CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer

Trueline Talent; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with match

PTO + floating holiday

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Onsite first shift

Onboarding plan

Growth with expanding site

Job summary

Trueline Talent’s client, a growing aerospace manufacturer, is seeking two CNC Programmers / Manufacturing Engineers to join its Hartford, CT area team at senior and mid levels. You’ll program VTLs, mills, and lathes, prove out first articles, and help build lean processes for critical aerospace components.

You will work hands-on on the shop floor, enhance cycle times, verify parts with hand gauges, and collaborate with machinists, quality, and vendors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years CNC programming or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Mastercam programming experience.
• Experience programming CNC VTLs, mills, and lathes.
• Hands-on machinist background with ability to run CNC machines.
• Experience setting up and running first article parts, with hand gauge verification.
• Strong GD&T knowledge to read and explain blueprint callouts.
• Hands-on approach and willingness to work on the production floor.
• Openness to direct feedback and coaching.
• U.S. person status (ITAR requirements).
• Bachelor’s degree or 5-10 years related experience or training.
• Onsite work in the Hartford, CT area.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC VTLs, mills, and lathes using Mastercam for large-diameter ring work.
• Modify and optimize existing CNC programs to improve cycle times and utilization.
• Set up and run first article parts, verify with hand gauges, release to production.
• Determine manufacturing methods, sequences, fixturing, materials, and inspection methods.
• Create setup sheets, operation sheets, and process documentation.
• Develop routings, apply time standards, and enter routing data into systems.
• Design fixtures and support tooling development.
• Provide detailed quotes and estimates for precision-machined components.
• Troubleshoot machining and process issues on the floor.
• Support modernization and relocation projects; collaborate with machinists and vendors.
• Lead continuous improvement as part of lean and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Skills

CNC programming

Mastercam programming

VTLs/mills/lathes programming

Hands-on machining

First article setup

GD&T knowledge

Shop floor presence

Feedback & coaching

U.S. person (ITAR)

Onsite in Hartford, CT

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CAD/CAM software

ERP systems (Infor LN/Baan)

Job description

Trueline’s client, a growing aerospace manufacturer, is seeking two CNC Programmers / Manufacturing Engineers to join its team in the Hartford, CT area, at the senior and mid levels. This is a hands-on, shop-floor role where you’ll program VTLs, mills, and lathes, prove out first articles, and help build the processes behind critical aerospace and defense components. Pay is $90,000-$115,000 plus a 5% bonus opportunity.

The site is in a period of rapid growth. It’s on track to become a $100 million operation within three years, has already added a second shift, and is modernizing its equipment. The right person is a former machinist turned programmer who loves being on the floor and wants to help take a growing operation to the next level.

What You’ll Do as the CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer:

• Program CNC VTLs, mills, and lathes using Mastercam, focusing on medium- to large-diameter ring work from 24 to 64 inches
• Modify and optimize existing CNC programs to improve cycle times, tooling strategies, and machine utilization
• Set up and run first article parts, verify them with hand gauges, and release jobs to production
• Determine manufacturing methods, sequences, fixturing, raw materials, and inspection methods
• Create setup sheets, operation sheets, and process documentation for the shop and outside vendors
• Develop routings, apply time standards, and enter routing data into the company’s systems
• Design fixtures and support tooling development
• Provide detailed quotes and estimates for precision-machined components
• Troubleshoot machining and process issues directly on the production floor
• Help modernize older equipment and support equipment relocation and production redistribution projects
• Partner with machinists, production, quality, and vendors, and balance multiple priorities based on customer demand
• Lead continuous improvement efforts as part of the company’s lean and Industry 4.0 initiatives

Must-Haves as the CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer:

• 5+ years of CNC programming or manufacturing engineering experience
• Mastercam programming experience
• Experience programming CNC VTLs, mills, and lathes
• Hands-on machinist background, with the ability to run and fully understand CNC machines
• Experience setting up and running first article parts, including hand gauge verification
• Strong GD&T knowledge, with the ability to read and explain blueprint callouts
• A hands-on approach and the desire to spend real time on the production floor
• Openness to direct feedback and coaching
• U.S. person status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to satisfy ITAR requirements
• A bachelor’s degree, 5-10 years of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination
• Ability to work onsite in the Hartford, CT area

Nice-to-Haves as the CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer:

• Experience with additional CAD/CAM or verification software
• Experience programming and running older or legacy machine tools
• Fixture and tooling design experience
• Quoting and estimating experience
• Aerospace, defense, or other precision machining experience
• Large-part turning or ring work experience
• Experience with ERP systems such as Infor LN or Baan

Our Client Offers:

• Base salary of $90,000-$115,000, depending on experience, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate
• 5% bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one, with a choice of PPO and high-deductible plans
• An HSA with company contributions on the high-deductible plan
• A wellness program that lowers medical premiums when you complete your annual preventive exam
• 401(k) eligibility on day one, with a company match of 3% on the first 6% you contribute
• PTO you can use right away, plus a floating holiday
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $3,000 per year
• Disability and voluntary life insurance
• A first-shift, salaried schedule
• A structured 30-60-90 day onboarding plan with a buddy system
• The chance to grow with a rapidly expanding site supporting commercial aviation, defense, and space programs

Trueline and its clients are unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.