Lathe CNC Programmer

Helios Technologies; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Schultes Precision Manufacturing in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks an experienced CNC Lathe Programmer to lead programming for Barfeed, Swiss, and chucker operations on the shop floor.

You will develop and optimize CNC programs using ESPRIT and Mastercam 2026, write G-code/M-code, and support setups and prove-outs to ensure production readiness and quality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in CNC turning operations.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage CNC programming activities for lathe operations including Barfeed, Swiss, and chucker operations.
• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using ESPRIT/Mastercam 2026, and G-code.
• Write, interpret, edit, and troubleshoot G-code and M-code programs for CNC turning applications.
• Support machine setups, first-piece production, and process validation on the manufacturing floor.
• Collaborate with machinists to troubleshoot programming errors, dimensional issues, tooling, and processes.
• Develop machining strategies including tooling, speeds/feeds, sequences, and workholding.

Job description

Job Details

Location: Schultes Precision - Buffalo Grove, IL

Salary Range: $80000.00 - $120000.00

Job Summary: Schultes Precision Manufacturing is seeking an experienced, hands-on CNC Lathe Programmer to lead programming activities for our Barfeed, Swiss, and Chucker CNC machining operations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Own and manage CNC programming activities for lathe machining operations including Barfeed, Swiss, and chucker operations, ensuring programs are accurate, efficient, and production-ready.
• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using ESPRIT/Mastercam 2026, and G-code programming techniques.
• Write, interpret, edit, and troubleshoot G-code and M-code programs for CNC turning applications.
• Support machine setups, new program prove-outs, first-piece production, and process validation directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Partner with machinists and setup personnel to troubleshoot programming errors, dimensional inaccuracies, tooling issues, surface finish concerns, and machining inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement effective machining strategies, including tooling selection, speeds and feeds, cutting sequences, and workholding requirements.
• Analyze and optimize existing CNC programs to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, minimize scrap, and increase production throughput.
• Provide programming and technical support for all Lathe operations as needed.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and customer requirements to ensure programs meet dimensional and quality expectations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to investigate nonconforming components, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain standardized CNC programs, setup sheets, tooling documentation, and machining instructions to support consistent and repeatable manufacturing processes (Control Plans & Process Capability Studies).
• Serve as a technical resource for machinists and setup personnel, providing guidance on programming, machining strategies, and process troubleshooting.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities focused on machining efficiency, process reliability, quality, and manufacturing cost reduction.
• Coordinate programming priorities with production leadership to support manufacturing schedules and operational requirements.
• Ensure CNC programming and machining practices comply with established safety and quality standards.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently develop CNC programs and support machine setups, program prove-outs, and production troubleshooting.
• Advanced knowledge of machining principles, tooling selection, speeds and feeds, workholding, and cutting strategies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong understanding of precision measuring equipment and inspection requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in CNC turning operations, including programming, setup, and hands-on troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in G-code and M-code programming, editing, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated success improving cycle times, tooling performance, and overall machining efficiency.
• Experience establishing standardized programming practices and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience using ESPRIT, Mastercam 2026, or comparable CAM software for CNC turning applications.
• Strong working knowledge of Swiss-type and/or Barfeed CNC machining operations.
• Experience troubleshooting dimensional inaccuracies, tooling failures, surface finish issues, and other machining challenges.
• Experience programming tight-tolerance, complex components in a high-mix precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Fanuc or other CNC control systems.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to CNC machinists and setup personnel.
• Demonstrated programming experience across both Swiss-type and Barfeed CNC turning equipment (Preferred).
• Experience with multi-axis CNC turning, including live tooling, C-axis, and Y-axis operations (Preferred).

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, feel/reach with hands/arms, talk and hear.

The employee frequently is required to sit and walk. The employee is occasionally required to bend and stop, push and pull, reach above shoulder level, kneel, squat, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ITAR Compliance Notice

Our facility operates in compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and handles export-controlled technical data and materials. Certain positions require access to information regulated under U.S. export control laws.

As a condition of employment for positions requiring such access, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person, as defined under ITAR (22 CFR § 120.62), or otherwise be authorized to access the applicable export-controlled information under U.S. law.

For ITAR purposes, a U.S. Person generally includes a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or certain individuals granted protected status under U.S. immigration law.