CNC Programmer Supervisor

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Huntington Beach, CA seeks an experienced CNC Programmer Department Supervisor to lead programming, optimize machining processes, and ensure quality and delivery targets. You will work closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to drive continuous improvement and support mission-critical space and defense programs.

The role requires Mastercam proficiency, multi-axis Haas CNC experience, strong GD&T interpretation, and 10+ years in machining leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of CNC programming/leadership experience.
• Mastercam programming expertise.
• Experience with multi-axis Haas CNC machines.
• Knowledge of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• AS9100 or equivalent quality system understanding.
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent shop mathematics knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily CNC programming department operations and set objectives, priorities, schedules and performance goals.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop CNC programmers and support staff.
• Program CNC milling/turning on Mastercam 2022 or later, verify toolpaths and develop fixtures.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD files, blueprints, and specs for metal/composites.
• Manage programs for traceability and archival in SOPs; maintain first article dimensions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality to align schedules and resolve non-conformances.
• Diagnose and resolve machine, tooling, and production issues; communicate escalations.
• Establish and monitor productivity, quality, on-time delivery metrics, and CI efforts.
• Develop and implement machine sketch projects related to CUI within programming.

Skills

Leadership experience

Problem-solving

Shop mathematics

English language (reading/writing)

10+ years experience

Tools

Mastercam

Haas multi-axis CNC

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

The CNC Programmer Department Supervisor leads the daily operations of the CNC programming function while programming and optimizing machining processes. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and shop floor teams to produce conforming hardware, maintain program traceability, resolve machining issues, and lead CNC programming personnel in meeting safety, quality, and delivery objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leads daily operations of the CNC programming department and establishes objectives, priorities, schedules, and performance goals.
• Supervises, mentors, coaches, and develops CNC programmers and support staff, including recruiting, hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Programs CNC milling and/or turning machines using Mastercam 2022 or later, verifying toolpaths against drawing requirements and developing custom fixtures and jaws.
• Interprets engineering drawings, computer-aided design (CAD) files, customer blueprints, and specifications for metal and composite materials.
• Develops, modifies, transfers, loads, and archives verified programs in accordance with standard operating procedures to maintain traceability.
• Collaborates with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to align schedules and priorities, verify first article dimensions, and resolve production non-conformances.
• Diagnoses and resolves machine, tooling, and production issues, coordinating with supervisors or managers before resuming production following machine malfunctions or non-conformances.
• Establishes and monitors productivity, quality, and on-time delivery metrics while driving continuous improvement and maintaining visual management tools.
• Develops and implements machine sketch projects related to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the programming department.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive Mastercam programming experience.
• Experience operating multi-axis Haas Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines.
• Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and blueprint interpretation.
• Understanding of Aerospace Standard 9100 (AS9100) or equivalent quality management systems.
• Proven leadership experience supervising or mentoring machinists or programmers.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of shop mathematics and machining processes.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prototype machining experience.
• Composite machining experience.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally push, pull, lift, or carry up to 50 pounds, with a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Stand and walk constantly for at least 8 hours