CNC Programmer - (19)

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation in Portsmouth, VA, seeks a skilled CNC Programmer to develop, optimize, and maintain programs for plasma cutting and 6-axis robotic cells. The role bridges Engineering and Manufacturing, translating drawings into executable machine code while ensuring safety, quality, and throughput.

Candidates should have extensive CNC programming experience in heavy fabrication, knowledge of CAD/CAM, nesting, G-code, and Lean principles.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of CNC programming experience in an industrial environment.
• Experience with plasma cutting tables and 6-axis robotic processing systems.
• Experience interpreting drawings, GD&T, and fabrication standards.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and MS Office applications.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain CNC programs for plasma and robotic systems.
• Convert drawings and requirements into optimized programs and nesting plans.
• Validate tool paths and machine parameters to maximize efficiency.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Create and maintain setup sheets and standard work documentation.
• Support new equipment commissioning and production startup activities; analyze data for improvements.

Skills

CNC programming

G-code & post-processors

CAD/CAM software

Robotic motion systems

Nesting software

Lean manufacturing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree or technical certification preferred

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Post-processors

G-code interpreters

Job description

Summary:

The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining machine programs that support automated material processing operations. This position will be responsible for creating production-ready programs for CNC equipment including a plasma cutting table and 6-axis robotic CNC processing cell, ensuring safe execution, quality output, material efficiency, and schedule performance. The CNC Programmer serves as the technical bridge between Engineering and Manufacturing by translating engineering requirements into executable machine programs, developing process standards, supporting equipment implementation, and continuously improving throughput and machine utilization. The ideal candidate has experience supporting industrial manufacturing environments and understands both machine programming and practical production execution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, create, and maintain CNC machine programs for plasma cutting systems and 6-axis robotic CNC processing equipment.
• Convert engineering drawings, 3D models, and production requirements into optimized machine programs and nesting plans.
• Generate and validate tool paths, cut strategies, robotic motion paths, and machine parameters to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Perform simulation and verification of programs prior to release to production.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturability and schedule execution.
• Optimize machine utilization, cycle time, material yield, and consumable usage.
• Establish and maintain programming standards, naming conventions, setup instructions, and revision control processes.
• Support first article production and machine prove-out activities for new programs.
• Troubleshoot machine execution issues and modify programs to resolve quality or productivity concerns.
• Create and maintain machine setup sheets, operator instructions, and standard work documentation.
• Support implementation of new equipment, software upgrades, and automation initiatives.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support preventive maintenance efforts by validating machine calibration and process capability.
• Ensure all programs meet company safety standards and equipment operating requirements.
• Provide technical support and guidance to CNC Operators and production personnel.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience programming CNC manufacturing equipment in an industrial environment.
• Experience programming CNC plasma tables, robotic processing systems, beam lines, laser systems, or automated fabrication equipment.
• Experience programming 6-axis robotic motion systems and understanding robotic kinematics.
• Experience with nesting software and CAD/CAM platforms.
• Experience in structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, or industrial production environments.
• Working knowledge of G-code, machine control systems, and post-processors.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and fabrication standards.
• Experience supporting new equipment commissioning and production startup activities.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and process optimization principles.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, models, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machine capability, and production flow.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing and programming issues independently.
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and schedule performance.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout production areas.
• Ability to sit and perform computer-based programming work for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to access manufacturing equipment for setup verification and troubleshooting.
• Visual ability to review drawings, monitor machine operations, and inspect production output.
• Ability to wear required PPE in production environments.

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Frequent interaction with automated manufacturing systems, production equipment, and fabrication operations.
• Exposure to noise, airborne particulates, welding fumes, and moving equipment when supporting shop floor operations.
• Work may require schedule flexibility to support production demands, startup activities, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Strict adherence to all safety procedures and operational controls is required.