooling lists.
• Read drawings, specifications, and GD&T; interpret to programs.
• Generate and validate G-code and M-code using approved post-processors.
• Test, simulate, and prove out programs at the machine.
• Collaborate with machinists, Engineering, and Quality during first-piece inspection.
• Optimize programs to improve cycle time, tool life, and productivity.

Skills

Mastercam

G-code & M-code

5-axis programming

GD&T reading

English communication

Tools

Post-processor tooling

Job description

The CNC Programmer supports manufacturing operations by developing, testing, and optimizing CNC programs for 3, 4, and 5-axis machining centers. The position uses Mastercam to create, accurate, and efficient machining processes for aerospace components, tooling, and fixtures.

The CNC Programmer works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and machine-shop personnel to support new-product introduction, resolve manufacturing issues, improve cycle times, and ensure programs consistently produce parts that meet drawing and quality requirements.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and maintain CNC programs using Mastercam 2025/2026 for 3, 4, and 5-axis machining.
• Develop machining methods, operation sequences, and toolpaths from engineering drawings, solid models, and specifications.
• Design or support the design of workholding fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, holders, workholding methods, feeds, and speeds.
• Create complete setup documentation, including setup sheets, tooling lists, work offsets, and program instructions.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Generate, review, and validate G-code and M-code using approved post-processors.
• Manually edit CNC programs when necessary to support setup, troubleshooting, and controlled process adjustments.
• Test, simulate, prove out, and troubleshoot new or revised programs at the machine.
• Work with machinists and Quality personnel during first-piece and first-article inspection.
• Verify that CNC programs, setup documentation, and revisions are properly identified and controlled.
• Troubleshoot dimensional, tooling, surface-finish, and machine-performance problems.
• Optimize existing programs to improve cycle time, tool life, machine utilization, quality, and productivity.
• Review part designs and recommend improvements to manufacturability, tooling, fixturing, and machining methods.
• Maintain organized electronic program files, models, setup documents, and revision history.
• Support corrective actions involving CNC programming or machining-process issues.
• Identify opportunities to use new tooling, programming methods, and technology to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Follow company safety requirements, use required PPE, and maintain an orderly work area in accordance with 5S principles.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Minimum of three years of CNC programming experience using Mastercam.
• Minimum of five years of combined CNC machining and programming experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience programming 3-axis CNC machining centers required.
• Experience programming positional or simultaneous 4- and 5-axis CNC machining strongly preferred.
• Hands-on CNC machining, setup, or machine-operation experience required.
• Advanced proficiency with Mastercam, including toolpath creation, simulation, and post-processing.
• Strong understanding of G-code and M-code, including the ability to review and make controlled manual edits.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cutting tools, toolholders, workholding, feeds and speeds, machining practices, and fixture concepts.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience machining aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium preferred.
• Aerospace or other tight-tolerance manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience creating setup sheets, tooling lists, and CNC program documentation.
• Experience proving out new programs and troubleshooting programs at the machine.
• Familiarity with inspection methods, measuring equipment, and first-article requirements.
• Experience with SAP or another ERP/MRP system preferred.
• Ability to organize multiple assignments and meet production priorities with limited supervision.
• Clear verbal and written English communication skills, including the ability to understand drawings, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with machinists, supervisors, Engineering, and Quality personnel.
• Reliable attendance and flexibility to adjust work hours when required to support machine setup, program prove-out, or production needs.