Lead CNC Programmer

Threadlock Precision; Missouri; On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Threadlock Precision, a rapidly growing aerospace/defense machining firm near St. Louis, seeks a Lead CNC Programmer to drive complex multi-axis work using NX CAM.

You’ll translate customer requirements into manufacturable parts and set the standard for programming practices in a high-precision shop. In this hands-on leadership role you will collaborate with machinists, engineering, quality, and production leadership to develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs, create setup sheets, select

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of CNC Programming experience with strong proficiency in NX CAM, Mastercam or similar.
• Experience programming 3-axis, 4-axis and/or 5-axis machines.
• Experience reading and interpreting complex blueprints, 3D models, specifications, and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for milling and multi-axis machines.
• Lead programming for complex parts, new product launches, and first article inspections.
• Review engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer requirements to determine manufacturing methods.
• Develop machining strategies for roughing, finishing, drilling, tapping, contouring, and multi-axis operations.
• Establish programming standards, setup documentation, tooling practices, and machining methods.
• Mentor and support CNC programmers, machinists, and setup staff on programming methods and problem solving.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations on manufacturability reviews and CAPA.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Manufacturing knowledge

Tools

NX CAM

Mastercam

Vericut

Job description

Threadlock Precision has recently acquired R&S Machining and now operates as a Threadlock Precision company. Threadlock Precision is a rapidly growing engineered component manufacturing organization serving leading aerospace and defense customers, including OEMs and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers. Backed by the financial strength of D. E. Shaw Group we are actively committing to:

• our people and a strong culture with career development and learning opportunities
• expanding our capabilities
• investing in new equipment
• focusing on commercial strategies to support long-term growth and meet increasing demand across complex, high-precision manufacturing programs.

We are currently hiring a Lead CNC Programmer at our machining plant located in St. Louis, Missouri and just north of Arnold, Missouri.

• Work Schedule: Day shift - Monday through Friday.
• Pay: $42-$52 per hour. Pay is dependent on experience level and skill.

The Work We Do Matters! The Work You Do Will Matter! Our products support the defense industrial base and ensure that the men and women serving our country have reliable, high-quality equipment.

How You Will Make a Difference

At Threadlock Precision, our ability to produce complex, high-quality components depends on strong programming, efficient processes, and accurate translation of customer requirements into manufacturable parts. As a Lead CNC Programmer, you will play a key technical leadership role in supporting complex, high-precision machining operations for the aerospace and defense industry. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs while helping establish consistent programming practices, improving manufacturability, and supporting successful new job launches.

You will work closely with machinists, engineering, quality, and production leadership to translate customer requirements into efficient, repeatable machining processes. This position requires strong hands-on programming experience, the ability to troubleshoot complex machining issues, and the technical credibility to guide others across the shop floor.

Additional Responsibilities

• Create, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for milling and multi-axis machining operations using NX CAM. Training may be provided for candidates with strong experience in other CAM systems.
• Lead programming support for complex parts, new product launches, prove-outs, and first article inspections.
• Review engineering drawings, models, specifications, GD&T, and customer requirements to determine effective manufacturing methods.
• Develop machining strategies for roughing, finishing, drilling, tapping, contouring, and multi-axis operations.
• Establish and improve programming standards, setup documentation, tooling practices, and machining methods.
• Generate and maintain setup sheets, tooling lists, work instructions, program notes, and supporting manufacturing documentation.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, speeds, feeds, work holding, and machining parameters to support quality, efficiency, and tool life.
• Partner with machinists and production teams during setup, prove-out, troubleshooting, and production support.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, fixturing, cycle time, surface finish, dimensional, and repeatability issues.
• Recommend program changes and process improvements to reduce scrap, improve cycle time, increase consistency, and support on-time delivery.
• Mentor and support CNC programmers, machinists, and setup personnel on programming methods, machining strategy, and problem solving.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations on manufacturability reviews, process improvements, and corrective actions.
• Maintain proper revision control, program organization, and documentation accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to machining performance, standard work, quality, and operational excellence.
• Ensure CNC programs and processes meet customer, quality, safety, and internal manufacturing requirements.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and manufacturability.

IMPORTANT: This position requires compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations. As such, candidates must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by applicable law (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or asylee/refugee).

Basic (Required) Qualifications

• At least 5 years of CNC Programming experience with strong proficiency in NX CAM, Mastercam or similar
• Experience programming 3-axis, 4-axis and/or 5-axis machines
• Experience reading and interpreting complex blueprints, 3D models, specifications, and GD&T

Preferred Qualifications (in addition to Basic Qualifications)

• Aerospace or other high-precision manufacturing experience
• NX CAM experience
• Experience with Vericut or other toolpath simulation/verification software.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, quality, production, and operations teams.
• Strong understanding of programming, machine processes, tooling, fixturing, and cutting parameters
• Detail-oriented approach with sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to develop efficient programs that improve cycle time, quality, repeatability, and manufacturability.

EEO Statement

Threadlock Precision is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.