CNC Programmer/Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Vehicle discount program

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Job summary

Ford Motor Company in Long Beach, CA seeks an experienced CNC Programmer/Operator to program, set up, and run 5-axis milling equipment for prototype parts. You will translate engineering drawings into precise CNC programs, select tooling and parameters, and work with design teams to meet tight tolerances.

The role requires 5-7+ years of CNC programming and milling experience, strong CAM skills, problem-solving, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot CNC programs (G-code) using CAM software.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines with proper tooling and parameters.
• Produce precision parts for prototype vehicles meeting tight tolerances.
• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure manufacturability.
• Maintain safety and quality throughout machining processes.

Skills

CNC programming using CAM software

G-code

Reading blueprints

Problem solving

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

Siemens NX

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.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

Benefits

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.

Salary and Compensation

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.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Employment Information

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.