CNC Programmer - Level 3

Northrop Grumman; Commerce (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Company holidays

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Commerce, CA site seeks a CNC Programmer 3 to convert complex aerospace designs into precise G-code for multi-axis machines. You will work with titanium, Inconel, and aluminum alloys, maintaining tight tolerances and writing complete NC programs using CATIA/V5 and Mastercam.

The role requires 4+ years of aerospace CNC programming, GD&T expertise, and the ability to optimize toolpaths while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED and 4+ years of CNC programming experience.
• Deep knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and CAM software (Mastercam, Gibbs CAM).
• Blueprints & GD&T: Interpret complex drawings and symbols with precision.
• Mathematical aptitude in Trigonometry and Geometry for path calculations.
• Deep understanding of post-processing and aerospace alloys such as Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum.

Responsibilities

• Program development for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and mill-turn machines using CAD/CAM tools.
• Analyze 3D CAD models and blueprints to optimize machining sequences and work-holding.
• Design fixtures and jigs in CAD to secure aerospace components during machining.
• Perform machine simulations to verify toolpaths before production runs.
• Refine programs to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, and ensure high part quality.
• Create setup sheets and tool lists to guide machinists on the floor.
• Provide shop floor support and mentor operators during setup and runs.

Skills

G-code knowledge

M-code knowledge

GD&T interpretation

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in mechanical or machining

Tools

Mastercam

GibbsCAM

CATIA

Siemens NX

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: No

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a CNC Programmer 3 located in Commerce, CA, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

Our Commerce, CA site is in search of CNC Programmer 3 to join our growing team on a 9/80 schedule.

The CNC Programmer 3 is a specialized professional responsible for converting complex 3D engineering designs into precise numerical code (G-code/M-code) that drives multi-axis machining centers using CAD/CAM software. In the aerospace industry, this role requires working with exotic materials (titanium, Inconel, aluminum alloys) and maintaining extremely tight tolerances, often within ±0.001.

Core Responsibilities

• Program Development: Utilize software such as Mastercam, CATIA, or Siemens NX to create toolpaths for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and mill-turn machines. Designing complete NC programs for complex 3, 4, and 5-axis mills, lathes, and mill-turns using CATIA V5/V6.


• CAD/CAM Integration: Analyze 3D CAD models and blueprints to determine the most efficient machining sequences and work-holding strategies.


• Tooling & Fixture Design: Design custom fixtures and jigs in CAD to secure aerospace components during the machining process.


• Simulation & Verification: Conducting machine simulations (e.g., using Veri cut or Completed) to ensure error-free toolpaths before physical production.


• Process Optimization: Continuously refine programs to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, and ensure consistent quality for high-value aerospace parts like landing gear or turbine blades. Researching tools and methods to reduce cycle times, improve part quality, and ensure cost-effective manufacturing


• Documentation: Create detailed setup sheets and tool lists to guide machinists through the production process.


• Shop Floor Support: Troubleshooting programming issues during setup, performing "prove-outs" on the floor, and mentoring machine operators.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma/GED and 4+ years of experience developing CNC programs for multi-axis machines in an aerospace environment


• Software Proficiency: Deep knowledge of CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Gibbs CAM).


• Blueprints & GD&T: Expert ability to interpret complex technical drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.


• Mathematical Aptitude: Strong foundation in Trigonometry and Geometry for calculating complex cutting paths and angles.


• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of G-code, M-code, and post-processing; expertise in machining aerospace alloys (Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum).

Preferred Qualifications

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with AS9100 standards and export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).


• Associate's degree in a mechanical or machining related curriculum or 6 years of machining and programming experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.