CNC Programmer - Lathe

vayaspace; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaya Space, located in Florida, is seeking a CNC Programmer to develop and optimize CNC programs for mill turning operations. This role bridges engineering and manufacturing, ensuring job readiness before production.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of CNC machining experience and strong knowledge of CAM programming. Attention to detail is crucial for success in this fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include CNC programming, tooling management, and production support.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience.
• 3+ years of CAM programming experience.
• Ability to independently develop manufacturing processes from engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC programs for CNC turning centers.
• Review engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Assist machinists with setup questions and program troubleshooting.

Skills

CNC machining experience

CAM programming experience

Understanding of milling operations

Proficient blueprint reading

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

CNC Programmer- Lathe

Summary

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast. We are advancing patented vortex-hybrid engine technology to deliver propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety, affordability, and sustainability. In the commercial market, our Dauntlesslaunch vehicle provides reliable and cost-effective access to orbit. In defense, our hybrid propulsion systems support next-generation tactical, hypersonic, and missile defense applications.

The CNC Programmer is responsible for developing, validating, and optimizing CNC programs for mill turning operations while supporting efficient production execution. This role serves as the technical bridge between customer engineering and manufacturing by determining machining strategy, tooling requirements, fixture concepts, and setup methodology, as well as ensuring jobs are fully prepared for production before release to the shop floor, including program development, tooling identification, setup documentation, and procurement coordination. This position works closely with machinists, production control, and purchasing to ensure programs, tools, and materials are available to support production schedules.

We are a fast-paced, mission-driven team tackling some of the hardest problems in aerospace. Success at Vaya requires personal leadership, strong technical skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Every team member contributes across disciplines, stepping up where needed to drive innovation forward.
If you want to make an impact and help shape the future of space and defense, Vaya Space is the place to do it.

Travel Required

Up to 10%

Required Security Clearance

None (ITAR Eligible)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

CNC Programming

• Develop CNC programs for CNC turning centers.
• Develop efficient machining strategies based on print requirements, material, and machine capabilities.
• Generate toolpaths using CAM software.
• Post-process and verify programs prior to release.
• Maintain revision control of manufacturing programs.

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and customer requirements.
• Develop setup methodology and machining sequences.
• Recommend fixturing concepts and workholding solutions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times and improve manufacturability.
• Support first article and prototype development activities.

Tooling Management

• Determine tooling requirements for upcoming jobs.
• Maintain standard tooling libraries.
• Identify specialty tooling required for future work orders.
• Coordinate with purchasing to ensure tooling is ordered and received ahead of scheduled production.
• Evaluate cutting tool performance and recommend improvements.

Production Support

• Assist machinists with setup questions and program troubleshooting.
• Support prove-outs and first-run jobs.
• Make program modifications as required to improve quality or efficiency.
• Investigate machining issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical resource for setup machinists and operators.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor cycle times and machine utilization.
• Standardize proven machining methods and setup practices.
• Develop setup sheets, tooling lists, and work instructions.
• Improve manufacturing processes for quality, efficiency, and repeatability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience.
• 3+ years of CAM programming experience.
• Strong understanding of milling operations and setup methodology.
• Ability to independently develop manufacturing processes from engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Strong understanding of cutting tools, feeds, speeds, workholding, and machining strategy.
• Experience with 3-axis machining and multi‑axis operations.
• Proficient blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation.
• Experience supporting prototype and high-mix low-volume manufacturing.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.
• To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a “U.S. Person” as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate.

Preferred Skills and Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Attention to detail
• Strong problem‑solving skills, decision‑making skills, and a results‑driven approach