CNC Programmer - Large Parts (Castings and Forgings)

ACME CAREERS; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ACME CAREERS is seeking a motivated CNC programmer with 3–6 years of experience in a precision manufacturing environment. The role develops into a technical expert in complex, multi-axis machining, including 5-axis and turn-mill platforms, under mentorship of senior leadership.

You will implement CAM programs, refine tooling strategies, and drive first article and prove-out activities on the shop floor, building reusable processes and robust documentation.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years CNC programming or advanced machinist/setup experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine CNC programs using CAM 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.
• Verify programs through simulation and support machine prove-outs.
• Participate in DFM reviews on new parts to identify upstream programming considerations.
• 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.

Skills

CNC programming experience

Multi-axis machining

Reading GD&T

Shop floor support

Troubleshooting machining issues

Tools

TopSolid

MasterCAM

GibbsCAM

SprutCAM

Fusion 360

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