CNC Programmer

Prince Industries; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Prince Industries, a Chicago-area manufacturer with facilities across the U.S. and China, seeks an experienced CNC Programmer who is self-directed and proficient in CAD/CAM, with hands-on machining experience.

The role focuses on programming and optimizing 3-5 axis VMCs and HMCs, with ownership from concept through production readiness. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of machining processes, tooling, fixturing, GD&T, and will collaborate with engineering, production, and quality to

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience programming CNC machining centers.
• Proficiency with Mastercam.
• Strong knowledge of material machinability and tooling.
• Hands-on experience with 3-5 axis VMCs and HMCs.
• Ability to create fixtures and tooling concepts.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerancing.
• Experience with probing cycles and Macro B programming.
• Ability to independently manage projects from concept to production ready.
• Ability to work closely with and train Process Engineers and machine operators.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Create, optimize, and validate CNC programs for 3-5 axis Vertical and Horizontal Machining Centers using Mastercam.
• Interpret engineering drawings and 3D models to develop machining strategies.
• Design and document work holding and fixturing solutions for repeatable and accurate machining processes.
• Select appropriate cutters, tooling, and machining parameters based on material, tolerance, and machine capability.
• Support setup and prove-out on the shop floor, adjusting toolpaths, feeds, and speeds as needed.
• Utilize probing cycles and Macro B programming to automate setup, verification, and in-process checks.
• Troubleshooting challenges including chatter, dimensional variation, work holding, and tool performance issues.
• Create and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, and process documentation.
• Collaborate across engineering, production, and quality to ensure manufacturability and repeatability.
• Drive process improvements related to cycle time, tool life, quality, and workflow efficiency.
• Assist the Quoting team with accurate cycle time and fixture cost estimates.
• Create detailed setup layouts in SolidWorks, including work holding, datums, tooling clearance, and machine orientation to support accurate and repeatable setups.

Skills

CNC programming

Mastercam

Machining centers

GD&T

Probing cycles

Macro B programming

Project management

Train operators

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical/Associate degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Founded in 1959 by Ed Miller near Chicago, Prince Industries has grown from a one-man shop into a global manufacturing partner. With seven facilities across the U.S. and China, we serve industries from hydraulics to aerospace, handling everything from just-in-time components to high-volume assemblies.

At Prince, we don't just make parts—we solve complex supply chain challenges. We are a strategic partner, focused on helping clients improve products, reduce costs, and simplify operations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards, we combine quality, innovation, and growth-minded thinking to deliver real value.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer who is self-directed and proficient in CAD/CAM, with a solid background in hands-on machining. The role is focused on programming and optimizing 3-5 axis Vertical Machining Centers and Horizontal Machining Centers.

This individual must demonstrate deep knowledge of machining processes, cutting tools, fixturing strategies, and material machinability, with the ability to take ownership of projects from concept development through full production readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create, optimize, and validate CNC programs for 3-5 axis Vertical Machining Centers and Horizontal Machining Centers usingMastercam.
• Interpret engineering drawings and 3D models to develop efficient machining strategies.
• Design and document work holding and fixturing solutions for repeatable and accurate machining processes.
• Select appropriate cutters, tooling, and machining parameters based on material, tolerance, and machine capability.
• Support setup and prove-out on the shop floor, adjusting toolpaths, feeds, and speeds as needed.
• Utilize probing cycles and Macro B programming to automate setup, verification, and in-process checks.
• Troubleshootingchallenges including chatter, dimensional variation, work holding, and tool performance issues.
• Create and maintain setup sheets, tool lists, and processdocumentation.
• Collaborate across engineering, production, and quality to ensure manufacturability and repeatability.
• Drive process improvements related to cycle time, tool life, quality, and workflow efficiency.
• Assist theQuoting team with accurate cycle time and fixture cost estimates.
• Create detailed setup layouts in SolidWorks, including work holding, datums, tooling clearance, and machine orientation to support accurate and repeatable setups.

Required Skills/Attributes

• 3-5 years' experience programming CNC machining centers.
• Proficiency with Mastercam
• Strong knowledge of material machinability, cutting tools, and machining parameters.
• Hands-on experience with Vertical Machining Centers (3-5 axis) and Horizontal Machining Centers.
• Ability to create fixtures, work holding, and tooling concepts.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerancing.
• Experience with probing cycles and Macro B programming.
• Ability to independently manage projects from concept toproduction ready.
• Ability towork closely withand trainProcess Engineers and machine operators.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED certificate. Completion of a technical or associate degree program is a plus.
• Minimum of5or more years previous work experience inCNC setup and programming.
• Minimum of 3 or more years of CNC programming.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of the shift (8-10 hours).
• Occasionally required to lift, push, or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Frequently required to sit, stoop, kneel, reach, or bend.
• Regularly exposed to moving machine parts when in plant.

Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), are eligible for this position.

*We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Applicants can learn more about Prince's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster (https://www.eeoc.gov/employers )