Manufacturing - CNC Specialist

EFCO Corp.; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

EFCO Corp. in Des Moines, IA is seeking an experienced CNC Programming Lead to translate blueprints into optimized programs for 4- and 5-axis mills and live tooling lathes. You will lead CNC operators, ensure safety and quality, and drive continuous improvement.

The role requires Haas mills/lathe experience, Mastercam expertise, and strong CAD/CAM skills, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and on-time production.

Qualifications

• Technical degree in CNC programming or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of proven experience programming and setting up Haas mills and lathes.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of 3D CAD design blueprints and CAM software (Mastercam).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and planning skills; travel required.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership and direction to CNC operators, including training and performance reviews.
• Translate product blueprints and technical drawings into accurate CNC programs using Mastercam for 4-axis and 5-axis mills and live tooling lathes.
• Set up CNC machines based on created programs, conducting simulations and test runs to verify accuracy and efficiency.
• Work closely with engineers, shop operators, and supervisors to share program details, resolve production challenges, and align on priorities.

Skills

CNC programming

Haas mills

Haas lathes

Leadership

CAD design blueprints

Education

Technical degree in CNC programming or related field

Tools

Mastercam

CAM software

Job description

Purpose

Interpret project blueprints to design CNC programs and oversee machine operations to ensure precise, high-quality production. Lead and develop CNC operators, ensuring safe and efficient processes that align with EFCO’s production standards and delivery commitments.

EFCO Culture & Safety Statement

Act with Integrity by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for Quality through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace Innovation by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver Super Service by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.

At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any / all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Team Management (35%)

Provide daily leadership and direction to CNC operators, including training, performance reviews, and workflow coordination. Set clear expectations, foster teamwork, and build a culture of safety, responsibility, and quality. Recognize contributions and support skill development to strengthen team capabilities.

Program Development and Optimization (35%)

Translate product blueprints and technical drawings into accurate CNC programs using Mastercam for 4-axis and 5-axis mills and live tooling lathes. Determine optimal operations, tooling, speeds, and feeds to achieve precise results. Modify existing programs to improve efficiency and maintain consistency in production standards.

Machine Setup and Process Validation (20%)

Set up CNC machines based on created programs, conducting simulations and test runs to verify accuracy and efficiency. Identify and troubleshoot potential issues, ensuring parts meet blueprint specifications and quality requirements.

Collaboration and Communication (10%)

Work closely with engineers, shop operators, and supervisors to share program details, resolve production challenges, and align on priorities. Maintain accurate documentation of programming data and estimated cycle times for scheduling and planning.

Additional duties may be assigned as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Qualifications

• Education: Technical degree in CNC programming or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: Minimum 5+ years of proven experience programming and setting up Haas mills and lathes; background in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Leadership: Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Computer Skills: Strong understanding of 3D CAD design blueprints and CAM software (Mastercam).
• Other Requirements: Excellent communication, problem-solving, and planning skills; ability to work effectively under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and demonstrate sound judgement; some travel required.

Core Competencies

• Development and Follow-Through: Invests in others’ growth and ensures execution of plans and commitments.
• Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.
• Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.
• Direction, Planning, Organization: Sets clear objectives, aligns efforts, and manages time and resources to achieve results.
• Responsibility: Takes ownership of actions, tasks, and outcomes; follows through on commitments.

EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Medium: Exerting 20 to 50 lbs of force occasionally and/or 10 -25 lbs force frequently and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly. Physical demand requirements are greater than that required for Light Work.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Hearing- Must be able to discern warning sounds and spoken language: Frequently
• Talking: Frequently
• Vision: Continuously
• Walking: Frequently
• Balancing- Maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, sitting, standing, etc.: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions- Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.: Occasionally
• Sitting/Standing- Must be able to sit or stand as required for extended periods of time.: Frequently
• Stooping- Bending at the waist: Occasionally
• Climbing- Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles etc.: Occasionally
• Rotation in Standing: OccasionallyElevated Work: Rarely
• Squatting: Occasionally
• Kneeling: Occasionally
• Static postures: Occasionally to Frequently
• Reaching: Occasionally
• Crouching: Occasionally
• Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time: Frequently
• Ability to read complex documents in the English language: Frequently
• Capacity to reason and make sound decisions: Frequently
• Ability to write complex documents in the English language: Frequently
• Capacity to express thoughts orally: Frequently
• Floor to waist vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Waist to chest vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Horizontal carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 10 feet
• One hand carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 10 feet
• Push horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
• Pull horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
• One hand pull right hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
• One hand pull left hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
• Left hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 50 lbs, Occasionally up to 65 lbs
• Right hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 50 lbs, Occasionally up to 65 lbs

Expertise in:

• Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite
• Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises. Etc.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required

The position is currently classified as on- site.

The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.