NC Programmer - Mastercam

ALIGN PRECISION; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ALIGN PRECISION in Garden Grove is seeking an experienced Mastercam Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC programs for large aerostructure parts on gantry mills. You will work from CATIA/NX models and drawings to produce wing skins, spars, ribs, and bulkheads with close tolerances.

The role requires 5+ years of Mastercam experience, multi-axis programming, and familiarity with Vericut, GD&T, AS9100, and ITAR.

Qualifications

• 5+ years CNC programming experience with Mastercam for large-part aerostructure machining.
• Experience programming multi-axis gantry or large-envelope machining centers.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace aluminum and titanium materials and their machining.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models.
• Experience with toolpath simulation/verification software (Vericut or equivalent).
• Knowledge of work-holding/fixturing for large, flexible parts.
• Familiarity with post-processor logic and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 and aerospace quality documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government clearances/ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimize 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC programs in Mastercam for large gantry-style machining centers.
• Program complex aerostructure components including wing skins, spars, ribs, and large sheet metal parts from 3D models and drawings.
• Optimize toolpaths for material removal, cycle time, tool life, and surface finish while managing deflection and thin-wall stability.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and fixturing for aluminum, titanium, and composites.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to meet GD&T and first-article inspection standards.
• Perform program verification and simulation (Vericut) to avoid collisions and fixture interference.
• Support first-article setup and on-machine troubleshooting including edits and offsets.
• Interpret and program from engineering models (CATIA, NX, or similar) and CAD formats.
• Maintain program docs, setup sheets, and tool lists per AS9100 and customer quality requirements.
• Support continuous improvement to reduce cycle times and improve process capability on large-format work.
• Participate in DFM reviews for new aerostructure programs.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential.

Skills

Mastercam

Gantry machining

GD&T

Vericut

AS9100

Fixturing knowledge

Post-processor troubleshooting

ITAR compliance

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Tools

CATIA or NX

Job description

When you work with ALIGN PRECISION, you’re working with engineering and precision manufacturing experts. Our teams align to deliver precision solutions for leading aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and high-tech industry OEMs. We are seeking an experienced Mastercam Programmer to develop, optimize, and support CNC programs for the machining of large-scale aerostructures on multi-axis gantry mills. This role is critical to producing complex, close-tolerance structural components — such as wing skins, spars, ribs, and bulkheads — for aerospace and defense platforms. If you want to an experienced engineering team with a focus mentoring, excellence and innovation, ALIGN PRECISION is for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and optimize 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC programs in Mastercam for large gantry-style machining centers.
• Program complex aerostructure components including monolithic wing skins, spars, ribs, and large sheet metal detail parts from 3D models and engineering drawings
• Optimize toolpaths for material removal rates, cycle time, tool life, and surface finish while managing part deflection and thin-wall stability
• Select appropriate cutting tools, feeds, speeds, and work-holding strategies for aluminum, titanium, and composite materials
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to ensure programs meet GD&T requirements and first-article inspection standards
• Perform program verification and simulation (e.g., Vericut) to eliminate collisions, gouges, and fixture interference prior to machine floor deployment
• Support first-article setup and provide on-machine troubleshooting, including program edits and offset adjustments
• Interpret and program from engineering models (CATIA, NX, or similar) and native/neutral CAD file formats
• Maintain and update program documentation, setup sheets, and tool lists in accordance with AS9100 and customer quality requirements
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle times and improve process capability on large-format work
• Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews for new aerostructure programs
• Regular, reliable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the role.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of CNC programming experience using Mastercam, with a focus on large-part or aerostructure machining
• Demonstrated experience programming multi-axis gantry or large-envelope machining centers
• Strong understanding of aerospace materials (aluminum alloys, titanium) and their machining characteristics
• Proficiency reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D models
• Experience with toolpath simulation/verification software (Vericut or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of work-holding and fixturing strategies for large, flexible parts
• Familiarity with post-processor logic and the ability to troubleshoot post output
• Strong understanding of AS9100 and aerospace quality documentation requirements
• Must be able to obtain and maintain any required government clearances/authorizations (ITAR compliance)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming 5-axis simultaneous machining on large gantry platforms
• Familiarity with CATIA V5 or Siemens NX for model preparation and surfacing
• Experience with composite trimming/drilling programs in addition to metallic structures
• Prior experience in a defense or commercial aerospace structures manufacturing environment
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma exposure
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience)

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to work on a manufacturing floor with exposure to large-scale CNC equipment
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs) and standing/walking for extended periods
• May require flexibility to support multiple shifts or production schedules

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitude, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety to themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

Affirmative Action/Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: ALIGN PRECISION is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We are committed to creating a workplace where all qualified individuals are welcome and can thrive, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by law.