CNC Programmer

SDM Composites; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SDM Composites in California is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to develop, test, and optimize Mastercam programs for 3- to 5-axis machining of aerospace components, tooling, and fixtures. You will work with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve cycle times and ensure parts meet drawings and GD&T, while creating setup documentation and post-processed G/M code.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CNC machining experience, strong Mastercam skills, and a track record of improving

Qualifications

• Clear verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain Mastercam CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines.
• Develop toolpaths, operation sequences, and tooling from drawings and specs.
• Design or support fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids.
• Select cutting tools, holders, and feeds/speeds; create setup documentation.
• Read drawings and GD&T; verify quality requirements.
• Generate, review, and edit G-code and M-code using post-processors.
• Test, simulate, and troubleshoot new or revised programs at the machine.
• Collaborate with machinists and Quality on first-piece/first-article inspection.
• Optimize programs to improve cycle time, tool life, and productivity.
• Maintain organized program files and revision history.
• Identify opportunities to adopt new tooling and processes.

Skills

English communication

Drawings interpretation

G-code knowledge

Tools

Mastercam

SAP ERP

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.