Computer Numerical Control Programmer

Plant Professionals; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Plant Professionals in Charlotte, NC is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer to develop, validate, and optimize 5-axis CNC programs for aerospace-grade components. You will analyze drawings and models, write programs in Mastercam, verify with Vericut, and work with Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure flawless production. The ideal candidate has 3–8 years of multi-axis programming, GD&T expertise, and hands-on tooling and process development experience.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field; equivalent combinations considered.
• 3–8 years’ programming experience with multi-axis machining; 5-axis experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T and ASME Y14.5 fundamentals; ASME Y14.5 certification a plus or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Experience with 5-axis CNC setup and operation; Mastercam certification a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with SolidWorks and Vericut simulation.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex Mastercam programs for horizontal/vertical mills and lathes on diverse materials.
• Analyze drawings, CAD models, and specifications to determine optimal machining operations.
• Create setup docs, tooling strategies, and inspection requirements for production.
• Verify programs using Vericut simulation and validate against engineering specs.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality to support continuous improvement.

Skills

GD&T

Root cause analysis (RCA)

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

SolidWorks

Vericut

Job description

Ready to join an award-winning company and help us build a high performing team as our CNC Programmer? Then, let’s talk!

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced CNC Programmer (Level I, II, or III based on experience) to join our Engineering team. This role is responsible for developing, validating, and optimizing CNC programs for complex, tight-tolerance aerospace, defense, and space components utilizing advanced simultaneous 5-axis machining technologies. The CNC Programmer will analyze engineering drawings, CAD models, material specifications, and customer requirements to develop efficient, repeatable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes using Mastercam, SolidWorks, and Vericut.

Working closely with Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality teams, this individual will create CNC programs, setup documentation, tooling strategies, manufacturing process plans, and inspection requirements while supporting production through troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in precision machining and advanced CNC programming, with the ability to drive manufacturing excellence, maximize machine performance, and support the successful production of highly complex components manufactured from aerospace-grade and exotic materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform complex programming in Mastercam for horizontal and vertical mills, and lathes, working with a variety of materials (Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, etc.).
• Perform detailed analysis of component parts configuration/dimensions to determine the most efficient machining operations required for production.
• Use Mastercam to calculate and write programs for CNC machines to fabricate component parts to stated engineering specifications for aircraft and space engine hardware, continuously improving upon existing processes and updating programs accordingly.
• Verify programming through Vericut simulation software.
• Define and maintain machining processes by studying customer blueprints and testing manufacturing methods, tooling, and equipment.
• Communicate with and assist Manufacturing Engineering for the design and development of work holding, custom tooling, and gauging to meet customer inspection specifications to support production schedules, as needed.
• Support the production floor with hands-on technical support by troubleshooting problems and implementing solutions to keep machines running conforming parts.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction opportunities in machining processes by leveraging new cutting and automation tools with external vendors.
• Manage tooling being returned from completed jobs (evaluate condition, sharpen as needed, and put away in vending solution, etc.).
• Create and maintain tool set up sheets, record programming changes, document programs on engineering checklists, and sustain appropriate engineering paperwork.
• Participate in and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Act as subject matter expert to lead corrective action and root cause analysis discussions utilizing the appropriate method and tool (i.e. fishbone, 5-why, etc.).
• Act as a point of contact for Programming department and liason for workflow communication with Quality, Management, and Operations; dependent upon experience and level assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly proficient in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite applications, Mastercam, Vericut, and SolidWorks.
• Advanced to expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Datum Structure Review.
• Advanced understanding of tooling and work-holding.
• Expert technical writing and critical thinking skills.
• Intermediate to advanced understanding and experience in RCA and CAR methodology and tools; i.e. fishbone, 5-why, pareto, scatter diagram, etc.
• Strong technical expertise; programming and applications support, fixture and tool design and selection.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and CNC programming or manufacturing experience will also be considered.
• 3 – 8 years’ programming experience with multi-axis machining; simultaneous 5-axis programming experience highly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T ; GD&T ASME Y14.5 - 2018 foundational level certification, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Experience with 5 axis CNC machining set-up and operations.
• Experience with Mastercam, certification a plus.
• Demonstrable experience with SolidWorks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in an AS9100 Environment strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Siemens and/or Fanuc controllers and DMG Mori machine tool experience.
• GD&T ASME Y14.5 - 2018 advanced level certification.
• Mastercam Certifications: Mill 2D, Mill 3D, Lathe, 4-Axis; Multi-Axis and/or Advanced Lathe certifications strongly preferred.
• Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA), or Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP).
• Experience with Vericut software.
• Experience with Six Sigma; Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) or higher.