CNC Programmer III

Paylocity; Colorado; On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Barber-Nichols in Colorado is seeking a CNC Programmer III who independently creates and revises CNC programs for lathe, mill and mill-turn operations, using Siemens NX CAM, while aligning with drawings and specifications across development to production.

The role leads advanced troubleshooting, mentors machinists, develops tooling libraries and post processors, and collaborates with engineering, quality and procurement to ensure production readiness and consistent, high‑quality output.

Qualifications

• Ten years of CNC programming across lathe, mill, and mill-turn in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Advanced GD&T knowledge and experience with tight tolerances and difficult materials (inconel, titanium, stainless).
• Strong knowledge of ISO standards and good manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC programs for lathe, mill and mill-turn with detailed setup and run instructions.
• Lead process verification, machine simulation, and post-processor development.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production to ensure production readiness and consistent output.

Skills

Siemens NX CAM

CNC programming

Programming mentorship

Education

Associate degree / CNC cert

Tools

NX CAM post processors

Job description

About Barber-Nichols

Barber-Nichols (BN) is a leading provider of custom turbomachinery for the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics and Energy industries. This is a unique place. Our company is made up of people that are at the top of their game. And we are working with customers who are at the top of their game. Together, we help our customers revolutionize their markets and build amazing relationships with them in the process. If you're seeking to work with an amazing team in a “get-it-done” atmosphere that supports your development, and recognizes your achievements, BN is the place for you.

Position Summary

The CNC Programmer III independently creates and revises CNC programs and fixturing using BN or customer-provided models and drawings, while owning assigned programming work across all levels of complexity from development through production support. This role develops and improves manufacturing processes, mentors programmers and machinists, leads advanced troubleshooting, supports new equipment and process implementation, and standardizes programming methods and related manufacturing information for lathe, mill, and mill-turn operations. The CNC Programmer III also works cross-functionally with machinists, engineering, quality, procurement, vendors, customers, and other support functions to develop efficient and accurate manufacturing processes.

Key Results Areas

1) Independently develop CNC programs for lathe, mill, and mill-turn operations across all levels of complexity, with detailed machine setup and run instructions, focusing on efficient metal removal while meeting design tolerances and specifications.

a. Program lathe, mill, and mill-turn CNC machining operations using Siemens NX CAM software and serve as a technical resource for advanced CAM strategy, complex applications, and tool path creation.

b. Prove out CNC programs through process verification and machine simulation software to support accurate and repeatable program release.

c. Develop and maintain CAM post processors, NX tooling libraries, templates, setup documentation, tool lists, and related programming data needed to support consistent programming output and production.

2) Select and standardize cutting techniques and tools for CNC machining operations across all levels of complexity to meet design tolerances while improving machining efficiency and repeatability.

a. Develop and standardize cutting methods, tool paths, speeds, and feeds based on tooling, workholding, machine capability, material behavior, and tolerance requirements.

b. Analyze drawings, specifications, and design data to determine dimensions, tolerances, and machining requirements for assigned work, including complex applications.

c. Identify and select cutting tools required for CNC machining operations and work with tooling suppliers as needed to develop effective tooling solutions for standard and complex applications.

3) Ensure production readiness of manufacturing processes prior to starting the first operation in the manufacturing sequence.

a. Lead and support production readiness reviews for complex or high-risk work.

b. Ensure programs, documentation, workholding fixtures, simulation information, and cutting tools are available to support production schedules, and proactively resolve items that may affect production readiness.

c. Support implementation of new equipment and manufacturing processes through tooling, fixtures, post processors, simulation, and documentation needed to bring the process into production.

4) Mentor, train, and support machinists and programmers throughout the manufacturing process and lead advanced troubleshooting to support successful component production.

a. Monitor production of assigned parts and identify broader process improvements that can be applied across parts, machines, or product families.

b. Maintain open communication with machinists, production supervisors, and other programmers, and incorporate improvements to CNC programs and setup documentation to improve manufacturing efficiency, part quality, and repeatability.

c. Lead advanced troubleshooting of programming, tooling, documentation, and setup issues, provide technical direction and training, and coordinate cross-functional support when needed.

5) Collaborate with product engineers, program managers, quality, and other programmers regarding design changes, manufacturability concerns, and resolution of non-conforming products.

a. Create or update CNC programs, process documentation, tooling information, and work instructions needed to support immediate rework actions, long‑term corrective actions, and approved resolutions to non‑conforming product.

b. Implement approved design changes and identify impacts to machining strategy, production readiness, programming standards, post processor output, CAM libraries, and repeat production methods.

6) Support employee safety throughout the production process through safe programming practices, clear setup information, standard methods, and compliance with safety procedures.

a. Create CNC programs that allow for safe machining practices while considering machine motion, clearances, setup risks, prove‑out methods, and safe production handoff across all levels of complexity.

b. Identify, communicate, and lead implementation of safety improvements related to assigned products, CNC programs, setup documentation, manufacturing cells, and department methods.

7) Ensure the Quality Management System (QMS) is incorporated in machining processes.

a. Able to locate QMS procedures, read and understand relevant procedures.

b. Assists with identifying and documenting procedural changes and supports QMS training to help ensure department compliance.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, an individual must possess the knowledge, training, experience and abilities required.

Education and Training

• Associate's degree in manufacturing technology, CNC programming certification, or related technical training preferred. Machining, setup, operation, or programming experience may be considered in lieu of degree or certification.

Experience

• At least ten (10) years’ experience programming parts across a wide range of complexity for lathes, mills, and mill‑turn with advanced CAM software in a precision manufacturing environment, including extensive experience with complex parts. Siemens NX CAM experience desired.
• Advanced experience machining or supporting work involving tight tolerances and difficult materials, such as Inconel, titanium, stainless steels, or similar materials required.

Other

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong knowledge of good manufacturing practices and ISO standards.
• Ability to setup, run, and support prove‑out of complex jobs.
• Must be willing to work overtime as required.

Desired Job Qualification

• AS9100 and ISO9001 work experience
• Experience programming both mill and lathe operations, including complex or mill‑turn machining.
• Siemens NX CAM experience, including advanced tool path creation, post processor knowledge, tooling libraries, and full machine simulation.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring machinists or programmers, leading advanced troubleshooting, and supporting new equipment or process implementation.
• Demonstrated record of improving manufacturing processes, programming methods, setup documentation, tooling libraries, or machining strategies.

Skills

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Ability and willingness to abide by set policies and/or safety programs established by BNI, our clients, and/or regulatory agencies which govern our performance and behavior in the normal course of our work while on BNI or the client’s property or job site.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required

Strong organizational and time management skills

High attention to detail

Ability to successfully plan and implement objectives within established timelines and work schedules.

Ability to analyze complex problems, lead advanced troubleshooting efforts, communicate concerns, and develop effective solutions at both functional and production‑support levels.

Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values

Ability to work independently with minimal direction as a technical resource, mentor, and continuous‑improvement leader within a team‑oriented culture.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, products, machines, and manufacturing requirements while maintaining strong documentation, communication, and process control.

Physical and Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Required to speak and communicate clearly with others.

Mental demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is required to read, write, analyze data and reports, exercise judgment, develop plans, procedures and goals, present information to others and work under pressure.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is exposed to high level of manufacturing and equipment noise. Duties are performed indoors in a manufacturing environment with temperature changes. Exposure to hazardous materials, fumes or airborne particles and moving mechanical parts with vibration.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Barber‑Nichols must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e., current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. Security clearance is not required for this position

Equal Opportunity Employer

Barber‑Nichols is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range for this role is $45-55/hr. This range represent the anticipated minimum and maximum base + bonus for this position based upon a good faith and reasonable estimate. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and therefore, may fall outside the range shown, depending on the circumstances.

Barber Nichols anticipates the application window closing approximately 30 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require Barber Nichols to shorten or extend the application window.