CNC Programmer/Operator

Ford; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,300 - 159,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, prescription

Paid time off & holidays

Hybrid work model

Visa sponsorship available

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Ford in the United States is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer/Operator to program, set up, and operate CNC milling machines and 5-axis gantry mills to produce prototype vehicle parts. You will translate engineering designs into precise CNC programs and ensure on-time delivery for prototype builds.

The role requires 5-7+ years of CNC experience, strong CAM software knowledge (Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX), and the ability to interpret drawings.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience as a CNC Programmer/Operator.
• Strong CAM software expertise and ability to translate CAD drawings into CNC programs.
• Proven track record producing high-precision parts for prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot CNC programs using CAM software based on 3D CAD models and drawings.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines including tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters.
• Produce precision parts for prototype vehicles with tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Collaborate with design engineers to evaluate manufacturability and process improvements.
• Improve CNC machining processes to increase efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Inspect finished parts with precision measuring instruments to verify conformance.

Skills

CNC programming

CAM software

Interpreting drawings

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

Siemens NX

Powermill

Tebis

DMG MORI

Fooke

Job description

As a CNC Programmer/Operator, you will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling machines and 5-axis gantry mills (DMG MORI and Fooke) to produce high-quality parts and components for prototype vehicles. You will work closely with our design and engineering teams to translate engineering designs into precise and efficient CNC programs, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of parts for prototype builds. Your expertise in CNC programming, machine operation, commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality workmanship will be essential to your success in this role.

What you'll do...

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot CNC programs (G-code) using CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360, Siemens NX) based on 3D CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines including selecting appropriate tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters to achieve desired part geometries and surface finishes.
• Produce precision parts and components for prototype vehicles, ensuring adherence to tight tolerances and quality standards.
• Work closely with design engineers to understand design intent, identify potential manufacturing challenges, and provide feedback on design manufacturability.
• Continuously evaluate and improve CNC machining processes to increase efficiency, reduce cycle times, and minimize material waste.
• Inspect finished parts using precision measuring instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
• Manage and maintain an organized inventory of CNC tooling, ensuring availability of necessary tools for upcoming projects.
• Maintain accurate records of CNC programs, setup sheets, and machining parameters.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and protocols to ensure a safe working environment.

You’ll have...

• 5-7+ years of experience as a CNC Programmer/Operator.
• Proven expertise in CNC programming using CAM software.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Strong understanding of material properties and machinability of various metals, plastics, foams, and composites.
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC machining problems and identify solutions to improve part quality and efficiency.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software workflows and integration.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with design and fabrication teams.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Physical job requirements:
  • Ability to lift 50-70lbs.
  • Stand for long periods of time, bend or twist body, kneel, stoop, or crouch.

Even better, you may have...

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques and workflows.
• Ability to create and modify CAD models for fixturing and tooling purposes.
• Experience with reverse engineering techniques for creating CAD models from physical parts.
• 5-Axis Gantry Milling experience.
• Experience with Powermill and/or Tebis.

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $95,300-$159,400. Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.