Manufacturing Programmer

Aster Brands; Harbor Springs (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with employer match

Profit sharing

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Adoption reimbursement

Family leave

Job summary

Aster Brands in Harbor Springs, MI is seeking a Manufacturing Programmer to translate engineering drawings into accurate CAD/CAM programs for our fabrication equipment. You will work closely with Engineering, Operations, and R&D on daily production, program development, and process improvements on the shop floor.

This role blends detailed computer work with hands-on collaboration to reduce waste, improve part quality, and bring new ideas into production.

Qualifications

• Technical education or training in CAD/CAM, programming, machining, or related field.
• Experience using CAD/CAM software to create or modify manufacturing programs.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, 3D models, BOMs, and tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and maintain CAD/CAM programs for manufacturing equipment (fiber laser, CNC press brake, CNC milling, SLS 3D printers, laser etcher).
• Review drawings, 3D models, BOMs, and specs to confirm dimensions and materials.
• Develop efficient nesting layouts to maximize material use.
• Determine operation sequences, toolpaths, tooling, and processing parameters with Engineering and operators.
• Use simulations and support trial runs to identify issues and ensure parts meet specs.
• Develop programs for prototypes and new designs; document results for repeatable production.
• Keep programs organized and aligned with engineering change orders.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, setup time, and cycle times while maintaining quality.

Skills

CAD/CAM software

Reading technical drawings

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Curiosity & initiative

Education

Technical education in CAD/CAM or machining

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Do you enjoy turning designs into real products and finding better ways to make them? At Aster Brands, your programming skills will help connect engineering ideas with the precision and craftsmanship of our manufacturing team.

Aster Brands is a family-owned company with a purpose to “Change the World in Concrete Ways.” We design and manufacture steel and polyurethane forming equipment for the precast concrete industry. Our brand portfolio includes Redi-Rock, Rosetta Hardscapes, Pole Base, Novum Wall, and Velpont. We support manufacturers worldwide with innovative systems, equipment, training, and support.

As a Manufacturing Programmer, you will translate engineering drawings and models into accurate, efficient software programs for implementation of manufacturing equipment at our facility. You will work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Research & Development to support daily production, develop components, and improve how our products are made. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing plant, therefore you’ll work side by side with development team members and be able to see the physical products you’ve supported daily!

This role combines detailed computer work with collaboration on the production floor. Your work will help our team produce quality parts, reduce waste, and bring new ideas into production. Your responsibilities will include and may not be limited to -

• Create, modify, and maintain CAD/CAM programs for the following manufacturing equipment:
  • Fiber laser (Amada)
  • CNC press brake (Amanda)
  • CNC milling machine (Mazak)
  • SLS 3D Printer(s)
  • Laser etcher
• Review drawings, 3D models, bills of materials, and specifications to confirm dimensions, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing requirements.
• Create flat patterns from drawings and 3D models, and develop efficient nesting layouts to maximize material use.
• Determine appropriate operation sequences, toolpaths, tooling, and processing parameters in collaboration with Engineering and machine operators.
• Use program simulations and support trial runs and first-part checks to identify errors, resolve issues, and confirm parts meet specifications.
• Develop programs for prototypes, test components, and new product designs; document results and help refine processes for repeatable production.
• Keep programs and supporting files organized and aligned with approved engineering change orders.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, setup time, rework, and cycle times while maintaining quality and safe operation.
• Communicate programming needs, production challenges, and improvement ideas clearly, and follow established safety and quality procedures.

• Technical education or training in CAD/CAM, programming, machining, or a related field.
• Experience using CAD/CAM software to create or modify manufacturing programs.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, 3D models, bills of materials, and dimensional tolerances.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, and machine capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail, practical problem-solving skills, and an organized approach to managing files and priorities.
• Clear communication skills and a willingness to work closely with engineers, operators, and other team members.
• Curiosity, initiative, and an interest in learning new equipment, software, and manufacturing methods.

Our values - Lead the Way, Never Give Up, and Make Time to Care shape how we approach our work and support our people.

We offer a package of forward-thinking employee benefits, including

• excellent health
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• profit sharing
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• award-winning adoption and foster care reimbursement
• partial paid family leave
• product discounts
• access to an onsite licensed professional counselor

This position is based at our manufacturing facility in Harbor Springs, Michigan, which currently underwent renovations to create an even better place to work!

To learn more about who we are and the impact of our work, visit us at www.asterbrands.com. Aster Brands is an equal-opportunity employer; everyone is encouraged to apply.