CNC Programmer I, II, or III

Accelera Staffing; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer (Level I, II, or III) to join the Engineering team in Matthews, NC. You will develop, test, and refine 5-axis CNC programs for tight-tolerance components, leveraging SolidWorks, Mastercam, and Vericut to build cost-effective, repeatable processes.

You will collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Purchasing to design tooling strategies and produce setup documentation.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or engineering; equivalent combinations considered.
• Between 3 and 8+ years of multi-axis CNC programming experience, with 5-axis expertise preferred.
• Proven ability to utilize SolidWorks and Mastercam effectively.
• Foundational knowledge of GD&T with ASME Y14.5; certification preferred or obtainable within three months.
• Practical experience with 5-axis CNC procedures and machine setup.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex Mastercam programs for multi-axis lathes and mills to produce high-quality parts from exotic alloys like Titanium and Inconel.
• Evaluate component dimensions to optimize toolpaths and improve cycle times for space and aircraft hardware.
• Use Vericut for collision checks and verify toolpaths before release to production.
• Maintain manufacturing standards by reviewing blueprints, equipment capabilities, and testing methodologies.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to design fixtures and work-holding solutions meeting production requirements.
• Coordinate with external partners to integrate coatings and cutting tools to drive efficiency.
• Oversee tooling workflows and manage vending inventory and tool condition evaluation.
• Provide hands-on technical assistance to shop floor staff to maintain precision tolerances and resolve machining challenges.
• Generate and update documentation including tool lists, program revisions, and setup sheets.
• Apply Fishbone and 5-Why for root-cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.
• Act as SME to facilitate clear communication between Operations, Quality, and Management teams.

Skills

Fixture design principles

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

Vericut

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Microsoft Office

Corrective Action Reporting

Root Cause Analysis

Analytical thinking

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical field

ASME Y14.5 Certification (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Vericut

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about creating flight-critical hardware and building high-performance systems for the defense, aerospace, and space industries? We are looking for a skilled CNC Programmer (Level I, II, or III) to join our engineering department and contribute to our mission.

You will be responsible for developing, testing, and refining CNC programs for complex components with tight tolerances, using advanced 5-axis machining technology. By leveraging tools like SolidWorks, Mastercam, and Vericut, you will evaluate 3D CAD models and engineering specifications to build manufacturing processes that are cost-effective, repeatable, and efficient.

Additionally, you will work alongside our Quality, Operations, and Purchasing teams to create process plans, design tooling strategies, and produce setup documentation, while providing technical guidance to ensure our machines consistently deliver high-quality parts.

CNC Programmer (Level I, II, or III)

Location: Matthews, NC

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Your Impact

Are you passionate about creating flight-critical hardware and building high-performance systems for the defense, aerospace, and space industries? We are looking for a skilled CNC Programmer (Level I, II, or III) to join our engineering department and contribute to our mission.

You will be responsible for developing, testing, and refining CNC programs for complex components with tight tolerances, using advanced 5-axis machining technology. By leveraging tools like SolidWorks, Mastercam, and Vericut, you will evaluate 3D CAD models and engineering specifications to build manufacturing processes that are cost-effective, repeatable, and efficient.

Additionally, you will work alongside our Quality, Operations, and Purchasing teams to create process plans, design tooling strategies, and produce setup documentation, while providing technical guidance to ensure our machines consistently deliver high-quality parts.

Our Commitment to You

We believe our team is our greatest asset, which is why we provide clear opportunities for professional growth alongside a competitive compensation and benefits package. From your first day, you will have access to comprehensive health and life insurance plans, as well as a generous PTO policy designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. We also encourage you to expand your technical knowledge and advance your career through our full certification reimbursement program, which covers Mastercam, SolidWorks, and GD&T credentials, providing you with the support needed to excel in your role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop complex Mastercam programs for multi-axis lathes and mills to help ensure the production of high-quality parts from exotic alloys like Titanium and Inconel.
• Evaluate component dimensions to determine the most effective toolpath strategies, helping to improve cycle times for space and aircraft hardware.
• Utilize Vericut to perform collision checks and verify toolpaths before they are released to the production floor.
• Maintain manufacturing standards by regularly reviewing blueprints, equipment capabilities, and testing methodologies.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to design specialized fixtures and work-holding solutions that meet strict production requirements.
• Work with external partners to integrate advanced coatings and cutting tools, helping to drive overall process efficiency.
• Oversee tooling workflows, including the maintenance of vending inventory and the evaluation of tool conditions.
• Provide hands-on technical assistance to shop floor staff to help maintain precision tolerances and resolve machining challenges.
• Generate and update essential documentation, including tool lists, program revision histories, and setup sheets.
• Apply standard improvement tools like Fishbone and 5-Why to support root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.
• Act as a technical Subject Matter Expert to facilitate clear communication between Operations, Quality, and Management teams.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Advanced understanding of fixture design principles and GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• High level of proficiency using Vericut, SolidWorks, Mastercam, and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Intermediate to advanced capability in utilizing Corrective Action Reporting and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills, combined with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

Required

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or engineering is preferred, though we will consider equivalent combinations of certifications, formal training, and hands‑on programming experience.
• Between 3 and 8+ years of experience in multi‑axis CNC programming, with a strong preference for simultaneous 5‑axis expertise.
• Proven ability to utilize SolidWorks and Mastercam effectively.
• Solid foundational knowledge of GD&T, with a preference for ASME Y14.5 - 2018 certification or the ability to acquire it within three months.
• Practical experience with 5‑axis CNC operational procedures and machine setup.

Preferred

• Experience working within an ISO 9001 or AS9100 aerospace manufacturing facility.
• Background in operating or programming DMG Mori equipment using Fanuc or Siemens controllers.
• Relevant industry certifications including Mastercam (Mill 2D/3D, Lathe, Multi‑Axis), SolidWorks (CSWA/CSWP), GD&T (ASME Y14.5 Advanced), or Six Sigma (Yellow Belt or higher).
• Prior experience using Vericut software for simulation and verification.