CNC Programmer - Large Parts (Castings and Forgings)

Acme Industries, Inc.; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Acme Industries, Inc. is seeking a motivated CNC programmer who will tackle complex multi-axis machining tasks and grow into a technical expert under senior leadership.

You will work on 3‑ to 5‑axis components, collaborating with machinists on setup and first article runs, while developing standardized processes and reusable toolpaths. This is a structured growth role with milestones over 12–24 months.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years CNC programming or advanced machinist/setup experience.
• Experience with multi-axis machining (4+ axes); 5-axis a plus.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and apply GD&T.
• Familiarity with CAM software and on-shop floor prove-outs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine CNC programs for 3- to 5-axis machining with TopSolid and MasterCam.
• Support mill-turn platforms and live tooling operations.
• Verify programs via simulation and machine prove-outs.
• Contribute to DFM reviews and standardize setup sheets.
• Improve cycle times and implement reusable toolpaths.
• Progress toward independent ownership over 12–24 months.

Skills

CNC programming

CAM platforms

GD&T knowledge

Reading drawings

Shop floor experience

Tools

TopSolid

MasterCAM

GibbsCAM

SprutCAM

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

Job description

Description

Position Purpose

This is a high-potential CNC programming role designed for a motivated machinist-programmer who wants to develop into a technical expert in complex machining. This is not a repetitive production programming position — it is a structured development opportunity for someone capable of solving difficult machining challenges under the mentorship of senior manufacturing leadership. You will work on advanced components requiring multi-axis machining, tight tolerances, and thoughtful machining strategy while building mastery in 5-axis and turn/mill applications. The role combines hands‑on exposure to machines with meaningful ownership of real production parts. Success in this role means growing into a go‑to technical resource through curiosity, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

CAM Programming and Machining Strategy

• Develop and refine CNC programs using TopSolid and MasterCam for 3‑axis, 4‑axis, and introductory simultaneous 5‑axis machining
• Support programming of mill‑turn / turn‑mill platforms, including live tooling and secondary spindle operations
• Apply proper tooling selection, speeds/feeds, and cutting strategies — with guidance as needed in early tenure
• Verify programs through simulation and support machine prove‑outs
• Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews on new parts to identify upstream programming considerations

Process Development and Troubleshooting

• Support new part introduction from print review through first article approval
• Participate in machine prove‑outs and document process learnings in standardized setup sheets
• Troubleshoot common machining challenges such as chatter, tool wear, surface finish variation, and dimensional inconsistency
• Establish stable setup sheets, tool lists, and repeatable process documentation for all programmed components
• Interpret engineering drawings including GD&T callouts per ASME Y14.5

Production Support

• Work directly with machinists during setup and early production runs to ensure process stability and operator confidence
• Improve program clarity and operator usability — minimize manual operator adjustments in running programs
• Convert tribal knowledge into standardized process documentation and repeatable programs
• Respond to production calls when machining anomalies or dimensional variation require programming evaluation

Continuous Improvement and Technical Growth

• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, improve surface finish, and minimize manual operator intervention
• Build standardized programming methods and reusable toolpath templates for families of similar parts
• Progress toward independent process ownership with increasing scope and complexity over the first 12–24 months
• Contribute to ACME's AS9100 quality system through accurate documentation, revision control, and first article support

Growth Expectations — 12 to 24 Month Trajectory

This role is explicitly structured as a development position. The expectation is that the selected candidate will grow into independent technical ownership. The following milestones represent the expected development arc:

Timeframe Expected Milestone

0–6 months Productive contributor on assigned 3‑axis and 4‑axis programs using TopSolid and MasterCam; completing prove‑outs under supervision

6–12 months Programming multi‑axis parts with limited supervision; documenting setup sheets and tool lists independently

12–24 months Independently programming moderate‑complexity multi‑axis components; leading prove‑outs; developing stable repeatable processes; recognized as a technical resource by machinists

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• 3–6 years of CNC programming or advanced machinist/setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of TopSolid or another advanced CAM platform — training on TopSolid will be provided for candidates with transferable CAM experience
• Exposure to multi‑axis machining: minimum 4‑axis indexed experience; simultaneous 5‑axis experience a plus
• Experience supporting machine prove‑outs — comfortable on the shop floor during first runs
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and apply basic GD&T principles

Technical Skills

• CNC programming from 3D model or 2D print using a CAM system (TopSolid preferred; MasterCAM, GibbsCAM, SprutCAM, or Fusion 360 considered)
• Understanding of cutting tool selection, speeds and feeds, and toolpath strategy for aluminum, steel, and exotic alloys
• Familiarity with FANUC or Fanuc‑like controls; ability to verify and edit G‑code at the machine
• Ability to perform in‑process inspection using precision measurement tools — micrometers, calipers, height gauges
• Basic SolidWorks or equivalent CAD familiarity for model review is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mill‑turn or live‑tool lathe machining (secondary spindle programming a strong plus)
• Aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing experience — AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO 9001 environment
• Demonstrated interest in complex machining problems and technical growth — this role rewards curiosity
• Comfort working directly on the shop floor alongside machinists, not in an office‑only programming role
• Any TopSolid experience is a significant advantage