Lead CNC Programmer (5+ yrs exp required) - Aerospace

MASTER RESEARCH/MANUFACTURING INC; Norwalk (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MASTER RESEARCH/MANUFACTURING INC is seeking a Lead CNC Programmer to assume technical leadership in our programming department for aerospace components. You will develop and optimize complex 3-, 4-, and 5-axis programs from drawings and 3D models, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, and Planning to ensure first-pass success.

You will mentor junior programmers, review programs, and drive improvements in cycle time, tool life, and part quality while maintaining AS9100/FAI compliance and

Qualifications

• 5+ years CNC programming experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Experience programming 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis mills/centers.
• Experience with CAM software CATIA, Mastercam, NX, GibbsCAM or Fusion 360 (CATIA V5/V6 preferred).
• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex drawings, blueprints, 3D models, and GD&T.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials (Al, Ti, SS, Inconel, high-temp alloys).
• Experience with CNC simulation, verification software, probing, in-machine inspection, and post-processor optimization.
• Understanding of CNC processes, tooling, fixtures, feeds & speeds, and high-speed machining.
• Ability to troubleshoot programs, setups, and dimensional non-conformances.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and FAI processes.
• Leadership to mentor junior programmers and manage workloads.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines.
• Program from drawings, 3D models, customer data, and GD&T.
• Create efficient toolpaths and machining strategies for tight tolerances.
• Select cutting tools, fixtures, and feeds/speeds.
• Simulate, verify, and optimize toolpaths to improve cycle time and quality.
• Review programs for manufacturability and compliance with procedures.
• Support setup personnel during first runs and challenging setups.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, and dimensional issues on the floor.
• Update programs based on inspection results or new requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality on AS9100/FAI and with Planning on production estimates.
• Develop fixtures and tooling with Manufacturing.
• Establish and maintain standardized programming practices and controls.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to CNC programmers and machinists.
• Review and approve programs from other programmers; prioritize work to schedules.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and high-speed machining.

Skills

CNC programming

Leadership / mentoring

Reading drawings & GD&T

Problem solving on shop floor

Tools

CATIA

Mastercam

NX

GibbsCAM

Fusion 360

Job description

Master Research & Manufacturing, Inc. (MRM) is a growing aerospace precision machining company specializing in complex CNC-machined components and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industries. We manufacture high-quality parts for major aerospace customers in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment. We are seeking an experienced Lead CNC Programmer to take a technical leadership role within our programming department and support the successful manufacturing of complex aerospace components.

Responsibilities

• Develop CNC programs for complex aerospace and defense components using 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers.
• Program complex parts from engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, customer technical data, GD&T, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop efficient, reliable machining strategies and multi-axis toolpaths for complex geometries and tight-tolerance components.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, workholding, fixtures, feeds, speeds, and machining methods.
• Create, simulate, verify, and optimize toolpaths using CAM software to improve cycle time, tool life, part quality, and machine utilization.
• Review programs prior to release to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with company procedures.
• Perform program prove-outs and support setup personnel and machinists during first runs and difficult shop floor setups.
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, machining, and dimensional issues on the shop floor independently.
• Make program modifications and revisions based on inspection results, engineering requirements, or manufacturing needs.
• Work closely with Quality to address dimensional issues, ensure programs produce conforming parts, and support AS9100 and First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Planning to determine the most efficient machining approach, sequence, and RFQ time estimates.
• Support the development of fixtures, workholding, and manufacturing aids.
• Establish, document, and maintain standardized programming practices, file management, and program controls.
• Provide technical leadership, direction, and mentorship to CNC programmers, setup personnel, and machinists.
• Review and approve programs created by other programmers while assigning and prioritizing work based on production schedules.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, high-speed machining strategies, automation, and reduced manufacturing costs.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of CNC programming experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Extensive experience programming 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC mills and machining centers.
• Experience programming with CAM software such as CATIA, Mastercam, NX, GibbsCAM, or Fusion 360, with CATIA V5 or V6 preferred.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, 3D CAD models, and GD&T.
• Strong technical knowledge of aerospace materials including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, Inconel, and high-temperature alloys.
• Demonstrated experience with CNC machine simulation, verification software, probing, in-machine inspection, and post processor optimization.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, cutting tools, fixture design, workholding, feeds and speeds, and high-speed machining strategies.
• Ability to troubleshoot CNC programs, machine setups, and dimensional non-conformances on the shop floor.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems, aerospace customer specifications, and First Article Inspection (FAI) processes.
• Proven leadership abilities to mentor junior programmers, assign tasks, review work, and prioritize workloads under tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate across Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Production teams.