CNC Programmer-Direct Hire

Kelly Services; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer for a defense and aerospace manufacturer in Hampton, VA.

You will develop, validate, and improve CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines used to produce aerospace components. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to meet exact specifications and tight tolerances.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree or machining program preferred.
• 5–7+ years CNC programming experience in regulated manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi‑axis machines.
• Create programs from engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications.
• Edit and optimize existing CNC programs and verify revisions for traceability.
• Support first article production and validation.
• Ensure compliance with GD&T and quality systems.

Skills

CNC programming

G-code

GD&T

CAM software

read engineering drawings

documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree or machining program

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

GibbsCAM

3-, 4-, 5-axis CNC

Job description

CNC Programmer – Defense / Aerospace

Direct Hire | $80,000–$110,000/year | 1st Shift | Hampton, VA

Kelly Services is hiring an experienced CNC Programmer for a direct-hire opportunity with a defense and aerospace manufacturer in Hampton, VA.

If you have strong CNC programming experience, understand complex machining requirements, and enjoy working with precision parts, tight tolerances, and regulated quality systems, this could be a strong next move.

You’ll develop, validate, and improve CNC programs used to manufacture critical aerospace and defense components while working closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production.

Job Details

Location: Hampton, VA
Salary: $80,000–$110,000 annually, based on experience
Shift: 1st Shift
Employment Type: Direct Hire

Why You’ll Want This Job

• $80K–$110K annual salary
• Direct-hire opportunity
• Consistent 1st-shift schedule
• Work in a specialized defense and aerospace manufacturing environment
• Program mills, lathes, and multi-axis CNC equipment
• Work with complex parts, tight tolerances, and high-performance materials
• Collaborate directly with Engineering, Quality, and Production
• Opportunity to improve machining strategies, cycle times, tooling, and repeatability
• Exposure to AS9100, AS9102, ITAR/EAR, and defense-contract manufacturing requirements
• High level of ownership over programming and process development

What You’ll Be Doing

As a CNC Programmer, you’ll develop and maintain machining programs that produce repeatable, accurate, and fully documented aerospace and defense components.

Your day may include:

• Developing and maintaining CNC programs for mills, lathes, and multi-axis machines
• Creating new programs from engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications
• Editing and optimizing existing CNC programs
• Working with complex tolerances and GD&T
• Selecting tooling, fixtures, workholding, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies
• Creating and maintaining setup sheets and tooling documentation
• Verifying program revisions and configuration control
• Supporting machine setup and prove-out activities
• Troubleshooting machining, tooling, and dimensional issues
• Improving machining efficiency without sacrificing quality or compliance
• Supporting first article production and validation
• Maintaining traceability of programs, revisions, and process changes

First Article & Quality Support

You’ll work closely with Quality and Engineering to ensure machining processes consistently meet customer and contractual requirements.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) activities
• Working within AS9100 quality requirements
• Supporting AS9102 documentation and validation
• Investigating machining-related nonconformances
• Participating in corrective actions and root-cause investigations
• Reviewing dimensional and inspection results
• Updating programs or processes when required
• Supporting internal, customer, government, and third-party audits

What We’re Looking For

This could be a strong fit if you have:

• 5–7+ years of CNC programming experience
• Strong CNC machining knowledge
• Experience programming mills, lathes, and/or multi-axis equipment
• Strong knowledge of tooling, feeds, speeds, workholding, and machining strategies
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings
• Strong knowledge of GD&T
• Experience working from CAD models
• Experience using CAM software
• Strong G-code knowledge
• Experience troubleshooting machining and programming issues
• Strong attention to detail and documentation

CAM & Programming Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Mastercam
• Fusion 360
• GibbsCAM
• Other advanced CAM platforms
• G-code programming
• 3-, 4-, or 5-axis CNC programming
• CNC mills
• CNC lathes
• Multi-axis machining centers

Aerospace / Defense Experience

Candidates with experience in regulated manufacturing environments are especially encouraged to apply.

Experience with any of the following is valuable:

• AS9100
• ISO 9001
• AS9102 First Article Inspection
• Aerospace manufacturing
• Defense manufacturing
• Government or prime defense contractor work
• ITAR / EAR-controlled environments
• Configuration control
• Document and revision control

High-Performance Materials

Experience machining difficult or high-performance materials is a strong plus, including:

• Inconel
• Titanium
• Stainless steel
• Nickel-based alloys
• Aerospace-grade metals and specialty alloys

What Will Make You Successful

This role requires someone who can balance precision, productivity, and compliance.

You’ll need to be able to:

• Develop reliable machining processes from engineering requirements
• Think through complex setups and tooling strategies
• Troubleshoot dimensional and machining problems
• Maintain disciplined documentation and revision control
• Communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, and quality personnel
• Support production directly on the shop floor when needed
• Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, quality, and repeatability
• Work effectively within controlled manufacturing processes

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical degree, machining program, apprenticeship, or related technical education preferred
• 5–7+ years of CNC programming experience in a regulated manufacturing environment preferred

Compliance Requirements

Because this position supports defense and aerospace manufacturing, candidates must be able to comply with applicable:

• Export-control requirements
• Data-security policies
• Confidentiality requirements
• Background screening requirements

U.S. Person status may be required for work involving ITAR-controlled technical data.

Physical Requirements

Candidates should be comfortable:

• Working in an active CNC manufacturing environment
• Spending time both at a computer workstation and on the production floor
• Standing and walking as needed to support machining operations
• Working around CNC machinery and manufacturing equipment
• Occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.

Program the Parts That Demand Precision

If you’re an experienced CNC Programmer who enjoys multi-axis machining, complex geometry, tight tolerances, advanced materials, and solving difficult manufacturing problems, this is an opportunity to apply those skills in a demanding defense and aerospace environment.

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