CNC Programmer / Technician

marathonnorcoaerospace; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Marathon Norco Aerospace in Texas is seeking a hands-on CNC Programmer/Technician to develop and execute machining processes for precision components from design through production release.

The role supports CNC milling, turning, Swiss, and multi-axis mill-turn equipment in a high-precision manufacturing environment. Strong CAD/CAM programming and setup skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; an associate’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years’ CAD/CAM programming in a manufacturing environment; ability to set up and operate CNC lathes and milling centers; read blueprints.
• Preferred: 15+ years in precision machining and advanced CAM platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC programs using CAM software.
• Program 2- to 3-axis turning with live tooling and 3–5 axis milling; up to 10-axis mill-turn and Swiss operations.
• Establish operation sequence and toolpath strategies based on geometry, material, tolerance, and machine capability.
• Read and modify G-code, macros, and machine-specific functions; verify programs for collisions.
• Perform machine setups and first-run prove-outs for new components.
• Establish work coordinate systems, tool offsets, and machine configurations.
• Select cutting tools, toolholders, feeds, speeds, and engagement; determine workholding methods for rigidity and repeatability.
• Develop unattended and lights-out machining using probing, tooling management, and pallet systems where applicable.
• Troubleshoot machining problems and alarms; determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Interpret drawings, GD&T, and specifications; perform first-piece and in-process inspection.
• Provide technical training to shop personnel.

Skills

CAD/CAM programming

Machine setup

Manual machining

Reading blueprints

Shop math

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree (A.S.) or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks CAM

Esprit CAM

CamWorks

Job description

Job Title: CNC Programmer / Technician

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Reports To: Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

The CNC Programmer / Technician is responsible for independently developing and executing machining processes for complex precision components from engineering documentation through production release.

This is a hands‑on position supporting CNC milling, turning, Swiss, and multi‑axis millturn equipment in a precision manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Programming & Process Planning

• Develop CNC programs using advanced CAM software.
• Program 2 and 3-axis turning operations with live tooling, 3, 4 and 5-axis milling operations, and up to 10-axis mill-turn and Swiss style operations.
• Establish operation sequence and toolpath strategies based on component geometry, material, tolerance requirements, and machine capability.
• Read and modify G-code, including macros, variables, subprograms, and machine‑specific functions.
• Verify programs for collisions, interference, and machine travel limitations.

Machine Setup & Prove‑Out

• Perform machine setups and first‑run prove‑outs for new components.
• Establish work coordinate systems, tool offsets, and required machine configurations.
• Safely execute new programs while evaluating machine movement and cutting conditions.
• Make necessary adjustments during prove‑out and establish repeatable production processes.

Cutting Tools & Workholding

• Select cutting tools, inserts, toolholders, feeds, speeds, depths of cut, and engagement parameters appropriate for each application.
• Determine workholding methods that provide the required rigidity, accessibility, repeatability, and part location.
• Design and manufacture soft jaws, fixture components, subplates, stops, and other custom workholding solutions.

Process Optimization

• Improve established processes to reduce cycle time, extend tool life, improve surface finish, and increase process stability.
• Develop unattended and lights‑out machining applications using technologies such as probing, redundant tooling, tool‑life management, bar feeding, part unloading, and pallet systems where applicable.
• Evaluate new machining techniques and technologies for practical shop‑floor application.

Troubleshooting

• Diagnose machining problems involving dimensional variation, chatter, deflection, distortion, chip control, premature tool wear, and unexpected machine behavior.
• Troubleshoot machine alarms and control‑related issues.
• Determine root causes and implement corrective actions to restore reliable production.

Inspection

• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and dimensional requirements.
• Perform first‑piece and in‑process inspection using precision measuring equipment.
• Monitor dimensional results and make corrections as necessary to maintain tolerance.

Technical Training

• Provide technical guidance to shop personnel.
• Train less‑experienced personnel in proper machining practices, safe equipment operation, and preventative maintenance.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Education: High school diploma or GED, associate’s degree (A.S.) or equivalent from two‑year college or technical school preferred.
• Experience: Three (3) – five (5) years’ applied CAD/CAM programming experience in a manufacturing environment, along with the ability to competently set up and operate manual machines, CNC lathes and milling centers, interpret technical drawings and blueprints, use of basic shop math (decimals, fractions, simple algebra, and basic trig), and calculator. Extensive hands‑on experience in a precision CNC machining environment. Demonstrated ability to independently take complex components from initial manufacturing requirements through production readiness. Strong mechanical aptitude and practical manufacturing judgment. Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision in a technically demanding shop environment.
• Preferred Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in precision machining, Advanced CAM platform experience, Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Celos CNC controller experience, Experience machining aluminums, stainless steels, alloy steels, titanium, composites, and other aerospace‑grade materials.

Or, equivalent combination of education and experience.

In addition, this position requires:

• Design: Understands material properties, machining processes and finishes, and incorporates knowledge into creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; strong mechanical aptitude; demonstrates attention to detail.
• Communication: Effective strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information to internal and external customers. Ability to interpret component or assembly drawings to common industry standards.
• Detail‑Oriented: Ability to perform work and job function with precision and accuracy, realizing that errors can have significant impact on desired results; systematically monitors processes and progress of projects, maintaining documentation records.
• Work habits: Ability to work independently and be self‑motivated, assuming ownership of multiple assigned projects in a fast‑paced environment, but also possesses the ability to collaborate with other department members as needed; must be able to manage projects and resources independently.
• Technological Competency: Microsoft Windows environment, MS Office, CAD/CAM programming software: Solidworks CAM, Esprit, CamWorks, or similar.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties related to but not limited to the above job duties as requested by supervision, i.e. moving materials to and from work areas, recording quantity or quality reports and other information as required. Maintains flow of production in the department as required by schedule and material supply. Conforms to engineering specifications, safety, production, and quality standards. Keeps facilities and work area clean and orderly, exercising care in their maintenance.
• This position must meet “US Person” Export Control Requirements as defined by 22 CFR 120.62 - “US Person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).” Or a successful foreign person candidate must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status